Agilent Research Catalyst Award Presented to Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo

Key Terms

pfas technical

PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals used in many everyday products, such as non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and food packaging, because they resist heat, water, and grease. They are often called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, potentially leading to health concerns. For investors, the presence of PFAS-related risks can impact companies’ reputations, legal liabilities, and future costs.

mass spectrometry technical

Mass spectrometry is a laboratory technique that identifies and measures chemicals by giving molecules an electrical charge and sorting them by how fast they move, like weighing and separating coins to see which kinds are present. For investors, its results are evidence used in drug development, quality control, food and environmental testing, and diagnostics, so clear mass-spec data can affect regulatory approval, product reliability, costs and market confidence.

organoid-based toxicological models medical

Miniature, three-dimensional tissue models grown from human or animal stem cells that mimic key structure and function of real organs and are used to test whether drugs, chemicals or products cause harm. Think of them as tiny, simplified organs in a dish that let scientists observe toxic effects more realistically than flat cell layers. They matter to investors because they can influence drug development timelines, R&D costs and regulatory outcomes by improving early safety detection and reducing expensive late-stage failures.

persistent organic pollutants technical

Persistent organic pollutants are man-made chemical compounds that resist breaking down in the environment, accumulate in living organisms and can travel long distances through air, water or trade. Think of them like a stubborn stain that doesn’t wash out and builds up over time in soil, wildlife and people. They matter to investors because rules, cleanup costs, product restrictions and public concern around these chemicals can affect corporate liabilities, supply chains and market access.

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Eastern Institute of Technology professor recognized for advancing PFAS and emerging contaminant analysis

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced that the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo has received an Agilent Research Catalyst (ARC) Award on behalf of Professor Zongwei Cai. The award recognizes Professor Cai's innovative research focused on developing advanced analytical approaches for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants, a growing area of importance for environmental and public health research.

Professor Cai is a globally recognized leader in environmental and bioanalytical chemistry. His research focuses on advancing analytical methods to detect trace environmental contaminants, including PFAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and persistent organic pollutants. By combining high-sensitivity analytical techniques with organoid-based toxicological models, his work aims to improve understanding of how environmental contaminants affect human health.

The awarded research combines advanced mass spectrometry techniques, innovative sample preparation methods, and organoid-based toxicology platforms to link chemical detection with biological impact. Professor Cai's team aims to develop a more comprehensive framework for assessing environmental contaminants and their potential health effects.

“PFAS and other emerging contaminants are increasingly recognized as critical environmental and public health challenges worldwide. Detecting these contaminants at trace levels requires continuous innovation in analytical science. Agilent has played a pioneering role in addressing PFAS background contamination, setting an important foundation for high-quality PFAS analysis. Through the ARC program, we are excited to expand our research using Agilent’s advanced mass spectrometry and cellular analysis platforms to develop new approaches for trace contaminant detection and organoid-based toxicological studies. We hope this collaboration will contribute impactful scientific advances that strengthen the connection between analytical science and environmental health research,” said Professor Zongwei Cai.

“Professor Cai’s research exemplifies the kind of scientific innovation the ARC program is designed to support,” said Ting Yang, vice president and general manager of Agilent Greater China. “Over the years, it has been a privilege to witness the continued advancement and impact of his work in environmental and bioanalytical chemistry. Agilent is proud to support his pioneering research in PFAS and emerging contaminant analysis, and we warmly congratulate Professor Cai and his team on this well-deserved recognition.”

The ARC Award includes research funding and Agilent instrumentation, enabling Professor Cai's team to advance analytical methods for contaminant detection and toxicological assessment. These insights will help scientists improve environmental monitoring, support risk assessment efforts, and better understand the effects of environmental contaminants on human health.

This collaboration exemplifies Agilent's commitment to advancing scientific discovery through partnerships with leading researchers around the world. Through the ARC program, Agilent provides financial support, advanced instrumentation, and scientific expertise to accelerate innovation in life sciences, environmental analysis, diagnostics, and chemical analysis.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent’s full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers’ most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.95 billion in fiscal year 2025 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

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MEDIA CONTACT:
Christian Colón
+1 302-867-4117
christian.colon@agilent.com

Source: Agilent Technologies Inc.