Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sara R. Fernandes, Luisa Barreiros, Paula Sa, Manuel Miro, Marcela A. Segundo
Summary: An automatic micro-solid-phase extraction method using on-line renewable sorbent beads followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was established for the determination of tranexamic acid in urine. Through computer programming, enhanced precision on time and flow events was achieved. The method was successfully validated and applied to urine samples collected from pediatric patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Nafisat Gyimah, Ott Scheler, Toomas Rang, Tamas Pardy
Summary: 3D printing technology shows potential in microfluidic chip fabrication and is mature enough for use in research labs. However, challenges still need to be overcome.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dorina T. Papanastasiou, Abderrahime Sekkat, Viet Huong Nguyen, Carmen Jimenez, David Munoz-Rojas, Franz Bruckert, Daniel Bellet
Summary: This paper introduces a transparent heater based on silver nanowire networks, protected with a transparent zinc oxide film, for temperature control in biological experiments under transparent microscopic observation. The experimental results demonstrate that the nanocomposites allow rapid and reproducible heating under low applied voltage, and achieve selective heating in different zones of microchannels or adjacent microchannels at different temperatures.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Raquel Sanmartin, Vanesa Romero, Isela Lavilla, Carlos Bendicho
Summary: In this study, an ultrasound-assisted dispersive magnetic micro-solid phase extraction (DM-mu SPE) combined with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) was developed for the determination of trace levels of lead in spring, well, river mineral, and tap water samples. The method involves the synthesis of PbS by sonochemical decomposition of L-cysteine as a sulphide precursor, followed by its anchoring onto bare magnetite nanoparticles to form Fe3O4@PbS nanocomposite. The method showed a low detection limit, good repeatability, and high recovery rates.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Theory & Methods
Xing Huang, Tsung-Yi Ho, Wenzhong Guo, Bing Li, Krishnendu Chakrabarty, Ulf Schlichtmann
Summary: Flow-based microfluidic biochips are increasingly utilized in biology and biochemistry for laboratory procedures, with advancements in manufacturing technology allowing for integration of thousands of microvalves into a small platform. Computer-aided design (CAD) in the past decade has attracted research interest for automation of biochip design, enabling designers to explore new chip architectures and simplify complex tasks. Key trends and directions for future research focus on maximizing the potential of microfluidics to advance the industry.
ACM COMPUTING SURVEYS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Hardware & Architecture
Xing Huang, Youlin Pan, Zhen Chen, Wenzhong Guo, Lu Wang, Qingshan Li, Robert Wille, Tsung-Yi Ho, Ulf Schlichtmann
Summary: Due to the complexity of chip architecture and assay protocol, traditional methods for designing continuous-flow microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems have serious gaps between different steps, leading to design failure. This article proposes a novel "one-pass design paradigm" that integrates all design steps seamlessly, eliminating the gaps and generating optimized biochip architectures without the need for design adjustments and modifications. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed automation flows.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN OF INTEGRATED CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Chenchen Song, Yanhao Zhang, Xinglin Li, Gangfeng Ouyang, Jiting Cui, Ling Zhang, Ajuan Yu, Shusheng Zhang, Yuanyuan Cui
Summary: A novel DMP-Cu composite was prepared and characterized for the selective capture of trace total mercury in rice samples, showing good adsorption properties and recyclability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectra confirmed the selective and strong interaction between the composite and Hg2+.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Julia Sophie Boeke, Daniel Kraus, Thomas Henkel
Summary: Reliable operation of lab-on-a-chip systems relies on precise and predictable fluid management, with pressure-driven flow control simplifying the process and enabling automation. Predicting the required pressure settings for achieving desired flow rates simplifies control tasks and offers opportunities for creating multi-component laminar flows and droplets.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mary-Lou Tercier-Waeber, Melina Abdou, Marianna Fighera, Justyna Kowal, Eric Bakker, Peter van der Wal
Summary: The development and validation of nanostructured gold-plated gel-integrated microelectrode arrays for in situ quantification of inorganic mercury species in coastal areas was presented. The sensors showed high sensitivity and low detection limits, making them suitable for real-time monitoring of Hg(II) levels in marine environments. Field evaluation in Arcachon Bay, France successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of these sensors in measuring Hg(II) without chemical modification of the sample.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sara R. Fernandes, Luisa Barreiros, Paula Sa, Manuel Miro, Marcela A. Segundo
Summary: An automatic micro-solid-phase extraction method using on-line renewable sorbent beads followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was established for the determination of tranexamic acid in urine. Through computer programming, enhanced precision on time and flow events was achieved. The method was successfully validated and applied to urine samples collected from pediatric patients undergoing scoliosis surgery.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Javier Lopez-Vazquez, Rosario Rodil, Maria J. Trujillo-Rodriguez, Jose Benito Quintana, Rafael Cela, Manuel Miro
Summary: Little effort has been made to study the impact of chemical additives in microplastics on human health. This study investigated the oral bioaccessibility of plastic additives and monomers in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics using standardized bioaccessibility tests. It was found that the gastric and gastrointestinal bioaccessibility of certain additives and monomers was highest under fed-state gastrointestinal extraction conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Milos Dvorak, Manuel Miro, Pavel Kuban
Summary: A hyphenated analytical platform integrating sequential injection (SI) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) is proposed for fully automated analyses of dried blood spots (DBSs). The platform demonstrates high precision, flexibility, and applicability.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sara R. Fernandes, Andreia N. Meireles, Sara S. Marques, Luis Silva, Luisa Barreiros, Benedita Sampaio-Maia, Manuel Miro, Marcela A. Segundo
Summary: This review addresses the monitoring and evaluation of protein-bound uremic retention solutes in biological fluids, such as indole-3-acetic acid, indoxyl sulfate, p-cresol, and p-cresol sulfate, which have been associated with the development of kidney, cardiovascular, and bone toxicities. The review discusses conventional and advanced sample treatment procedures and chromatographic analytical methods for quantification of these compounds, with a particular focus on plasma, serum, and urine samples. There is a trend towards using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for analysis, requiring protein precipitation, solid-phase extraction, and/or dilution prior to sample analysis. Miniaturized methods using microplate devices are recommended for sustainability.
JOURNAL OF CHROMATOGRAPHY B-ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE BIOMEDICAL AND LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Lindomar A. Portugal, Edwin Palacio, Rejane Frizzarin, Joao H. Santos Neto, Victor Cerda, Sergio L. C. Ferreira
Summary: This work proposes an automated strategy for the speciation of inorganic selenium in infusion tea samples. The system utilizes an MSFIA-CVG-AFS system and sodium tetrahydroborate for chemical vapor generation. The method involves an online prereduction step to convert selenium (VI) to selenium (IV) before determining the total selenium concentration. The chemical parameters were optimized using a fractional factorial design. The method exhibited low detection and quantification limits, with a linear range and good precision. This method was successfully applied to analyze inorganic selenium speciation in commercially purchased tea samples.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Natalia Manousi, Abuzar Kabir, Kenneth G. Furton, Aristidis Anthemidis
Summary: Sol-gel graphene oxide-coated polyester fabric platforms were developed for the determination of toxic metals in distilled spirit drinks. The method achieved high enhancement factors and low method precision, with detection limits in the ng L-1 range. The protocol was successfully applied to monitor Cd(II), Cu(II), and Pb(II) in different types of distilled spirit drinks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Camila Fiaux Sukekava, Carlos Francisco Ferreira de Andrade, Luis Felipe Hax Niencheski, Marcio Silva de Souza, Luis M. Laglera
Summary: We investigated the concentrations and speciation of macronutrients and dissolved iron (DFe) in the South Brazil Bight during a coastal downwelling episode. The dominant NE winds and water convergence led to coastal downwelling, which resulted in high turbidity, deepening of nutrients, and bulging of isolines over the shelf and slope. Our measurements showed disentangled cycles of macronutrients, DFe, and iron ligands, with high DFe concentrations at the surface indicating aerial deposition and significant contributions from sediment and resuspended colloids. Iron ligand concentrations were higher than DFe concentrations and mainly derived from local biological processes. The injection of iron-humic complexes during summer upwelling episodes may contribute to the persistent high chlorophyll meanders over the shelf edge.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Llucia Garcia-Moll, Alexandra Sixto, Enrique Javier Carrasco-Correa, Manuel Miro
Summary: For the first time, low force stereolithography is used to fabricate chemiluminescence flow-through cells, which outperform those produced through milling, blowing, or alternative 3D printing methods. Different cross-section geometries and customized gaskets and reactors are critically evaluated to enhance the analytical performance of the cells. A five-side polygon cell with Y-type confluence is found to be the most efficient in terms of reagent mixing and photon capture.
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ali Sahragard, Milos Dvorak, Enrique J. Carrasco-Correa, Pakorn Varanusupakul, Pavel Kuban, Manuel Miro
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Pau Garcia-Moll, Llucia Garcia-Moll, Enrique Javier Carrasco-Correa, Miquel Oliver, Ernesto Francisco Simo-Alfonso, Manuel Miro
Summary: This study proposes a novel biomimetic microextraction approach for estimating the effective intestinal permeability of pharmaceuticals. The experimental results show that this method can develop reliable prediction models for human jejunum permeability.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Nuria Fontanals, Eva Pocurull, Rosa Montes, Iria Gonzalez-Marino, Sergio Santana-Viera, Manuel Miro, Andreu Rico, Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, Francesc Borrull, Jose Benito Quintana, Rosa Maria Marce
Summary: This study describes an analytical method based on solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry to monitor the occurrence of a group of seventeen pharmaceuticals in wastewater. The results showed that all studied pharmaceuticals were found in all samples, with concentrations ranging from non-detectable to 10,393 ng/L, and the highest concentrations were for tramadol. Furthermore, the study also found that the pattern of pharmaceutical use was generally similar in all cities monitored.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ali Sahragard, Pakorn Varanusupakul, Manuel Miro
Summary: This review critically examines the current state-of-the-art of nanomaterial-based electrochemical sensors in flow injection (NBES-FI) platforms for in-line determination of environmental pollutants from 2013 to mid-2023. The synergistic effects of FI platforms and nanomaterial-based modifiers, such as metal nanoparticles and carbon-based nanomaterials, are discussed in detail, focusing on minimizing electrode fouling, alleviating overpotential, and boosting overall figures of merit. The impact of experimental parameters, including electrode properties and design, synthesis routes of nanomaterials, and electrochemical detection techniques, on the analytical performance of NBES-FI is thoroughly evaluated. Current challenges and the need for real-world implementation of NBES-FI in environmental settings are outlined, along with perspectives on integrating NBES-FI with microextraction approaches and utilizing 3D printing technology for customized fluidic platforms.
TRENDS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sheisa F. d. Sierpinski, Luis Miguel Laglera Baquer, Cesar C. Martins, Marco Tadeu Grassi
Summary: This study investigated dissolved iron concentrations and speciation in surface seawater samples collected in Admiralty Bay, Antarctica during the austral summer of 2020. The technique of competitive ligand exchange/adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry was evaluated and found to be sensitive, with an LOD of 14 pmol L-1. The physicochemical parameters were consistent with previous studies, except for the higher temperature, possibly due to global warming. The relatively high iron concentrations suggest a local source of iron from upwelling sediments and ice-melting waters, which supports phytoplankton growth.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2023)
Correction
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ali Sahragard, Milos Dvorak, Enrique J. Carrasco-Correa, Pakorn Varanusupakul, Pavel Kuban, Manuel Miro
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Margherita Izzi, Miquel Oliver, Helena Mateos, Gerardo Palazzo, Nicola Cioffi, Manuel Miro
Summary: This study used phosphatidylcholine-based large unilamellar vesicles as mimics of cellular membranes to investigate the effect of ultra-small CuNPs on phospholipid membranes. The findings suggested that CuNPs are able to damage the membranes, leading to their agglomeration or disruption.
NANOSCALE ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qian Wu, Li Tian, Xiangyu Shan, Huiling Li, Chao Li, Juan Lu
Summary: A novel ECL sensor was developed by modifying Fe3CuO4-Ru(bpy)3+ and GO-CdS@ZnS on the electrode for the detection of permethrin. The sensor exhibited high sensitivity and a wide detection range.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tingting Gong, Lei Liao, Bingying Jiang, Ruo Yuan, Yun Xiang
Summary: In this study, a fluorescent biosensing system for high sensitivity detection of MT was established using a new Ag+-stabilized DNA triplex probe (Ag+-SDTP) combined with catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) and CRISPR/Cas12a signal enhancements. The sensing method is able to selectively detect MT from other non-specific molecules and can achieve low level detection of MT in diluted human serums, demonstrating its potential for monitoring disease-specific MT biomarker at trace levels.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Estrella Sanz Rodriguez, Kyra Wood, Paul R. Haddad, Brett Paull
Summary: This study presents a simple, rapid, and reliable method for determining boron in aqueous solutions using suppressed ion chromatography coupled to electrospray ionisation-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. The method achieved a low limit of detection and demonstrated excellent analytical performance.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Aline Cournut, Paul Moustiez, Yannick Coffinier, Christine Enjalbal, Claudia Bich
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of senile dementia and is characterized by the aggregation of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques in the brain. The A beta 1-42 peptide is considered the primary cause of neurotoxicity due to its insolubility and subsequent aggregation. A beta 1-42 and A beta 1-40 have been identified as relevant biomarkers for AD diagnosis, and SurfaceAssisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry (SALDI-MS) was used to monitor the A beta 1-42/A beta 1-40 ratio without prior sample treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dotse Selali Chormey, Buse Tugba Zaman, Tulay Borahan Kustanto, Sezin Erarpat Bodur, Suleyman Bodur, Elif Ozturk Er, Sezgin Bakirdere
Summary: This review provides an overview of the harmful effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on human health and introduces the methods for analyzing EDCs. Recent research has focused on using green chemicals, such as deep eutectic solvents (DESs), for microextraction to ensure environmental safety.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yan Zhang, Renfeng Xu, Jingjing Wu, Zhenghong Zhang, Yuhuang Wang, Hongqin Yang, Sheng Zhang
Summary: This study visualized the pore-like structures in prostate cancer cell membranes after treatment with the anticancer drug paclitaxel, demonstrating its mechanism of action related to oxidative damage.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chihong Ma, Qin Zhou, Jinjin Shi, Hua Gao, Di Huang, Huimin Xue, Han Wang, Zhenzhong Zhang, Sen Yang, Junli Zhang, Kaixiang Zhang
Summary: We developed a CRISPR-empowered electrochemical biosensor, named PER-E-CRISPR, for amplification-free and sensitive detection of miR-21. The biosensor combines the advantages of CRISPR/Cas13a and primer exchange reaction (PER) for target amplification. Under optimized conditions, the PER-E-CRISPR assay exhibits a linear range from 10-13 to 10-7 M and a limit of detection of 30.2 fM. The biosensor shows excellent performance in actual plasma, indicating promising prospects for miRNA detection in molecular diagnosis.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Gang Liang, Jie Zhao, Yufei Gao, Tao Xie, Jianhui Zhen, Ligang Pan, Wenwen Gong
Summary: Molecular docking (MD) analysis is widely used for studying the interaction between aptamers and small molecules. This study established steady-state aptamers of tertiary structures (SATS) using specific aptamers of tetracycline antibiotics as docking models. Molecular docking results revealed multiple binding sites in the SATS of aptamers, with significant variations in binding free energy (BFE) and docking score (DS). The study also proposed a method for MD analysis based on SATS, providing insights into binding mode and predicting binding sites.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yixuan Xu, Changchang Teng, Huiping Dang, Dalong Yin, Lifeng Yan
Summary: Stable organic radical molecules with high NIR fluorescence quantum efficiency have been synthesized and encapsulated into nanoparticles, which show great potential for both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yu Su, Dandan Yang, Yanjie Wang, Jie Ding, Lan Ding, Daqian Song
Summary: In this study, a highly selective molecularly imprinted polymer Cu-MIPs@CS was designed and synthesized for bisphenol A (BPA). Cu-MIPs@CS showed significantly enhanced imprinting factor and selective factor towards BPA compared to MIPs@CS. It also exhibited superior discrimination ability between BPA and its structural analogue. Additionally, Cu-MIPs@CS were successfully applied as a solid phase extraction adsorbent for the determination of BPA in drinking water samples.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yi Qiao, Qiongdan Zhang, Yukun He, Tianguang Cheng, Jing Tu
Summary: Single cell heterogeneity plays an important role in many biological phenomena, and distinguishing cells with specific mutations is beneficial for clinical diagnosis and drug screening. This study introduces a gel plate platform that can distinguish cell types based on their phenotypes, with low equipment requirement. The gel platform has potential in point-of-care circumstances and single-cell stimulation responses that prioritize efficiency and simplicity.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chengke Wang, Shuyang Sun, Ping Wang, Huawei Zhao, Wenling Li
Summary: The food safety of aquatic products is a global concern. Nanotechnology-based analyses have advantages in the detection of bacteria, metal ions, and small molecule contaminants. This review summarizes the recent advances in biosensing strategies for aquatic products and highlights the application of nanomaterials, lateral flow-based biosensors, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, microfluidic chips, and molecular imprinting technologies.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Liping Zhu, Zeng Tang, Xuemei Zhang, Li Zhu, Tian Meng, Linying Yu, Ting Xiao, Shasha Lu, Xiaoli Xiong, Xiurong Yang
Summary: A sensitive off-on electrochemiluminescence DNA sensor was developed using Exo III-assisted cascade amplification system. The sensor achieved high selectivity and ultra-high sensitivity in detecting target DNA by utilizing ECL and SPR effects. This study provides a new perspective for designing highly sensitive and programmable ECL biosensors.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Tong Li, Mengxu Sun, Suping Xia, Ting Huang, Rong-Tian Li, Chunrong Li, Zong Dai, Jin-Xiang Chen, Jun Chen, Nuan Jia
Summary: Here, we developed a binary system based on DNA tetrahedron and fluorogenic RNA aptamers for highly specific and label-free mRNA imaging in living cells. This system achieved high specificity label-free detection of nucleic acids with a detection limit of 1.34 nM. The method has potential applications in early disease diagnosis and new drug development.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yao Zhao, Shu Zhang, Wang Yao, Yuxuan Zhu, Jing Qian, Juan Yang, Nianjun Yang
Summary: A new hierarchical nanostructured composite with high conductivity and catalytic activity is synthesized. The sensor exhibits significant catalytic effect and high sensitivity for monitoring the environmental endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA).