Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.345004
Guangzu Wu, Zhiwei Zhang, Manman Du, Dan Wu, Junting Zhou, Xinwu Xie, Feng Tian
Background
Single-cell analysis has been widely used in biomedical researches as cellular heterogeneity reveals many physiological characteristics and processes. In recent years, microfluidic impedance cytometry (MIC) has demonstrated tremendous potential in single-cell analysis, clinical medicine, and at-home diagnostics. Currently, this technique is adopted in laboratory for detecting routine cancer cells, abnormal blood cells, rare cells, bacteria, etc. However, MIC-based detection of submicron-sized biological particles, such as bacteria, remains challenging and needs further optimization.
Result
In this review, we introduce and examine the current status of the optimization techniques for MIC systems, covering the aspects such as electrode layout, channel design, data processing algorithms, excitation signals. By summarizing and comparing between the advantages and limitations of various methods, we provide feasible strategies of bacteria and submicron particle detection and classification with MIC for its future development.
Significance
This review provides a comprehensive insight for researchers working on single-cell analysis, facilitating their work on developing and optimizing the strategies for bacterial/submicron particles detection and classification with MIC. This might also promote the development of MIC-based systems and their analytical capabilities on submicron/nano-particles, providing valuable information of bacteria, virus, subcellular structures (such as exosomes) or even biological macromolecules for researchers engaged in biophysical analysis.
{"title":"Optimization techniques in microfluidic impedance cytometry toward bacteria and submicron particles analysis-A review","authors":"Guangzu Wu, Zhiwei Zhang, Manman Du, Dan Wu, Junting Zhou, Xinwu Xie, Feng Tian","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2025.345004","url":null,"abstract":"<h3>Background</h3>Single-cell analysis has been widely used in biomedical researches as cellular heterogeneity reveals many physiological characteristics and processes. In recent years, microfluidic impedance cytometry (MIC) has demonstrated tremendous potential in single-cell analysis, clinical medicine, and at-home diagnostics. Currently, this technique is adopted in laboratory for detecting routine cancer cells, abnormal blood cells, rare cells, bacteria, etc. However, MIC-based detection of submicron-sized biological particles, such as bacteria, remains challenging and needs further optimization.<h3>Result</h3>In this review, we introduce and examine the current status of the optimization techniques for MIC systems, covering the aspects such as electrode layout, channel design, data processing algorithms, excitation signals. By summarizing and comparing between the advantages and limitations of various methods, we provide feasible strategies of bacteria and submicron particle detection and classification with MIC for its future development.<h3>Significance</h3>This review provides a comprehensive insight for researchers working on single-cell analysis, facilitating their work on developing and optimizing the strategies for bacterial/submicron particles detection and classification with MIC. This might also promote the development of MIC-based systems and their analytical capabilities on submicron/nano-particles, providing valuable information of bacteria, virus, subcellular structures (such as exosomes) or even biological macromolecules for researchers engaged in biophysical analysis.","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"112 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":6.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145718051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344995
T. Goessens , A. Chen , N.N. Truong , S. De Saeger , L. Vanhaecke , M. De Boevre
Background
Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are linked to chronic conditions such as hormonal cancers, metabolic disorders, and reproductive dysfunction. They can enter drinking water through inadequate wastewater treatment and poor waste disposal, contaminating surface and groundwater. Bottled water adds risk due to leaching of packaging chemicals, especially from plastics. Since even low-level exposure may harm health, systematic monitoring is crucial. This requires advanced analytical methods able to detect and quantify multiple EDC classes at trace concentrations in bottled drinking water.
Results
This study developed and validated a comprehensive multi-residue method to quantify 25 EDCs across eight chemical classes - hormones, microbial agents, mycotoxins, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, phenols, phthalates, and sunscreen agents - and to screen 983 additional suspected EDCs in drinking water. The method, based on solid-phase extraction coupled with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry, was optimized using factorial design to ensure accuracy and reliability. Validation with still water demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99), low detection limits (0.5–5.0 ng L−1), and compliance with international criteria for recovery, precision, and measurement uncertainty. Cross-validation on sparkling water further confirmed robustness, with only 17β-estradiol showing slightly elevated recovery at the lowest concentration. Stability tests showed analytes remained intact for 72 h under dark conditions. Application to 37 Belgian bottled waters revealed 17 EDCs, with bisphenol B and acetaminophen most abundant. More compounds occurred in plastic than glass bottles, while mineral water showed higher α-zearalanol than spring water. Notably, premium plastic bottled water contained increased phthalate levels.
Significance
This study presents a robust method for multi-class EDC analysis in bottled drinking water, offering high sensitivity and broad coverage, including EU watch list substances. Using an extensive suspect screening database from international inventories, it is the first Belgian study to map diverse EDCs in popular bottled water brands. The findings provide crucial data for public health risk assessment and inform regulatory and commercial decisions, emphasizing packaging, source type, and retail price as key factors.
{"title":"Development, validation, and application of an innovative UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS method for multi-class analysis of endocrine disruptors in bottled water: Influence of bottle material, water source, and retail price","authors":"T. Goessens , A. Chen , N.N. Truong , S. De Saeger , L. Vanhaecke , M. De Boevre","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344995","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344995","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) are linked to chronic conditions such as hormonal cancers, metabolic disorders, and reproductive dysfunction. They can enter drinking water through inadequate wastewater treatment and poor waste disposal, contaminating surface and groundwater. Bottled water adds risk due to leaching of packaging chemicals, especially from plastics. Since even low-level exposure may harm health, systematic monitoring is crucial. This requires advanced analytical methods able to detect and quantify multiple EDC classes at trace concentrations in bottled drinking water.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study developed and validated a comprehensive multi-residue method to quantify 25 EDCs across eight chemical classes - hormones, microbial agents, mycotoxins, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, phenols, phthalates, and sunscreen agents - and to screen 983 additional suspected EDCs in drinking water. The method, based on solid-phase extraction coupled with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry, was optimized using factorial design to ensure accuracy and reliability. Validation with still water demonstrated excellent linearity (R<sup>2</sup> ≥ 0.99), low detection limits (0.5–5.0 ng L<sup>−1</sup>), and compliance with international criteria for recovery, precision, and measurement uncertainty. Cross-validation on sparkling water further confirmed robustness, with only 17β-estradiol showing slightly elevated recovery at the lowest concentration. Stability tests showed analytes remained intact for 72 h under dark conditions. Application to 37 Belgian bottled waters revealed 17 EDCs, with bisphenol B and acetaminophen most abundant. More compounds occurred in plastic than glass bottles, while mineral water showed higher α-zearalanol than spring water. Notably, premium plastic bottled water contained increased phthalate levels.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study presents a robust method for multi-class EDC analysis in bottled drinking water, offering high sensitivity and broad coverage, including EU watch list substances. Using an extensive suspect screening database from international inventories, it is the first Belgian study to map diverse EDCs in popular bottled water brands. The findings provide crucial data for public health risk assessment and inform regulatory and commercial decisions, emphasizing packaging, source type, and retail price as key factors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 344995"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145705071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.345006
Lulu Bu , Daojun Xu , Yulu Zhou , Pengfei Liu , Li Li , Chao Gao , Xia Bao , Guosheng Yang , Duming Ji , Yubin Ding , Yongshu Xie
Background
The development of rapid, sensitive, and in-situ methods for detecting biogenic amines is essential for assessing food freshness. In particular, creating recyclable sensing platforms is crucial for enabling continuous monitoring and fostering sustainable analytical practices. However, the limited availability of reversible amine sensors presents a significant challenge in the research field.
Results
Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a push-pull type triphenylamine-dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole-based near-infrared fluorescent sensor EBTN1, which demonstrates exceptional selectivity and sensitivity toward primary amines, achieving a detection limit of 160 nM. The sensing mechanism relies on a reversible nucleophilic addition reaction, enabling sensor recycling and minimizing reagent consumption. The methoxyl moiety in EBTN1 serves as a programmable modification site, allowing functionalization without compromising amine-sensing performance, which exemplifies atom-economic design. As a proof-of-concept, a derivative EBTNAld-NHS was synthesized to anchor the sensor onto glass surfaces, fabricating a portable, recyclable sensing device for biogenic amines.
Significance
Sensor EBTN1 can be considered as a reusable platform for primary amine detection, offering high selectivity and sensitivity. When fabricated into a sensing glass, it enables real-time monitoring of fish freshness and can be regenerated for at least six cycles, underscoring its viability for sustainable analytical applications in food safety.
{"title":"A recyclable and tunable fluorescent sensor for rapid detection of biogenic amines in food","authors":"Lulu Bu , Daojun Xu , Yulu Zhou , Pengfei Liu , Li Li , Chao Gao , Xia Bao , Guosheng Yang , Duming Ji , Yubin Ding , Yongshu Xie","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The development of rapid, sensitive, and in-situ methods for detecting biogenic amines is essential for assessing food freshness. In particular, creating recyclable sensing platforms is crucial for enabling continuous monitoring and fostering sustainable analytical practices. However, the limited availability of reversible amine sensors presents a significant challenge in the research field.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a push-pull type triphenylamine-dithieno[3,2-b:2′,3′-d]pyrrole-based near-infrared fluorescent sensor <strong>EBTN1</strong>, which demonstrates exceptional selectivity and sensitivity toward primary amines, achieving a detection limit of 160 nM. The sensing mechanism relies on a reversible nucleophilic addition reaction, enabling sensor recycling and minimizing reagent consumption. The methoxyl moiety in <strong>EBTN1</strong> serves as a programmable modification site, allowing functionalization without compromising amine-sensing performance, which exemplifies atom-economic design. As a proof-of-concept, a derivative <strong>EBTNAld-N</strong><strong>HS</strong> was synthesized to anchor the sensor onto glass surfaces, fabricating a portable, recyclable sensing device for biogenic amines.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>Sensor <strong>EBTN1</strong> can be considered as a reusable platform for primary amine detection, offering high selectivity and sensitivity. When fabricated into a sensing glass, it enables real-time monitoring of fish freshness and can be regenerated for at least six cycles, underscoring its viability for sustainable analytical applications in food safety.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 345006"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145710968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.345005
Cheng Yao , Yali Gong , Yi Cai , Yong Zhao
Background
Microplasma jets (MPJs) are versatile tools widely applied in analytical chemistry, surface treatment, and environmental remediation. However, their utility is often constrained by their energy limitation. This restricts their efficiency and application potential. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a novel microplasma annular jet (MPAJ) design. The research aims to theoretically and experimentally characterize the properties of the MPAJ. The ultimate objective is to assess its potential for delivering enhanced performance, thereby overcoming a key constraint of conventional MPJs.
Results
A two-dimensional axisymmetric model was developed to simulate the proposed MPAJ, focusing on electron density as a critical performance metric. The simulation results clearly indicated that the MPAJ achieves a significantly higher electron density compared to a conventional MPJ, confirming its superior energy capacity. To experimentally validate this enhancement, the MPAJ was applied to a colorimetric detection system for trivalent chromium ions (Cr(III)). The system demonstrated excellent analytical performance, exhibiting a linear response within the concentration range of 1–40 μmol L−1 and achieving a notably low detection limit (LOD) of 0.7 μmol L−1. Furthermore, the practicality and reliability of the MPAJ-based method were successfully confirmed through the accurate determination of Cr(III) in actual environmental water samples. These combined theoretical and experimental findings substantiate that the novel MPAJ design effectively mitigates the energy constraints of traditional microplasma jets, showcasing its strong potential for highly sensitive analytical applications.
Significance
The annular jet configuration offers greater flexibility, enabling precise and diversified energy application modes. By adjusting geometric parameters such as ring diameter and nozzle width, this design can be tailored to meet specific requirements. With its enhanced adaptability and elevated energy capacity, the MPAJ is a promising tool for advancing applications in analytical chemistry, materials processing, and other fields that depend on precise plasma delivery.
{"title":"Design and application of a high-energy microplasma annular jet for colorimetric detection of Cr(III)","authors":"Cheng Yao , Yali Gong , Yi Cai , Yong Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Microplasma jets (MPJs) are versatile tools widely applied in analytical chemistry, surface treatment, and environmental remediation. However, their utility is often constrained by their energy limitation. This restricts their efficiency and application potential. This study addresses this challenge by proposing a novel microplasma annular jet (MPAJ) design. The research aims to theoretically and experimentally characterize the properties of the MPAJ. The ultimate objective is to assess its potential for delivering enhanced performance, thereby overcoming a key constraint of conventional MPJs.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A two-dimensional axisymmetric model was developed to simulate the proposed MPAJ, focusing on electron density as a critical performance metric. The simulation results clearly indicated that the MPAJ achieves a significantly higher electron density compared to a conventional MPJ, confirming its superior energy capacity. To experimentally validate this enhancement, the MPAJ was applied to a colorimetric detection system for trivalent chromium ions (Cr(III)). The system demonstrated excellent analytical performance, exhibiting a linear response within the concentration range of 1–40 μmol L<sup>−1</sup> and achieving a notably low detection limit (LOD) of 0.7 μmol L<sup>−1</sup>. Furthermore, the practicality and reliability of the MPAJ-based method were successfully confirmed through the accurate determination of Cr(III) in actual environmental water samples. These combined theoretical and experimental findings substantiate that the novel MPAJ design effectively mitigates the energy constraints of traditional microplasma jets, showcasing its strong potential for highly sensitive analytical applications.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>The annular jet configuration offers greater flexibility, enabling precise and diversified energy application modes. By adjusting geometric parameters such as ring diameter and nozzle width, this design can be tailored to meet specific requirements. With its enhanced adaptability and elevated energy capacity, the MPAJ is a promising tool for advancing applications in analytical chemistry, materials processing, and other fields that depend on precise plasma delivery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 345005"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145710969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344999
D. Gallina, M.C. Valeriano, V.H. Paschoal, M.B. Mamián-López
Background
Mercaptans are compounds of great concern because they are one of the main sources of sulphur in fuels and can reduce engine performance. Diesel-biodiesel blends have partially replaced diesel fuel as part of efforts to promote greener energy. In Brazil, the current legislation permits up to 10 ppm of sulphur in diesel. Considering the impact of sulphur compounds produced within combustion engines, careful monitoring of fuels is essential to ensure a greener future, and methodologies to easily detect sulphur are needed, especially if they can be adapted for in situ measurements and are suitable for upcoming regulatory changes.
Results
In this study, gold nanoparticles embedded in glycerol were used to extract, preconcentrate, and detect sulphur in biodiesel samples, with a mercaptan as sulphur source. The color changes due to nanoparticle aggregation were measured and processed using a smartphone app and machine learning to quantify sulphur. We demonstrate that this approach is suitable for determining this species in biodiesel at levels as low as 1.39 ppm, with the AuNPs@GLY-to-fuel ratio being easily adjustable, achieving lower limits of detection. Also, through SERS spectroscopy, we have demonstrated that the working principle behind the detection is the strong interaction between the thiol moiety and gold. This methodology can be easily customized, offering an interesting advantage from a practical perspective, as sulphur limit values vary worldwide and are influenced by the energy transition, which is a priority for public policies.
Significance
The primary feature of our system is that it combines extraction, preconcentration, and sensing in a single step, eliminating the need for sample preparation or conditioning, and bringing the analysis to the field. The herein-developed sensor is low-cost, user-friendly, and can be customized and adapted to probe sulphur in commercial diesel, as verified here by SERS spectroscopy.
{"title":"Single-step extraction & plasmonic sensing of sulphur in fuels using machine learning analysis of RGB images","authors":"D. Gallina, M.C. Valeriano, V.H. Paschoal, M.B. Mamián-López","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344999","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344999","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mercaptans are compounds of great concern because they are one of the main sources of sulphur in fuels and can reduce engine performance. Diesel-biodiesel blends have partially replaced diesel fuel as part of efforts to promote greener energy. In Brazil, the current legislation permits up to 10 ppm of sulphur in diesel. Considering the impact of sulphur compounds produced within combustion engines, careful monitoring of fuels is essential to ensure a greener future, and methodologies to easily detect sulphur are needed, especially if they can be adapted for in situ measurements and are suitable for upcoming regulatory changes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In this study, gold nanoparticles embedded in glycerol were used to extract, preconcentrate, and detect sulphur in biodiesel samples, with a mercaptan as sulphur source. The color changes due to nanoparticle aggregation were measured and processed using a smartphone app and machine learning to quantify sulphur. We demonstrate that this approach is suitable for determining this species in biodiesel at levels as low as 1.39 ppm, with the AuNPs@GLY-to-fuel ratio being easily adjustable, achieving lower limits of detection. Also, through SERS spectroscopy, we have demonstrated that the working principle behind the detection is the strong interaction between the thiol moiety and gold. This methodology can be easily customized, offering an interesting advantage from a practical perspective, as sulphur limit values vary worldwide and are influenced by the energy transition, which is a priority for public policies.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>The primary feature of our system is that it combines extraction, preconcentration, and sensing in a single step, eliminating the need for sample preparation or conditioning, and bringing the analysis to the field. The herein-developed sensor is low-cost, user-friendly, and can be customized and adapted to probe sulphur in commercial diesel, as verified here by SERS spectroscopy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 344999"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145705069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344997
Shoujun Jian , Xiaoying Niu , Fengzhi Li , Peng Zhang , Hongmin Zhang , Huaixia Yang , Yanju Liu
Background
Progastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP) is a potential high-specificity biomarker for Ewing sarcoma and has important clinical value in early diagnosis and risk stratification. However, the existing detection methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), and cytometric bead array (CBA) often face the problems of insufficient sensitivity and limited reliability in complex biological matrices, lead to the difficulty of accurate quantification. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop new sensing strategies with higher detection performance for promoting clinical accurate diagnosis.
Results
This study developed a novel biosensing system based on fluorescence enhancement with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for highly sensitive detection of proGRP. The signal amplification unit of this system is composed of DNA1-modified upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as FRET donor and DNA2-modified magnetic nanozyme complexes (Fe3O4Ns) as acceptor. Upon competitive binding with proGRP, the dissociated DNA1-UCNPs pair with DNA2-Fe3O4Ns. This pairing reduces the donor-acceptor distance, thus activating the FRET process and prompting Fe3O4Ns to generate substantial hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which subsequently oxidizes specific substrates to transduce the detection signal. The detection limit of the method was 0.14 pg/mL in PBS and 0.76 pg/mL in serum. The method demonstrated high specificity, excellent reproducibility, and robust anti-interference performance, rendering it robust for the analysis of complex serum matrices.
Significance
This work presents an innovative sensing platform that combines near-infrared light-excited luminescence with nanozyme-mediated signal amplification for the detection of proGRP. The method surpasses conventional assays in sensitivity and operational stability, showing great promise for clinical translation. Its robust performance in serum underscores potential applications in early cancer diagnostics and biomarker-based disease management, providing a valuable tool for disease diagnosis.
{"title":"Fe3O4 nanozyme integrated upconversion luminescence synergistic energy transfer composite nanoplatform for the ultrasensitive detection of proGRP","authors":"Shoujun Jian , Xiaoying Niu , Fengzhi Li , Peng Zhang , Hongmin Zhang , Huaixia Yang , Yanju Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344997","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344997","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Progastrin-releasing peptide (proGRP) is a potential high-specificity biomarker for Ewing sarcoma and has important clinical value in early diagnosis and risk stratification. However, the existing detection methods such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), and cytometric bead array (CBA) often face the problems of insufficient sensitivity and limited reliability in complex biological matrices, lead to the difficulty of accurate quantification. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop new sensing strategies with higher detection performance for promoting clinical accurate diagnosis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study developed a novel biosensing system based on fluorescence enhancement with Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for highly sensitive detection of proGRP. The signal amplification unit of this system is composed of DNA1-modified upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as FRET donor and DNA2-modified magnetic nanozyme complexes (Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>Ns) as acceptor. Upon competitive binding with proGRP, the dissociated DNA1-UCNPs pair with DNA2-Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>Ns. This pairing reduces the donor-acceptor distance, thus activating the FRET process and prompting Fe<sub>3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>Ns to generate substantial hydroxyl radicals (·OH), which subsequently oxidizes specific substrates to transduce the detection signal. The detection limit of the method was 0.14 pg/mL in PBS and 0.76 pg/mL in serum. The method demonstrated high specificity, excellent reproducibility, and robust anti-interference performance, rendering it robust for the analysis of complex serum matrices.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This work presents an innovative sensing platform that combines near-infrared light-excited luminescence with nanozyme-mediated signal amplification for the detection of proGRP. The method surpasses conventional assays in sensitivity and operational stability, showing great promise for clinical translation. Its robust performance in serum underscores potential applications in early cancer diagnostics and biomarker-based disease management, providing a valuable tool for disease diagnosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 344997"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145710963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.345002
Kamil Křůmal , Gabriela Handlířová , Pavel Mikuška
Background
Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) play a key role in atmospheric chemistry and air quality. Accurate quantification of individual BVOCs remains challenging due to their volatility and reactivity in atmosphere. In this study, a wet diffusion denuder used for the continuous sampling of BVOCs into an absorption liquid was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions in order to determine the collection efficiencies for a large number of BVOCs. All samples with collected BVOCs were offline analysed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.
Results
The influence of denuder temperature, air flow rate, relative humidity, type of absorption liquid, and liquid flow rate was systematically investigated. Optimal conditions for field application were selected as a denuder temperature of 20 °C, an air flow rate of 500 mL/min, n-heptane as the absorption liquid, and a liquid flow rate of 0.40 mL/min. Under these conditions, collection efficiencies for most BVOCs exceeded 89 %. Field sampling conducted at two contrasting sites, an agricultural location and a spruce forest, confirmed the applicability of the method and highlighted large differences in monoterpene concentrations between environments. A connection of denuder output with automatic sample collector enables long-term fully automatic sampling of BVOCs in the air at short time intervals. The temporal resolution sampling allows the study of rapid changes in BVOC concentrations in the air.
Significance
A key advantage of the method is that it minimizes the exposure of captured BVOCs in an absorption liquid (n-heptane) to airborne oxidants, thereby reducing the risk of photochemical reaction with air oxidants during sampling, and also the determination of the concentration of individual BVOCs using off-line gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis.
{"title":"Determination of individual biogenic volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere at short time intervals by a combination of in-situ continuous sampling using wet diffusion denuder and off-line laboratory analysis","authors":"Kamil Křůmal , Gabriela Handlířová , Pavel Mikuška","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) play a key role in atmospheric chemistry and air quality. Accurate quantification of individual BVOCs remains challenging due to their volatility and reactivity in atmosphere. In this study, a wet diffusion denuder used for the continuous sampling of BVOCs into an absorption liquid was evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions in order to determine the collection efficiencies for a large number of BVOCs. All samples with collected BVOCs were offline analysed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The influence of denuder temperature, air flow rate, relative humidity, type of absorption liquid, and liquid flow rate was systematically investigated. Optimal conditions for field application were selected as a denuder temperature of 20 °C, an air flow rate of 500 mL/min, <em>n</em>-heptane as the absorption liquid, and a liquid flow rate of 0.40 mL/min. Under these conditions, collection efficiencies for most BVOCs exceeded 89 %. Field sampling conducted at two contrasting sites, an agricultural location and a spruce forest, confirmed the applicability of the method and highlighted large differences in monoterpene concentrations between environments. A connection of denuder output with automatic sample collector enables long-term fully automatic sampling of BVOCs in the air at short time intervals. The temporal resolution sampling allows the study of rapid changes in BVOC concentrations in the air.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>A key advantage of the method is that it minimizes the exposure of captured BVOCs in an absorption liquid (<em>n</em>-heptane) to airborne oxidants, thereby reducing the risk of photochemical reaction with air oxidants during sampling, and also the determination of the concentration of individual BVOCs using off-line gas chromatography with mass spectrometry analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 345002"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145710976","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Lead (Pb2+) toxicity represents a major public health challenge, underscoring the need for advanced detection and remediation strategies.
Results
We introduce two synthetic 3-hydroxyflavone (3-HF) analogues: 3′,4′-methylenedioxy-3-hydroxyflavone (1) and 4′-N,N-dimethyl-3-hydroxyflavone (2) as multifunctional “sense-and-treat” agents for Pb2+. These probes detect Pb2+ via a characteristic excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) fluorescence response, demonstrating excellent sensitivity with detection limits of 1.8 μM for (1) and 4.9 μM for (2), and high selectivity over competing ions such as Hg2+ and Cd2+. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that Pb2+ chelation at the 3-hydroxy-4-carbonyl motif induces the observed fluorescence shift. The probes enabled real-time fluorescence mapping of Pb2+ in live mice hepatocytes with minimal cytotoxicity (>90 % cell viability). Furthermore, probe (1) mitigated Pb2+-induced oxidative stress in vivo by sequestering Pb2+ into a less reactive complex, restoring redox homeostasis and tissue integrity.
Significance
This study advances the understanding of 3-HF-metal interactions, establishing 3-HF analogues as a promising integrated platform for comprehensive lead toxicity management. These findings have direct applications in environmental monitoring, clinical toxicology, and public health.
铅（Pb2+）毒性是一项重大的公共卫生挑战，强调需要先进的检测和补救策略。结果我们合成了两种3-羟基黄酮（3- hf）类似物：3′，4′-亚甲二氧基-3-羟基黄酮(1)和4′-N， n -二甲基-3-羟基黄酮(2)，作为Pb2+的多功能“感应和处理”剂。这些探针通过激发态分子内质子转移（ESIPT）荧光响应检测Pb2+，具有优异的灵敏度，检测限为1.8 μM(1)和4.9 μM(2)，并且对Hg2+和Cd2+等竞争离子具有很高的选择性。密度泛函理论（DFT）计算证实，Pb2+在3-羟基-4-羰基基基上的螯合引起了观察到的荧光位移。该探针能够以最小的细胞毒性（90%细胞存活率）实时荧光定位活小鼠肝细胞中的Pb2+。此外，探针(1)通过将Pb2+隔离到活性较低的复合物中，恢复氧化还原稳态和组织完整性，减轻了Pb2+诱导的体内氧化应激。本研究促进了对3-HF-金属相互作用的理解，建立了3-HF类似物作为综合铅毒性管理的有前途的综合平台。这些发现在环境监测、临床毒理学和公共卫生方面具有直接的应用价值。
{"title":"Antioxidant 3-hydroxyflavone analogues: Integrated experimental and theoretical insights into lead fluoro-sensing and toxicity mitigation in living systems","authors":"Trisha Samanta , Partha Chakrobarty , Suktara Guria , Soumyadeep Basu , Abhijit Karmakar , Anup Pramanik , Sutapa Mukherjee , Naznin Ara Begum","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344996","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344996","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Lead (Pb<sup>2+</sup>) toxicity represents a major public health challenge, underscoring the need for advanced detection and remediation strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We introduce two synthetic 3-hydroxyflavone (3-HF) analogues: 3′,4′-methylenedioxy-3-hydroxyflavone (<strong>1</strong>) and 4′-<em>N,N</em>-dimethyl-3-hydroxyflavone (<strong>2</strong>) as multifunctional “sense-and-treat” agents for Pb<sup>2+</sup>. These probes detect Pb<sup>2+</sup> via a characteristic excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) fluorescence response, demonstrating excellent sensitivity with detection limits of 1.8 μM for (<strong>1</strong>) and 4.9 μM for (<strong>2</strong>), and high selectivity over competing ions such as Hg<sup>2+</sup> and Cd<sup>2+</sup>. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm that Pb<sup>2+</sup> chelation at the 3-hydroxy-4-carbonyl motif induces the observed fluorescence shift. The probes enabled real-time fluorescence mapping of Pb<sup>2+</sup> in live mice hepatocytes with minimal cytotoxicity (>90 % cell viability). Furthermore, probe (<strong>1</strong>) mitigated Pb<sup>2+</sup>-induced oxidative stress in <em>vivo</em> by sequestering Pb<sup>2+</sup> into a less reactive complex, restoring redox homeostasis and tissue integrity.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This study advances the understanding of 3-HF-metal interactions, establishing 3-HF analogues as a promising integrated platform for comprehensive lead toxicity management. These findings have direct applications in environmental monitoring, clinical toxicology, and public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 344996"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145696987","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.344998
Deying Wang , Chunsheng Ren , Junfei Chen , Qi Zhang , Yan Chen , Changhao Li , Yong Jin , Xiaohua Qi , Qiang Ma
The reproducibility and reliability of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection are constrained by the heterogeneous distribution of “hot spots”. While conventional physical deposition or template assembly methods can produce rigid and homogeneous substrates, they struggle to precisely regulate the self-assembly behavior of nanoparticles in flexible hydrogels. The core challenge lies in minimizing the variation in “hot spots” density across detection zones within hydrogels to enhance detection consistency and reliability of flexible SERS substrates. To address these issues, this study successfully constructed a flexible SERS substrate that integrates a high density of uniformly distributed SERS “hot spots” and environmental interference resistance. This was achieved by elucidating the synergistic matching mechanism between silver nanoflower morphology and laser spot size, combined with the flexible carrier properties of hydrogel chips. Using veterinary drug enrofloxacin in complex matrices as a model to validate the analytical performance of the SERS substrate, the results demonstrated significant advantages: its sensitivity reached 47.96 ppb, the entire detection process was completed within 20 min, and it effectively resisted background interference. In real milk sample validations, the substrate demonstrated spike recovery rates of 88.3 %–114 %, with relative standard deviation (RSD) controlled within 1.78 %–7.83 % across all concentration gradients. This work establishes a novel, sensitive, and reliable analytical platform for rapid screening of veterinary drug residues in food systems, holding significant application potential in food safety monitoring.
{"title":"Flexible silver nanoflower SERS substrates with optical spot-size matching: Preparation and high-performance detection of veterinary drug residues","authors":"Deying Wang , Chunsheng Ren , Junfei Chen , Qi Zhang , Yan Chen , Changhao Li , Yong Jin , Xiaohua Qi , Qiang Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344998","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.344998","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The reproducibility and reliability of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection are constrained by the heterogeneous distribution of “hot spots”. While conventional physical deposition or template assembly methods can produce rigid and homogeneous substrates, they struggle to precisely regulate the self-assembly behavior of nanoparticles in flexible hydrogels. The core challenge lies in minimizing the variation in “hot spots” density across detection zones within hydrogels to enhance detection consistency and reliability of flexible SERS substrates. To address these issues, this study successfully constructed a flexible SERS substrate that integrates a high density of uniformly distributed SERS “hot spots” and environmental interference resistance. This was achieved by elucidating the synergistic matching mechanism between silver nanoflower morphology and laser spot size, combined with the flexible carrier properties of hydrogel chips. Using veterinary drug enrofloxacin in complex matrices as a model to validate the analytical performance of the SERS substrate, the results demonstrated significant advantages: its sensitivity reached 47.96 ppb, the entire detection process was completed within 20 min, and it effectively resisted background interference. In real milk sample validations, the substrate demonstrated spike recovery rates of 88.3 %–114 %, with relative standard deviation (RSD) controlled within 1.78 %–7.83 % across all concentration gradients. This work establishes a novel, sensitive, and reliable analytical platform for rapid screening of veterinary drug residues in food systems, holding significant application potential in food safety monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 344998"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145696989","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2025.345000
Jun Wu, Meijuan Jia, Meihui Zhang, Minglu Li, Shu Fang, Jie Dong, Anhua Dong, Ruotong Tian, Jun Zhou, Changyu Shen
Background
Heparin is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan that is crucial for inhibiting coagulation and maintaining vascular blood flow. Among the existing detection methods, although electrochemical technology has the advantages of rapid detection and strong sample compatibility, it has limitations such as insufficient selectivity and susceptibility to environmental interference in stability. Nuclear magnetic resonance technology can accurately analyze molecular structures, but it is limited by complex sample processing, high equipment costs and large sample size requirements. Therefore, new detection technology with the advantages of operational convenience, rapid response and real-time detection applicability is needed.
Results
We developed unlabeled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) heparin sensor. Gold coating is applied on the surface of a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG), and a 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid/chitosan (MUA/CS) functional film is modified on the gold film to form a heparin probe. Before detection, the tested heparin solution was functionalized with unlabeled AuNPs, which to can be aggregated on the probe surface to realize the enhancement of the SPR, enabling ultra-low concentration detection of heparin. The experimental results show that the sensor has a sensitivity of 0.29 dB/lg(g/mL) for heparin detection in the wide range of 10−24 to 10−2 g/mL, with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.051 aM, which is more than one order of magnitude lower than that of the similar existing heparin sensors. Meanwhile, the TFBG-SPR sensor has a time response of ∼400 s for heparin detection.
Significance
This sensor demonstrates significant advantages such as label free detection and low detection limit compared to existing technologies. It also provides an innovative strategy for improving detection sensitivity and reducing the detection limit of similar biochemical substances.
{"title":"Ultra-low limit heparin detection based on 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid /chitosan functionalized and AuNPs enhanced fiber surface plasma","authors":"Jun Wu, Meijuan Jia, Meihui Zhang, Minglu Li, Shu Fang, Jie Dong, Anhua Dong, Ruotong Tian, Jun Zhou, Changyu Shen","doi":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345000","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aca.2025.345000","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Heparin is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan that is crucial for inhibiting coagulation and maintaining vascular blood flow. Among the existing detection methods, although electrochemical technology has the advantages of rapid detection and strong sample compatibility, it has limitations such as insufficient selectivity and susceptibility to environmental interference in stability. Nuclear magnetic resonance technology can accurately analyze molecular structures, but it is limited by complex sample processing, high equipment costs and large sample size requirements. Therefore, new detection technology with the advantages of operational convenience, rapid response and real-time detection applicability is needed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We developed unlabeled gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) enhanced surface plasmon resonance (SPR) heparin sensor. Gold coating is applied on the surface of a tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG), and a 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid/chitosan (MUA/CS) functional film is modified on the gold film to form a heparin probe. Before detection, the tested heparin solution was functionalized with unlabeled AuNPs, which to can be aggregated on the probe surface to realize the enhancement of the SPR, enabling ultra-low concentration detection of heparin. The experimental results show that the sensor has a sensitivity of 0.29 dB/lg(g/mL) for heparin detection in the wide range of 10<sup>−24</sup> to 10<sup>−2</sup> g/mL, with a lower limit of detection (LOD) of 0.051 aM, which is more than one order of magnitude lower than that of the similar existing heparin sensors. Meanwhile, the TFBG-SPR sensor has a time response of ∼400 s for heparin detection.</div></div><div><h3>Significance</h3><div>This sensor demonstrates significant advantages such as label free detection and low detection limit compared to existing technologies. It also provides an innovative strategy for improving detection sensitivity and reducing the detection limit of similar biochemical substances.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":240,"journal":{"name":"Analytica Chimica Acta","volume":"1385 ","pages":"Article 345000"},"PeriodicalIF":6.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145697126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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