Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has emerged as a versatile analytical technique for broad applications in various fields. However, its widespread adoption is severely hindered by challenges in quantitative performance, primarily due to relatively low signal repeatability and matrix effects. These limitations are fundamentally attributed to the drastic spatiotemporal variations of its emission source, the laser-induced plasma (LIP). Currently, signal enhancement is the predominant concept for LIBS signal improvement, but this direction often leads to even lower signal repeatability, a critical factor for LIBS quantification. Originating from the essential understanding of LIBS signal improvement, this work introduces an upgraded concept, plasma modulation, as a paradigm-shifting approach that actively modulates the evolution of the LIP to synergistically optimize signal repeatability and intensity. This work systematically examines the physical mechanisms, evaluates the practical implementations, and assesses the future potential of the plasma modulation methods.
{"title":"Upgrade from signal enhancement to plasma modulation for LIBS signal improvement","authors":"Peichao Zheng , Guanghui Chen , Weilun Gu , Jinmei Wang , Zongyu Hou , Xun Gao , Anmin Chen , Weidong Zhou , Lianbo Guo , Qingdong Zeng , Zhe Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118709","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118709","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has emerged as a versatile analytical technique for broad applications in various fields. However, its widespread adoption is severely hindered by challenges in quantitative performance, primarily due to relatively low signal repeatability and matrix effects. These limitations are fundamentally attributed to the drastic spatiotemporal variations of its emission source, the laser-induced plasma (LIP). Currently, signal enhancement is the predominant concept for LIBS signal improvement, but this direction often leads to even lower signal repeatability, a critical factor for LIBS quantification. Originating from the essential understanding of LIBS signal improvement, this work introduces an upgraded concept, plasma modulation, as a paradigm-shifting approach that actively modulates the evolution of the LIP to synergistically optimize signal repeatability and intensity. This work systematically examines the physical mechanisms, evaluates the practical implementations, and assesses the future potential of the plasma modulation methods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118709"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118707
Zikuan Gu , Guoguang Chen , Zhen Liu
In human diseases, molecular abnormalities occur frequently and drive disease progression. Antibodies are effective targeted reagents to regulate molecular abnormalities and treat diseases. Despite antibodies have achieved great success, their high cost, low stability, and high immunogenicity limit their further application. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) which are chemically synthesized artificial antibodies, showed great potential for targeting molecular abnormalities and treating diseases with high affinity and specificity. Recently, many MIPs have emerged for enhanced therapeutic efficacy via targeting molecular abnormalities and there is still lack of a review to summarize these works. In this review, we will survey the recent progress of MIPs in diseases treatment via targeting molecular abnormalities. We first analyze factors determining MIPs recognition performance. Subsequently, we discuss MIPs applications in disease treatment via targeting molecular abnormalities, including abnormal signaling pathway inhibition, molecular abnormalities clearance and targeted drugs delivery. Finally, we outline challenges and further perspectives of MIPs.
{"title":"Advanced molecularly imprinted polymers for disease treatment via targeting molecular abnormalities: Promises and challenges","authors":"Zikuan Gu , Guoguang Chen , Zhen Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118707","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118707","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In human diseases, molecular abnormalities occur frequently and drive disease progression. Antibodies are effective targeted reagents to regulate molecular abnormalities and treat diseases. Despite antibodies have achieved great success, their high cost, low stability, and high immunogenicity limit their further application. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) which are chemically synthesized artificial antibodies, showed great potential for targeting molecular abnormalities and treating diseases with high affinity and specificity. Recently, many MIPs have emerged for enhanced therapeutic efficacy via targeting molecular abnormalities and there is still lack of a review to summarize these works. In this review, we will survey the recent progress of MIPs in diseases treatment via targeting molecular abnormalities. We first analyze factors determining MIPs recognition performance. Subsequently, we discuss MIPs applications in disease treatment via targeting molecular abnormalities, including abnormal signaling pathway inhibition, molecular abnormalities clearance and targeted drugs delivery. Finally, we outline challenges and further perspectives of MIPs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118707"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118702
Chunfan Jiang , Min Zhou , Lin Li , Jinting Zhou , Xiaomin Qin , Mei Yang , Hui Xing
Cervical cancer remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low-resource settings. This review highlights next-generation point-of-care tests leveraging programmable biorecognition elements — such as aptamers, nanobodies, peptide nucleic acids, and CRISPR-Cas systems — for sensitive detection of HPV and host biomarkers. Integrated with nanomaterials, microfluidics, and smartphone-AI readouts, these biosensors enable rapid, affordable, and field-deployable screening. However, translating analytical breakthroughs into population-level impact requires overcoming critical translational barriers—including cost, tropical stability, self-sampling compatibility, and integration into fragmented health systems. We argue that future innovation must shift from performance-centric to equity-centered design, co-developed with end-users in high-burden regions. We critically assess design strategies, clinical translation potential, and implementation pathways, emphasizing equitable access aligned with the WHO's cervical cancer elimination initiative and the One Health vision.
{"title":"Next-generation point-of-care diagnostics for cervical cancer: Integrating programmable biorecognition, nanomaterials, and artificial intelligence","authors":"Chunfan Jiang , Min Zhou , Lin Li , Jinting Zhou , Xiaomin Qin , Mei Yang , Hui Xing","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118702","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118702","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cervical cancer remains a major global health challenge, particularly in low-resource settings. This review highlights next-generation point-of-care tests leveraging programmable biorecognition elements — such as aptamers, nanobodies, peptide nucleic acids, and CRISPR-Cas systems — for sensitive detection of <em>HPV</em> and host biomarkers. Integrated with nanomaterials, microfluidics, and smartphone-AI readouts, these biosensors enable rapid, affordable, and field-deployable screening. However, translating analytical breakthroughs into population-level impact requires overcoming critical translational barriers—including cost, tropical stability, self-sampling compatibility, and integration into fragmented health systems. We argue that future innovation must shift from performance-centric to equity-centered design, co-developed with end-users in high-burden regions. We critically assess design strategies, clinical translation potential, and implementation pathways, emphasizing equitable access aligned with the WHO's cervical cancer elimination initiative and the One Health vision.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118702"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118706
Xiang-Peng Li , Jiong-Cheng Wu , Chang-Hao Zhao , Hui-Ke Yang , Gao Zhang , Liang-Can He , Bo-Zhao Li , Wanhai Xu , Da-Yong Hou
The demand for precise clinical diagnosis and treatment monitoring has significantly contributed to the development of molecular imaging, providing a powerful tool for tumor imaging. However, the information provided by single-modal imaging techniques remains limited. By combining two complementary imaging technologies, dual-modality imaging offers more accurate diagnosis and research tools for diagnosis and treatment of tumors. This paper reviews the design strategies and progress of dual-modality imaging probes, particularly those incorporating near-infrared (NIR) or PET in combination with complementary imaging modalities, and introduces their recent biomedical applications in tumor diagnosis and treatment monitoring. In addition, we focus on chemical construction methods of probes, synergistic mechanisms of imaging, and in vivo metabolic properties, and analyze the current challenges and future development directions of clinical translation. Through interdisciplinary cooperation, the designed dual-modality probes are expected to play a key role in improving diagnostic efficiency of various complex diseases.
{"title":"Progress and trends in PET/NIRF-based dual-modality imaging probes","authors":"Xiang-Peng Li , Jiong-Cheng Wu , Chang-Hao Zhao , Hui-Ke Yang , Gao Zhang , Liang-Can He , Bo-Zhao Li , Wanhai Xu , Da-Yong Hou","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118706","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118706","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The demand for precise clinical diagnosis and treatment monitoring has significantly contributed to the development of molecular imaging, providing a powerful tool for tumor imaging. However, the information provided by single-modal imaging techniques remains limited. By combining two complementary imaging technologies, dual-modality imaging offers more accurate diagnosis and research tools for diagnosis and treatment of tumors. This paper reviews the design strategies and progress of dual-modality imaging probes, particularly those incorporating near-infrared (NIR) or PET in combination with complementary imaging modalities, and introduces their recent biomedical applications in tumor diagnosis and treatment monitoring. In addition, we focus on chemical construction methods of probes, synergistic mechanisms of imaging, and in vivo metabolic properties, and analyze the current challenges and future development directions of clinical translation. Through interdisciplinary cooperation, the designed dual-modality probes are expected to play a key role in improving diagnostic efficiency of various complex diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118706"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118705
Ke Jia , Duo Shen , Yanfang Zhao , Huihui Liu , Caiqiao Xiong , Xiangfeng Chen , Zongxiu Nie
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for metabolic profiling and disease diagnosis, particularly in biofluid analysis and spatially resolved tissue imaging. This review explores the use of MALDI-MS in biofluid analysis, focusing on biofluid selection, matrix choice, and the integration of machine learning (ML) for enhanced diagnostic capabilities. We also examine the application of MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) for metabolic profiling in oncology, including cancer diagnosis, classification, and prognosis. Additionally, we highlight the role of MALDI-MSI in non-oncological diseases, emphasizing its potential to identify metabolic alterations and disease biomarkers. Finally, we discuss recent advancements in MALDI techniques, which improve sensitivity, spatial resolution, and overall diagnostic utility. This review provides researchers with a comprehensive understanding of MALDI-MS in disease diagnosis, helping guide future studies in biofluid analysis and spatial metabolomics.
{"title":"MALDI mass spectrometry in metabolic diagnostics: Advances in biofluid and spatial metabolic analysis","authors":"Ke Jia , Duo Shen , Yanfang Zhao , Huihui Liu , Caiqiao Xiong , Xiangfeng Chen , Zongxiu Nie","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118705","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118705","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a powerful tool for metabolic profiling and disease diagnosis, particularly in biofluid analysis and spatially resolved tissue imaging. This review explores the use of MALDI-MS in biofluid analysis, focusing on biofluid selection, matrix choice, and the integration of machine learning (ML) for enhanced diagnostic capabilities. We also examine the application of MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) for metabolic profiling in oncology, including cancer diagnosis, classification, and prognosis. Additionally, we highlight the role of MALDI-MSI in non-oncological diseases, emphasizing its potential to identify metabolic alterations and disease biomarkers. Finally, we discuss recent advancements in MALDI techniques, which improve sensitivity, spatial resolution, and overall diagnostic utility. This review provides researchers with a comprehensive understanding of MALDI-MS in disease diagnosis, helping guide future studies in biofluid analysis and spatial metabolomics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118705"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118700
Jiahao Xu , Yunrui Zhang , Ziqi Wang , Yan Shen , Keting Xu , Yan Chen , Di Wang , Fenni Zhang
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an escalating threat to human, animal, and environmental health, aligning with the core principles of the One Health framework. Effective antimicrobial stewardship depends on rapid and accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), yet conventional culture-based methods rely on population-level growth and require 48–72 h, delaying targeted therapy. Advances in optical biosensing and imaging enable direct tracking of bacterial phenotypic responses at the single-cell level. By capturing the microscopic growth dynamics and physiological responses induced by antibiotics, these methods can determine susceptibility within 1–2 bacterial replication cycles (≤2–6 h). This review outlines the evolution from conventional to rapid and culture-free optical phenotypic AST, highlighting approaches capable of operating directly in complex clinical samples through integration with microfluidics and machine-learning analytics. We also discuss remaining challenges and future opportunities for developing intelligent, clinically deployable, and One-Health-aligned AST platforms that enhance patient care and slow the global spread of AMR.
{"title":"Optical phenotypic tracking: Advancing rapid toward culture-free antimicrobial susceptibility testing","authors":"Jiahao Xu , Yunrui Zhang , Ziqi Wang , Yan Shen , Keting Xu , Yan Chen , Di Wang , Fenni Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118700","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118700","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an escalating threat to human, animal, and environmental health, aligning with the core principles of the One Health framework. Effective antimicrobial stewardship depends on rapid and accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), yet conventional culture-based methods rely on population-level growth and require 48–72 h, delaying targeted therapy. Advances in optical biosensing and imaging enable direct tracking of bacterial phenotypic responses at the single-cell level. By capturing the microscopic growth dynamics and physiological responses induced by antibiotics, these methods can determine susceptibility within 1–2 bacterial replication cycles (≤2–6 h). This review outlines the evolution from conventional to rapid and culture-free optical phenotypic AST, highlighting approaches capable of operating directly in complex clinical samples through integration with microfluidics and machine-learning analytics. We also discuss remaining challenges and future opportunities for developing intelligent, clinically deployable, and One-Health-aligned AST platforms that enhance patient care and slow the global spread of AMR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118700"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118698
Sudenur Ozbey , Tugba Akkas , Temmuz Ege Kaplan , Ilker Polatoglu , Mustafa Sen , Sevinc Kurbanoglu
Multiplex biosensors are distinguished as cutting-edge strategies that offer a more holistic analysis by simultaneous, instantaneous monitoring of multiple biomarkers. The system's strength lies in its ability to support the care of complex pathologies, providing the necessary multi-indicator monitoring required for precise diagnostic assessment and personalized therapeutic optimization. Recent technological developments, including the integration of artificial intelligence, point-of-care, lab-on-a-chip systems, and wearable biosensors, have significantly improved the accessibility and usability of multiplex sensing platforms. Multiplex biosensors will play a critical role in enabling early detection, real-time health tracking, and individualized therapeutic interventions, ultimately yielding superior patient results and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. This review sheds light on new investigations by highlighting technological advances such as multiplexing, sensitivity, miniaturization, and integration for non-invasive, minimally invasive, and invasive platforms. It explores promising multi-analyte biosensors, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms, types, and challenges of state-of-the-art multi-analyte biosensors, and current challenges and future research areas.
{"title":"Multiplex biosensors for comprehensive health monitoring: Non-invasive, minimally invasive, and invasive platforms","authors":"Sudenur Ozbey , Tugba Akkas , Temmuz Ege Kaplan , Ilker Polatoglu , Mustafa Sen , Sevinc Kurbanoglu","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118698","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118698","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Multiplex biosensors are distinguished as cutting-edge strategies that offer a more holistic analysis by simultaneous, instantaneous monitoring of multiple biomarkers. The system's strength lies in its ability to support the care of complex pathologies, providing the necessary multi-indicator monitoring required for precise diagnostic assessment and personalized therapeutic optimization. Recent technological developments, including the integration of artificial intelligence, point-of-care, lab-on-a-chip systems, and wearable biosensors, have significantly improved the accessibility and usability of multiplex sensing platforms. Multiplex biosensors will play a critical role in enabling early detection, real-time health tracking, and individualized therapeutic interventions, ultimately yielding superior patient results and reducing the burden on healthcare systems. This review sheds light on new investigations by highlighting technological advances such as multiplexing, sensitivity, miniaturization, and integration for non-invasive, minimally invasive, and invasive platforms. It explores promising multi-analyte biosensors, a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms, types, and challenges of state-of-the-art multi-analyte biosensors, and current challenges and future research areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118698"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-24DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118699
Ranran Zhou , Pan Wang , Yang Yu , Jian Ye , Chang Chen , Jian Xu , Bo Ma , Jing Wang , Yuling Wang , Yuntong Wang , Bei Li , Youzhi Feng , Jianlong Zhao , Haoye Tang , Jing Lu , Songlin Zhuang , Shilun Feng , Dawei Zhang
The interrogation of single cells is revolutionizing biology by revealing heterogeneity that is masked in bulk analyses. Flow cytometry (FCM) enables high-throughput single-cell analysis but typically depends on exogenous fluorescent labels, which are time-intensive to prepare and may perturb native cellular states. In contrast, Raman scattering provides a label-free alternative with intrinsic molecular specificity. Raman flow cytometry (RFC) combines Raman scattering with FCM, merging high-throughput sample processing with detailed molecular characterization. However, the inherently weak intensity of spontaneous Raman scattering necessitates long integration times, and precise cell positioning in the laser focal volume limits linear flow velocity, resulting in lower throughput compared to conventional fluorescence-based flow cytometry (FFC). Overcoming these limitations demands a multidisciplinary approach. Recent progress in nanofabrication have facilitated the development of microfluidic chips that help address this bottleneck through precise multiphysics-based cell focusing techniques, as well as scalability achieved through parallel channel arrays or droplet systems. This review examines three principal strategies for enhancing the throughput of RFC from the perspective of modern microfluidic frameworks: (ⅰ) advanced cell focusing methods, (ⅱ) Raman signal amplification techniques, and (ⅲ) artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted spectral analysis. By synthesizing recent advances in these areas, we highlight the potential of RFC to advance high-throughput, label-free single-cell analysis in biomedical research.
{"title":"Roadmap to highest-throughput Raman flow cytometry for biological applications","authors":"Ranran Zhou , Pan Wang , Yang Yu , Jian Ye , Chang Chen , Jian Xu , Bo Ma , Jing Wang , Yuling Wang , Yuntong Wang , Bei Li , Youzhi Feng , Jianlong Zhao , Haoye Tang , Jing Lu , Songlin Zhuang , Shilun Feng , Dawei Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118699","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118699","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The interrogation of single cells is revolutionizing biology by revealing heterogeneity that is masked in bulk analyses. Flow cytometry (FCM) enables high-throughput single-cell analysis but typically depends on exogenous fluorescent labels, which are time-intensive to prepare and may perturb native cellular states. In contrast, Raman scattering provides a label-free alternative with intrinsic molecular specificity. Raman flow cytometry (RFC) combines Raman scattering with FCM, merging high-throughput sample processing with detailed molecular characterization. However, the inherently weak intensity of spontaneous Raman scattering necessitates long integration times, and precise cell positioning in the laser focal volume limits linear flow velocity, resulting in lower throughput compared to conventional fluorescence-based flow cytometry (FFC). Overcoming these limitations demands a multidisciplinary approach. Recent progress in nanofabrication have facilitated the development of microfluidic chips that help address this bottleneck through precise multiphysics-based cell focusing techniques, as well as scalability achieved through parallel channel arrays or droplet systems. This review examines three principal strategies for enhancing the throughput of RFC from the perspective of modern microfluidic frameworks: (ⅰ) advanced cell focusing methods, (ⅱ) Raman signal amplification techniques, and (ⅲ) artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted spectral analysis. By synthesizing recent advances in these areas, we highlight the potential of RFC to advance high-throughput, label-free single-cell analysis in biomedical research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118699"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118695
Wen Zeng , Wenbo Luo , Junwei Zhou , Bohang Wang , Hao Qin , Yang He , Imrich Gablech , Marie Korabečná , Pavel Neužil
Digital PCR (dPCR) enables absolute nucleic acid quantification through partition-based amplification and has emerged as a robust analytical platform for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Direct molecular counting, independent of calibration curves and amplification efficiency, enables precise detection of chromosomal aneuploidies, rare paternal or de novo variants, and microdeletions at very low fetal DNA fractions where sequencing-based screening loses statistical power. High partition numbers, strong reproducibility, and minimal computational requirements distinguish dPCR from qPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS), positioning it as a reliable confirmatory method for sequencing-derived findings. Analytical advances, including improved extraction efficiency, enhanced partition stability, expanded multiplexing strategies, and duplex ratio assays, further improve performance in complex plasma samples. Hybrid workflows integrating NGS-based genome-wide discovery with dPCR-based quantitative validation reduce false positives and enhance diagnostic confidence. Digital PCR thus complements sequencing and supports a precise and scalable framework for next-generation prenatal diagnostics.
{"title":"Digital PCR in noninvasive prenatal testing: Analytical principles, clinical utilities, and future integration","authors":"Wen Zeng , Wenbo Luo , Junwei Zhou , Bohang Wang , Hao Qin , Yang He , Imrich Gablech , Marie Korabečná , Pavel Neužil","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118695","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118695","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Digital PCR (dPCR) enables absolute nucleic acid quantification through partition-based amplification and has emerged as a robust analytical platform for non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT). Direct molecular counting, independent of calibration curves and amplification efficiency, enables precise detection of chromosomal aneuploidies, rare paternal or de novo variants, and microdeletions at very low fetal DNA fractions where sequencing-based screening loses statistical power. High partition numbers, strong reproducibility, and minimal computational requirements distinguish dPCR from qPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS), positioning it as a reliable confirmatory method for sequencing-derived findings. Analytical advances, including improved extraction efficiency, enhanced partition stability, expanded multiplexing strategies, and duplex ratio assays, further improve performance in complex plasma samples. Hybrid workflows integrating NGS-based genome-wide discovery with dPCR-based quantitative validation reduce false positives and enhance diagnostic confidence. Digital PCR thus complements sequencing and supports a precise and scalable framework for next-generation prenatal diagnostics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118695"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076681","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118693
Zelan Li , Carolina Scagliarini , Alberto Mazzoleni , Sara Gariglio , Emilio Catelli , Cristina Malegori , Silvia Prati , Eugenio Alladio , Giorgia Sciutto , Paolo Oliveri
The present review examines the fundamental mechanisms governing the penetration of X-ray and near-infrared (NIR) radiation under sample surface – a feature that is often disregarded in analytical applications, especially in the spectral imaging implementations, which are usually considered as surface analytical techniques. The impact of material composition and geometry, scattering effects, as well as instrumental factors are thoroughly described and critically discussed. A particular focus is placed on data processing techniques, from first-principle equations to data-driven multivariate models, implemented to estimate/assess the extent of penetration. Applications in several areas, including food, forensic, material and cultural heritage sciences, are comprehensively reviewed. The potential for exploiting penetration of electromagnetic radiation is highlighted, paving the way for the development of 3D-resolved X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and NIR imaging approaches able to characterize multilayer samples in a non-invasive way.
{"title":"Exploiting the penetration depth of XRF and NIR radiation: from 2D to 3D spectral imaging","authors":"Zelan Li , Carolina Scagliarini , Alberto Mazzoleni , Sara Gariglio , Emilio Catelli , Cristina Malegori , Silvia Prati , Eugenio Alladio , Giorgia Sciutto , Paolo Oliveri","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118693","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118693","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present review examines the fundamental mechanisms governing the penetration of X-ray and near-infrared (NIR) radiation under sample surface – a feature that is often disregarded in analytical applications, especially in the spectral imaging implementations, which are usually considered as surface analytical techniques. The impact of material composition and geometry, scattering effects, as well as instrumental factors are thoroughly described and critically discussed. A particular focus is placed on data processing techniques, from first-principle equations to data-driven multivariate models, implemented to estimate/assess the extent of penetration. Applications in several areas, including food, forensic, material and cultural heritage sciences, are comprehensively reviewed. The potential for exploiting penetration of electromagnetic radiation is highlighted, paving the way for the development of 3D-resolved X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and NIR imaging approaches able to characterize multilayer samples in a non-invasive way.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"197 ","pages":"Article 118693"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146076712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"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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