Pub Date : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118660
Jiaxuan Gu , Xinyue Lan , Keren Chen , Jingjing Tian , Chengyun Wang , Xinru Gao , Yufan Ren , Wenbiao Shi , Longjiao Zhu , Wentao Xu
Triple-stranded DNA (tsDNA) is an advanced nucleic acid structure formed by the specific insertion of a triple-helix forming oligonucleotide (TFO) into the major groove of purine- and pyrimidine-rich double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), stabilized by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds. Compared to dsDNA, tsDNA exhibits greater structural flexibility and controllability, rapid conformational changes in response to various stimuli. It offers distinct advantages, including ease of sequence design, structural adaptability, and compatibility with body microenvironments in vivo. This review provides a concise overview of tsDNA, emphasizing its structure and the factors that affect its stability. Moreover, the structural change mechanisms of tsDNA are explored through four key aspects: aptamers (Apt), base mismatches, functional DNAzymes, and amplification products. Finally, the biological applications of tsDNA are reviewed across five areas: biosensing, cell imaging, gene therapy, nanomaterials, and drug delivery. The challenges associated with tsDNA, along with potential directions for future research, are also discussed.
{"title":"Structural change mechanisms of triple-stranded DNA and its multidimensional applications in biology","authors":"Jiaxuan Gu , Xinyue Lan , Keren Chen , Jingjing Tian , Chengyun Wang , Xinru Gao , Yufan Ren , Wenbiao Shi , Longjiao Zhu , Wentao Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Triple-stranded DNA (tsDNA) is an advanced nucleic acid structure formed by the specific insertion of a triple-helix forming oligonucleotide (TFO) into the major groove of purine- and pyrimidine-rich double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), stabilized by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonds. Compared to dsDNA, tsDNA exhibits greater structural flexibility and controllability, rapid conformational changes in response to various stimuli. It offers distinct advantages, including ease of sequence design, structural adaptability, and compatibility with body microenvironments in vivo. This review provides a concise overview of tsDNA, emphasizing its structure and the factors that affect its stability. Moreover, the structural change mechanisms of tsDNA are explored through four key aspects: aptamers (Apt), base mismatches, functional DNAzymes, and amplification products. Finally, the biological applications of tsDNA are reviewed across five areas: biosensing, cell imaging, gene therapy, nanomaterials, and drug delivery. The challenges associated with tsDNA, along with potential directions for future research, are also discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118660"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922635","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 : 2026-01-07DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118665
Mussab Uddin , Ahmed S. El-tahlawy , Aya R. Mohammed , Waleed Alahmad
Antibiotics play a vital role in veterinary and human medicine for combating infectious diseases and maintaining animal health. In dairy farming, antimicrobials are widely used for therapeutic and preventive purposes, including dry-cow therapy and medicated milk replacers for calves. While these practices are essential for livestock welfare and economic sustainability, they may result in antibiotic residues in milk and derived products. Infants are particularly vulnerable to such residues due to rapid development, immature detoxification systems, and distinct exposure patterns. Consequently, the detection and control of antibiotic residues in infant milk formula (IMF) are of critical importance to public health. IMF is a fortified matrix rich in proteins and lipids, with added carbohydrates and minerals, which can induce stronger matrix effects and analyte–matrix interactions than regular milk. These characteristics require IMF-specific extraction and cleanup strategies, such as fat removal, protein precipitation, and chelation steps, to ensure accurate ultra-trace quantification. This review presents the first analysis of advanced analytical workflows developed over the past 10 years for the separation and quantification of antibiotic residues in IMF. Particular emphasis is placed on sample preparation approaches tailored to the complex IMF matrix and on chromatographic separation techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. In addition, this review highlights the growing role of chemometrics and artificial intelligence-driven platforms in enhancing data interpretation and predicting contamination risks. By integrating analytical chemistry, food safety, and computational intelligence, this review provides a timely reference for researchers, regulators, and industry professionals worldwide.
{"title":"Ultra-trace detection of antibiotic residues in infant milk formula: Advanced analytical and AI-assisted approaches","authors":"Mussab Uddin , Ahmed S. El-tahlawy , Aya R. Mohammed , Waleed Alahmad","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118665","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118665","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antibiotics play a vital role in veterinary and human medicine for combating infectious diseases and maintaining animal health. In dairy farming, antimicrobials are widely used for therapeutic and preventive purposes, including dry-cow therapy and medicated milk replacers for calves. While these practices are essential for livestock welfare and economic sustainability, they may result in antibiotic residues in milk and derived products. Infants are particularly vulnerable to such residues due to rapid development, immature detoxification systems, and distinct exposure patterns. Consequently, the detection and control of antibiotic residues in infant milk formula (IMF) are of critical importance to public health. IMF is a fortified matrix rich in proteins and lipids, with added carbohydrates and minerals, which can induce stronger matrix effects and analyte–matrix interactions than regular milk. These characteristics require IMF-specific extraction and cleanup strategies, such as fat removal, protein precipitation, and chelation steps, to ensure accurate ultra-trace quantification. This review presents the first analysis of advanced analytical workflows developed over the past 10 years for the separation and quantification of antibiotic residues in IMF. Particular emphasis is placed on sample preparation approaches tailored to the complex IMF matrix and on chromatographic separation techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography. In addition, this review highlights the growing role of chemometrics and artificial intelligence-driven platforms in enhancing data interpretation and predicting contamination risks. By integrating analytical chemistry, food safety, and computational intelligence, this review provides a timely reference for researchers, regulators, and industry professionals worldwide.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118665"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922507","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 : 2026-01-06DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118659
Faihaa Mohammed Eltigani, Xuantao Su
Single particle analysis is essential for clinical diagnosis, which helps identify the highly heterogeneous nature of microscale cells and nanoscale exosomes. However, most analytical methods require the use of labels and stains that could perturb the original bio-states of single cells or exosomes. Light scattering methods offer substantial advances by providing label-free, rapid, and cost-effective imaging and sensing technologies with nanometer detection sensitivity. Recent research has witnessed the emergence of novel label-free methods for single-cell and exosome analysis. This review discusses light scattering imaging and sensing methods for label-free analysis of single cells and exosomes, focusing on high-resolution, high-throughput, and high-content technologies. The review framework also encompasses advances in artificial intelligence for light scattering optical metrology, an essential field in optical imaging and sensing. This review is expected to provide promising directions to leverage light scattering multimodal technology toward label-free multiscale analysis of single cells or exosomes.
{"title":"Recent advances in label-free light scattering imaging and sensing of single cells and exosomes","authors":"Faihaa Mohammed Eltigani, Xuantao Su","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Single particle analysis is essential for clinical diagnosis, which helps identify the highly heterogeneous nature of microscale cells and nanoscale exosomes. However, most analytical methods require the use of labels and stains that could perturb the original bio-states of single cells or exosomes. Light scattering methods offer substantial advances by providing label-free, rapid, and cost-effective imaging and sensing technologies with nanometer detection sensitivity. Recent research has witnessed the emergence of novel label-free methods for single-cell and exosome analysis. This review discusses light scattering imaging and sensing methods for label-free analysis of single cells and exosomes, focusing on high-resolution, high-throughput, and high-content technologies. The review framework also encompasses advances in artificial intelligence for light scattering optical metrology, an essential field in optical imaging and sensing. This review is expected to provide promising directions to leverage light scattering multimodal technology toward label-free multiscale analysis of single cells or exosomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118659"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922634","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 : 2026-01-05DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2026.118647
Eui Young Rho , Jieun Kang , Taeyeon Kim , Minah Seo
The terahertz electromagnetic wave band has recently attracted more attention, is a highly anticipated technology, expected to play an important role in communication, healthcare, environment, and security. With its low photon-energy characteristics, the application of terahertz, which can non-destructively inspect the physical and optical properties of materials. From this point of view, the key is to ensure the free control and versatility of devices operating in this band. To do this, many recent research introduced modulation of the physical properties of materials or combine appropriate structures. We will examine in detail the studies that regulate the physical properties of the material itself by external stimuli such as optical, electrical, or thermal excitation, and the fundamental governing mechanisms by which optical constants can be controlled. This review highlights the potential of the terahertz devices for high-sensitivity sensing technology and its future applications in various fields, along with the challenges of the latest technology.
{"title":"Active terahertz modulation via functional materials: Recent advances and applications","authors":"Eui Young Rho , Jieun Kang , Taeyeon Kim , Minah Seo","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The terahertz electromagnetic wave band has recently attracted more attention, is a highly anticipated technology, expected to play an important role in communication, healthcare, environment, and security. With its low photon-energy characteristics, the application of terahertz, which can non-destructively inspect the physical and optical properties of materials. From this point of view, the key is to ensure the free control and versatility of devices operating in this band. To do this, many recent research introduced modulation of the physical properties of materials or combine appropriate structures. We will examine in detail the studies that regulate the physical properties of the material itself by external stimuli such as optical, electrical, or thermal excitation, and the fundamental governing mechanisms by which optical constants can be controlled. This review highlights the potential of the terahertz devices for high-sensitivity sensing technology and its future applications in various fields, along with the challenges of the latest technology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118647"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922591","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}
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that lack protein-coding potential but regulate pivotal biological processes and carcinogenesis. Dysregulated lncRNA expression contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of diverse diseases, including cancers, neuronal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, lncRNAs have served as both diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cancers. Recently, numerous analytical techniques have been established for lncRNA detection, providing valuable insights into the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of diseases. However, there are no systematic review that comprehensively summarizes the classification, biological functions, analytical methods, and clinical applications of lncRNAs. Herein, we introduce the classification and biological functions of lncRNAs, and focus on the advances in novel strategies from in vitro detection to in vivo imaging of lncRNA. We summarize their mechanisms, performances, features, and potential applications in tumor cell discrimination, clinical diagnosis, and disease therapy. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and future directions in the field.
{"title":"Advances in novel strategies for long noncoding RNA assay","authors":"Huimin Yuan, Hai-juan Li, Li-juan Wang, Chun-yang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that lack protein-coding potential but regulate pivotal biological processes and carcinogenesis. Dysregulated lncRNA expression contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of diverse diseases, including cancers, neuronal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, lncRNAs have served as both diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cancers. Recently, numerous analytical techniques have been established for lncRNA detection, providing valuable insights into the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of diseases. However, there are no systematic review that comprehensively summarizes the classification, biological functions, analytical methods, and clinical applications of lncRNAs. Herein, we introduce the classification and biological functions of lncRNAs, and focus on the advances in novel strategies from <em>in vitro</em> detection to <em>in vivo</em> imaging of lncRNA. We summarize their mechanisms, performances, features, and potential applications in tumor cell discrimination, clinical diagnosis, and disease therapy. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and future directions in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118646"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922590","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 : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2025.118642
Chen Liu , Yongqi Cheng , Lehui Lu
Electrochemical technology has emerged as a highly promising approach for diverse advanced applications, including energy conversion, substance detection, chemical synthesis, and precision machining. Its recent application in molecular diagnosis is particularly significant, as it enables monitoring of molecular-level changes and provides dynamic feedback during biological processes. In neurological medicine, the primary role of electrochemical molecular diagnostics lies in recording in situ fluctuations of neurochemicals. Moreover, various electrochemical techniques and sensors serve as indispensable tools in molecular diagnostic workflows and have been increasingly applied to neurological applications. This review highlights the technical advances in electrochemical technologies for molecular diagnostics reported in the past five years. We further discuss the current limitations and future challenges associated with the clinical translation of electrochemical neural biosensors, with particular emphasis on their potential for rapid high-throughput screening of large-scale clinical samples and real-time in vivo detection.
{"title":"From laboratory development to clinical translation: Electrochemical sensing strategy for neural interfaces","authors":"Chen Liu , Yongqi Cheng , Lehui Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Electrochemical technology has emerged as a highly promising approach for diverse advanced applications, including energy conversion, substance detection, chemical synthesis, and precision machining. Its recent application in molecular diagnosis is particularly significant, as it enables monitoring of molecular-level changes and provides dynamic feedback during biological processes. In neurological medicine, the primary role of electrochemical molecular diagnostics lies in recording in situ fluctuations of neurochemicals. Moreover, various electrochemical techniques and sensors serve as indispensable tools in molecular diagnostic workflows and have been increasingly applied to neurological applications. This review highlights the technical advances in electrochemical technologies for molecular diagnostics reported in the past five years. We further discuss the current limitations and future challenges associated with the clinical translation of electrochemical neural biosensors, with particular emphasis on their potential for rapid high-throughput screening of large-scale clinical samples and real-time in vivo detection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118642"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882553","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 : 2026-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2025.118645
Jianyuan Qin, Xing Wu, Fang Wang, Binggang Xiao, Yong Du
Terahertz sensing techniques have been widely utilized to determine the properties of targets across a range of fields in recent years. Artificial intelligence algorithms provide a promising solution to address the escalating need for higher efficiency and accuracy. With the aid of artificial intelligence algorithms, terahertz sensing techniques can significantly improve their performance in terms of analytical sensitivity, imaging resolution, and operational efficacy. This review is devoted to the recent advances in terahertz sensing techniques assisted by artificial intelligence algorithms. First, an overview of terahertz sensing techniques and artificial intelligence algorithms is provided. Subsequently, the applications of artificial intelligence algorithms in terahertz spectroscopy, imaging, and metasensor design are elaborated in detail. Finally, a conclusion and outlook for artificial intelligence algorithms-assisted terahertz sensing techniques are presented.
{"title":"Recent advances in application of artificial intelligence algorithms in terahertz sensing techniques","authors":"Jianyuan Qin, Xing Wu, Fang Wang, Binggang Xiao, Yong Du","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118645","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118645","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Terahertz sensing techniques have been widely utilized to determine the properties of targets across a range of fields in recent years. Artificial intelligence algorithms provide a promising solution to address the escalating need for higher efficiency and accuracy. With the aid of artificial intelligence algorithms, terahertz sensing techniques can significantly improve their performance in terms of analytical sensitivity, imaging resolution, and operational efficacy. This review is devoted to the recent advances in terahertz sensing techniques assisted by artificial intelligence algorithms. First, an overview of terahertz sensing techniques and artificial intelligence algorithms is provided. Subsequently, the applications of artificial intelligence algorithms in terahertz spectroscopy, imaging, and metasensor design are elaborated in detail. Finally, a conclusion and outlook for artificial intelligence algorithms-assisted terahertz sensing techniques are presented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118645"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922587","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 : 2025-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2025.118643
Pablo Montoro , Mohammed Zougagh , Ángel Ríos
One of the main objectives for analytical chemists is the accurate and precise determination of target analytes in real samples. Although solid-phase extraction (SPE) has been a traditional and standard approach to achieve this purpose, conventional sorbents often suffer from limited selectivity, poor regeneration capacity, and a narrow sorption range, which restrict their applicability in challenging analytical scenarios. In this context, nanomaterials emerged as promising alternatives because of their tunable composition and structure, functionalizable surface, high specific surface area, and remarkable thermal, chemical, and physical stability. Relevant literature related to their use as sorbents in sample preparation protocols published in 2020–2025 are discussed. The period of last five years has been selected since a marked increase in the development of advanced two-dimensional nanosorbents, hybrid nanocomposites, and novel sustainable approaches has been noted, consolidating previously observed trends in this field. This review focuses on used nanomaterials, extraction methodology, and applications, including target analytes, and real samples. Additionally, an evaluation of key drawbacks derived from the use of nanomaterials such as aggregation tendency, cost-effectiveness for routine applications, and regulatory concerns is addressed. Although the nanomaterials have already demonstrated the potential to overcome limitations of conventional SPE sorbents, their definitive implementation will depend on addressing these unresolved challenges. This work is intended to provide an update on this topic and underscore future research directions that may enable practical implementation of nanomaterials as sorbents.
{"title":"Recent advances in solid phase extraction involving nanomaterials for analytical purpose: A critical view","authors":"Pablo Montoro , Mohammed Zougagh , Ángel Ríos","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118643","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118643","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>One of the main objectives for analytical chemists is the accurate and precise determination of target analytes in real samples. Although solid-phase extraction (SPE) has been a traditional and standard approach to achieve this purpose, conventional sorbents often suffer from limited selectivity, poor regeneration capacity, and a narrow sorption range, which restrict their applicability in challenging analytical scenarios. In this context, nanomaterials emerged as promising alternatives because of their tunable composition and structure, functionalizable surface, high specific surface area, and remarkable thermal, chemical, and physical stability. Relevant literature related to their use as sorbents in sample preparation protocols published in 2020–2025 are discussed. The period of last five years has been selected since a marked increase in the development of advanced two-dimensional nanosorbents, hybrid nanocomposites, and novel sustainable approaches has been noted, consolidating previously observed trends in this field. This review focuses on used nanomaterials, extraction methodology, and applications, including target analytes, and real samples. Additionally, an evaluation of key drawbacks derived from the use of nanomaterials such as aggregation tendency, cost-effectiveness for routine applications, and regulatory concerns is addressed. Although the nanomaterials have already demonstrated the potential to overcome limitations of conventional SPE sorbents, their definitive implementation will depend on addressing these unresolved challenges. This work is intended to provide an update on this topic and underscore future research directions that may enable practical implementation of nanomaterials as sorbents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118643"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922562","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}
The beginning of this century has witnessed the emergence of many disruptive technologies changing the ways of sensing target analytes. Among these, smartphone-enabled analytical devices (SEADs) have gained attention as a promising technology, particularly in resource-limited settings. SEADs are recognized for being portable, cost-effective, user-friendly, and reliable platforms for detecting a wide range of analytes. In parallel, paper-based analytical devices (PADs) primarily relying on colorimetric or fluorescence signal transduction, have also attracted significant research interest across various applications. This review highlights the potential of integrating these two emerging analytical platforms, a combination that could revolutionize future onsite sensing. An overview of SEADs and PADs is provided, with focus on recent developments in optical detection. Advantages and limitations of integrating smartphones with PADs in different scenarios are presented. Additionally, recent applications of smartphone-coupled PADs are presented. Finally, key challenges associated with merging these two technologies are discussed.
{"title":"Integrating smartphone optical sensors with paper-based analytical devices: a future standalone platform for onsite detection and analysis","authors":"Yanawut Manmana , Biprav Chetry , Sibasish Dutta , Pabitra Nath , Daniel Citterio","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118625","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118625","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The beginning of this century has witnessed the emergence of many disruptive technologies changing the ways of sensing target analytes. Among these, smartphone-enabled analytical devices (SEADs) have gained attention as a promising technology, particularly in resource-limited settings. SEADs are recognized for being portable, cost-effective, user-friendly, and reliable platforms for detecting a wide range of analytes. In parallel, paper-based analytical devices (PADs) primarily relying on colorimetric or fluorescence signal transduction, have also attracted significant research interest across various applications. This review highlights the potential of integrating these two emerging analytical platforms, a combination that could revolutionize future onsite sensing. An overview of SEADs and PADs is provided, with focus on recent developments in optical detection. Advantages and limitations of integrating smartphones with PADs in different scenarios are presented. Additionally, recent applications of smartphone-coupled PADs are presented. Finally, key challenges associated with merging these two technologies are discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118625"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145973573","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 : 2025-12-31DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2025.118641
Jia Gao, Wei Wang
Single-cell metabolic heterogeneity is a fundamental aspect of bacterial physiology, influencing cellular growth, stress adaptation, and antibiotic response. However, this heterogeneity is often obscured by population-averaged measurements. Recent advances in real-time optical imaging now enable direct tracking of individual bacterial cells, providing temporal resolution of metabolic activity and revealing transient behaviors that are inaccessible using bulk approaches. This review surveys two major imaging strategies: fluorescence-based methods, which provide sensitive and specific readouts of metabolic dynamics, and label-free techniques, which capture intrinsic physical or chemical signatures associated with cellular activity. When integrated with microfluidic confinement and live-cell tracking, these approaches support high-throughput and long-term studies at single-cell resolution. Together, these imaging capabilities have enabled diverse applications, including rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), identification of transient electrochemical phenomena, and lineage-resolved analysis of heritable metabolic traits. By comparing the sensitivity, specificity, and physiological invasiveness of current methodologies, this review highlights how real-time single-bacterium imaging contributes to an improved understanding of microbial individuality and informs developments in antibiotic discovery, microbial engineering, and systems-level metabolic modeling.
{"title":"Recent advances in real-time imaging of single-bacterium metabolic dynamics","authors":"Jia Gao, Wei Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Single-cell metabolic heterogeneity is a fundamental aspect of bacterial physiology, influencing cellular growth, stress adaptation, and antibiotic response. However, this heterogeneity is often obscured by population-averaged measurements. Recent advances in real-time optical imaging now enable direct tracking of individual bacterial cells, providing temporal resolution of metabolic activity and revealing transient behaviors that are inaccessible using bulk approaches. This review surveys two major imaging strategies: fluorescence-based methods, which provide sensitive and specific readouts of metabolic dynamics, and label-free techniques, which capture intrinsic physical or chemical signatures associated with cellular activity. When integrated with microfluidic confinement and live-cell tracking, these approaches support high-throughput and long-term studies at single-cell resolution. Together, these imaging capabilities have enabled diverse applications, including rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST), identification of transient electrochemical phenomena, and lineage-resolved analysis of heritable metabolic traits. By comparing the sensitivity, specificity, and physiological invasiveness of current methodologies, this review highlights how real-time single-bacterium imaging contributes to an improved understanding of microbial individuality and informs developments in antibiotic discovery, microbial engineering, and systems-level metabolic modeling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118641"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882559","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}