Analytical science advances最新文献

Atmospheric deposition of organic pollutants plays a crucial role in the transport and fate of contaminants in the environment, with implications for ecosystem health and human exposure. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and microplastics are increasingly recognized as transboundary threats due to their long-range atmospheric transport and accumulation. Despite international regulatory efforts, such as the Stockholm Convention and the EU's new air quality directives, data on deposition fluxes remain sparse and highly variable due to methodological inconsistencies and analytical limitations. Key challenges arise from the trace levels of target analytes, the complexity of environmental matrices and the absence of standardized sampling and analytical protocols. Overcoming these limitations is crucial for establishing robust monitoring systems and supporting evidence-based risk assessments. This review highlights recent developments and methodological innovations in the study of bulk atmospheric deposition of organic pollutants. Key areas of focus include (1) a critical evaluation of sampling devices and strategies, with an emphasis on bottle-funnel and passive sampler designs that influence data quality, (2) advances in extraction and sample preparation techniques, including liquid–liquid and solid-phase extraction tailored to trace-level environmental contaminants, (3) identification of key analytical constraints and variability in recovery efficiencies across different compound classes and analytical workflows, (4) a synthesis of over 160 peer-reviewed studies offering a comparative framework for future monitoring campaigns and harmonization of analytical approaches.

A simple, rapid and eco-friendly smartphone-assisted colorimetric method was developed for the determination of imeglimin hydrochloride (IMG) in pharmaceutical dosage forms. The method is based on the formation of an orange-coloured ion-pair complex between eosin Y (EY) and the amine group of IMG through electrostatic interactions in an acidic medium. The intensity of the resulting colour was quantified using a smartphone camera, and the colour parameters were analysed using ImageJ software and the colour detector application. The absorbance of the resulting IMG–EY complex was recorded spectrophotometrically at the maximum wavelength of 524 nm. The smartphone and spectrophotometric approaches exhibited a linear response in the concentration range of 0.8–10 µg/mL, showing satisfactory accuracy and precision. Furthermore, the analytical performance of the ImageJ and RGB colour detector applications was evaluated and compared, confirming their reliability for quantitative colour analysis. The proposed methods were statistically compared with a direct spectrophotometric method for IMG determination. The combination of smartphone-based analysis with colorimetric detection provides a cost-effective, portable and user-friendly alternative for the routine quality control of pharmaceutical formulations.

Arboviruses such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever share similar clinical manifestations, making differential diagnosis challenging, particularly in endemic regions with viral co-circulation. Conventional laboratory methods present important limitations, including cross-reactivity and reliance on specialized infrastructure. In this scenario, spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier-transform attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR) and Raman, when combined with artificial intelligence (AI), have shown promise by enabling rapid, low-cost analyses. This systematic review (PROSPERO CRD420251006929) aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize studies that applied infrared and Raman spectroscopy to clinical samples, supported by chemometric models. All 23 included studies investigated dengue patients, with only one also assessing Zika and chikungunya. Most studies employed Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis methods, such as principal component analysis with linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA, 39.1%) and partial least squares with discriminant analysis (PLS-DA, 21.7%), with an overall sensitivity of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91–0.96) and overall specificity of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.98) for Raman spectroscopy. The risk of bias across all studies was high, according to PROBAST-AI development and evaluation assessment. These findings highlight the potential of spectroscopic approaches combined with AI for diagnosing arboviral infections, although further robust studies are required to support broader clinical validation.

The current study evaluated the application of a novel and advanced photochemical biosensing platform for the detection of multiple biomarkers of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and cancer antigen 15–3 (CA 15.3) in human plasma samples using optical biomedical analysis. For the first time, toluidine blue (TB)-decorated polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) micro-arrays integrated with smartphone-based digital image analysis towards cancer biomarkers detection. Immunosensing was achieved through antigen-antibody binding, which induce TB aggregation via immunocomplex formation, resulting in quantifiable colorimetric shifts mediated by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) modulation. The assay demonstrated linear ranges of 1–60, 1–75 and 1–125 µg/mL, with a low limit of quantification of 10, 1 and 1 µg/mL, for PSA, CEA and CA 15.3, respectively. A smartphone-enabled ambient light sensor was employed for real-time digital colorimetry, enabling user-friendly quantification of prostate, colon and breast cancer biomarker without specialized instrumentation. The developed system addresses critical gaps in point-of-care diagnostics by combining scalable PMMA microarray fabrication, targeted TB-antibody conjugation chemistry and machine vision-based signal processing into a unified workflow. This low-cost, multiplexed sensing approach holds significant promise for early cancer screening in resource-limited settings, with potential applications in clinical diagnostics, remote health monitoring and personalized medicine.

Tagetes erecta L. is widely studied for its flower-derived lutein, which is known for promoting eye health. However, its roots contain uniquely thiophenes—absent from the flowers and leaves—which exhibit valuable bioactivity. Our recent study has reported on patent applications related to their efficacy in modulating benign prostatic hyperplasia, underscoring their pharmaceutical and functional potential. Despite this, no optimized extraction or quality evaluation of thiophene-rich T. erecta roots has been reported. This study aimed to establish a reliable extraction strategy for thiophene-rich T. erecta roots and to ensure chemical consistency through validated HPLC quantification and chromatographic fingerprint similarity analysis. Three major thiophenes—5-(4-hydroxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (1), 5-(4-acetoxybut-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (2) and 5-(3-buten-1-ynyl)-2,2'-bithiophene (3)—were isolated and structurally confirmed. The extraction variables (solvent, plant part, method, sample amount and time) were optimized. Quantification was performed via validated HPLC-PDA using in-house purified standards (≥ 98%), and fingerprint similarity was evaluated. Ultrasonic extraction for 2 h with 5 g of root powder in 95% ethanol gave optimal yield and reproducibility. The HPLC method exhibited excellent linearity (R² > 0.999), precision (RSD < 1%) and recovery (93.20%–105.24%). Fingerprint analysis of 13 common peaks revealed high similarity (0.984–1.000), indicating stable chemical profiles. This study provides a validated workflow for thiophene-rich T. erecta roots, highlights the significance of root-derived thiophenes and offers a practical basis for process development, quality control and future standardization of thiophenes and related constituents.

Uraria rufescens is traditionally used in Bangladesh for fever and inflammation, yet its phyto-pharmacological profile was not explored adequately. This investigation exerted the phytochemical composition and pharmacological activities of its leaves methanolic extractives (URME), focusing on in vitro antioxidant and thrombolytic, along with in vivo anxiolytic, antidepressant and analgesic effects. Phytochemical screening was conducted via various chemical tests, whereas secondary molecules were isolated using chromatographic techniques and identified by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). Thrombolytic activity was determined by clot lysis. In vivo studies assessed antidepressant effects through forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST), anxiolytic activity by the elevated plus maze (EPM) and hole-board test (HBT), and analgesic effects by acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking models. Screening confirmed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, phenols, steroids and terpenoids. Seven compounds were isolated and identified for the first time from U. rufescens leaves: trans-sinapic acid 1, fisetin 2, oleanolic acid 3, aesculin 4, taraxerone 5, sitogluside 6 and syringaresinol 7. The ethyl acetate fraction showed strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 32.78 µg/mL), whereas the chloroform fraction had the highest TPC (742.24 mg GAE/g) and TFC (703.15 mg QE/g). The aqueous fraction demonstrated notable thrombolytic activity (52.03%). URME significantly reduced immobility in FST and TST, indicating strong antidepressant effects. In EPM and HBT, URME moderately enhanced open-arm time (41.8 s) and head dips (36.8 s). URME also produced dose-dependent analgesic activity in both central and peripheral models. The plant contains various phenolic compounds and exhibits strong antioxidant and thrombolytic activities, as well as dose-dependent antidepressant and analgesic effects with moderate anxiolytic potential. Further studies are needed to isolate bioactive molecules and clarify mechanisms.

Soil fertility decline and land degradation pose significant challenges to agricultural production and food security for smallholder farmers in South Ethiopia. The widespread deficiency and limited plant availability of phosphorus (P), often locked in less available forms despite its presence. This study aimed to examine P fractionation characteristics across different land uses, encompassing home gardens, forage land, grazing land, cropland, and woodlot in Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia regional state. Soil samples were collected from two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) and analyzed for physicochemical properties and P fractions using the modified Hedley sequential method. The result indicated that the home gardens exhibited the highest pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), exchangeable bases (Ca, K, Na), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) across both soil depths. These higher values are attributed to intensive management, continuous organic amendment application, and diverse plant species. The analysis of soil P fractions revealed that home gardens had the highest labile P, while cropland showed higher NaOH-Pi and residual P. The Corg:Po ratio indicated the highest values in grazing lands, suggesting potential P immobilization, and the lowest in croplands, potentially favouring mineralization. Total inorganic P (TPi) was highest in home gardens, supporting enhanced mineralization, whereas total organic P (TPo) showed significant variation influenced by management. The soil pH, SOC, TN, AP, Ca⁺², and K⁺ were positively significant with the various P fractions, while exchangeable acidity showed an inverse relationship. Thus, home gardens demonstrated enhanced P availability and better soil fertility. The findings indicate the critical need for site-specific nutrient management strategies to optimize phosphorus use efficiency, improve soil health, and enhance agricultural sustainability in South Ethiopia.

This study investigates the chemical components of Youjing Granules (YG) and identifies blood-absorbed components in rat serum following YG administration via gavage. Chemical components and blood-absorbed components of YG were analysed and identified using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-orbitrap-MS). Identification was achieved by comparing retention time, precise molecular weight, secondary MS fragments with literature data and reference substances. A total of 132 chemical components were identified and analysed from YG, primarily including flavonoids, prenol lipids, organooxygen compounds, isoflavonoids, steroids and steroid derivatives, as well as cinnamic acids and derivatives. Twenty-four blood-absorbed components were detected in serum, comprising 15 prototype components and 9 metabolites. The analysis of chemical components and blood-absorbed components in YG using UPLC-Q-orbitrap-MS technology provides a reference basis for further elucidating the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action of YG.

A novel micro-array was developed to a colorimetric detection of some amines, including histamine (HT), cadaverine (CAD), 1,4-diaminobutane (putrescine), 2-phenylethylamine (2-PEA), spermidine (SD) and ethylenediamine (EA) using silver nanoparticle (silver nanoprisms [AgNPrs]) as optical nanoprobe. This method relies on the chemical interaction between the TA-AgNPrs probe and candidate amines, resulting in observable colour changes. The interaction mechanisms were analysed using various techniques, including UV–visible spectrophotometry, naked-eye colorimetry dynamic light scattering spectroscopy and zeta potential measurements. The efficient interactions between the analytes and the optical probe are particularly observed at absorption conditions of 220–800 nm by a UV–visible spectrophotometry method. The designed chemosensor accurately detects various amines in the linear concentrations ranging of 1 µM to 50 mM. This analytical system has been successfully applied to analyse candidate amines in meat samples.