Abstract: Early detection of cancer biomarkers in blood is critical for improving patient outcomes; however, conventional immunoassays often rely on complex instrumentation and are not well suited for point-of-care testing or multiplexed analysis. Herein, we present a dual-mode colorimetric–surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) platform for multiplexed detection of cancer biomarkers, employing elongated rod-shaped silver nanoshells (ERNSs) as SERS nanotags. The ERNS features a rough Ag shell with internally incorporated Raman labeling compounds (RLCs), enabling plasmonic extinction for visual readout and strong SERS signals for quantitative analysis while preserving the external metal surfaces for efficient antibody conjugation. Leveraging these advantages, a multiplex LFIA capable of simultaneously detecting prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) on a single strip was successfully demonstrated. Visual inspection enabled rapid discrimination of samples at or near clinically relevant cut-off levels, while Raman analysis achieved limits of detection of 8.0 × 10-3 ng/mL for PSA and 5.4 × 10-2 U/mL for CA19-9, corresponding to approximately 500-fold and 685-fold lower concentrations than their respective clinical thresholds. This ERNS-based colorimetric–SERS LFIA integrates rapid screening and highly sensitive quantification within a single platform and offers a versatile nanoprobe design strategy for multiplex biomarker detection and liquid biopsy–based point-of-care diagnostics.

Abstract: A flexible paper base SERS substrate with hydrophobic surface was fabricated through a simple route. The Ag nanoparticle was modified on filter paper through in situ growth method. After optimizing the condition during the growth and surface modification process, the hydrophobic filter paper-Ag was prepared via soaking in 10-8 g/ml of 1-Dodecanethiol with 12 h growth time. The flexible SERS substrate exhibit excellent hydrophobic properties, the contact angle of water could achieve 130.2 °. When the solution of analyte was dropped onto the SERS substrate, the diffusion effect was limited. After evaporation, the target analyte was concentrated within a fixed area. The hydrophobic SERS substrate could simultaneously improve the SERS signal and fluorescence of the analyte. The paper base SERS substrate with hydrophobic surface was used for detecting thiram from edible oil, and the sensitivity was down to 10-7 M. We proposed a flexible, economical and green hydrophobic SERS substrate for the detection of harmful ingredient from hydrophobic phase.

Abstract:

Polyphenols are a structurally diverse group of plant secondary metabolites widely recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and chemoprotective properties, which have stimulated their extensive use in food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products. However, their chemical heterogeneity, wide polarity range, and strong interactions with plant matrices pose major challenges for efficient extraction, separation, and reliable analytical characterization. This review provides a critical overview of contemporary strategies for the extraction, separation, and identification of polyphenols from plant-derived matrices. Conventional extraction methods, including maceration, Soxhlet extraction, and percolation, are discussed alongside modern green technologies such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pressurized liquid extraction, and supercritical fluid extraction. Particular emphasis is placed on environmentally friendly solvents, including ethanol, natural deep eutectic solvents, and ionic liquids, as sustainable alternatives that improve extraction efficiency while reducing environmental impact. The review further highlights chromatographic separation approaches—partition, adsorption, ion-exchange, size-exclusion, and affinity chromatography—and underlines the importance of hyphenated analytical platforms (LC–MS, LC–MS/MS, and LC–NMR) for comprehensive polyphenol profiling. Key analytical challenges, including matrix effects, compound instability, and limited availability of reference standards, are addressed, together with perspectives on industrial implementation, quality control, and standardization.

Abstract: Forensic ethanol gas standards are used for, among other, the calibration and metrological verification of evidential breath analysers as described in OIML-R126. A correction for the amount fraction ethanol in forensic gas standards due to cylinder wall adsorption is described. The correction was developed for both the national primary measurement standards as well as for derived primary reference materials. A novel method based on the well-known decanting principle was developed and assessed using two suites of gas mixtures with ethanol amount fractions between 50 μmol mol⁻¹ to 1000 μmol mol⁻¹ in nitrogen. From the results, it is inferred that the initial adsorption loss is a function of the amount fraction and an interpolation formula was developed accordingly. To account for differences in adsorption between cylinders, a mixed effects model was used to describe the adsorption loss data with an excess standard deviation to account for between-cylinder effects.

Abstract: Growing global populations and the rapid increase in older adults are driving healthcare costs upward. In response, the healthcare system is shifting toward models that allow for continuous monitoring of individuals without requiring hospital ad-mission. Advances in sensing technologies, embedded systems, wireless communica-tion, nanotechnology, and device miniaturization have made it possible to develop smart systems that continuously track human activity. Wearable sensors can monitor physiological indicators and other symptoms, helping to detect unusual or unexpected events. This enables timely assistance when it is needed most. This paper outlines these challenges and reviews recent developments in wearable sensor–based human activity monitoring systems. The focus is on health monitoring applications, including relevant biomarkers, wearable and implantable sensors, estab-lished sensor technologies currently used in healthcare, and the future prospects and challenges involved in researching, developing, and applying these sensors to support widespread use in human health monitoring.

Abstract:

Pesticide contamination poses significant threats to both humans and the environment, with residues frequently detected in surface waters worldwide. This study compares the effectiveness of passive samplers (POCIS and Chemcatcher), and grab sampling coupled with Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) and Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) for monitoring pesticides in surface waters. The comparative study was conducted at three sites in Victoria, Australia, representing different land uses. A total of 230 pesticides were screened, with 79 different pesticides detected overall. SBSE extracted the highest number of pesticides from grab samples, followed by SPE and passive samplers. The study highlights the complementarity of different sampling and extraction techniques in detecting a wide range of pesticides. The study also explores the suitability of these techniques for citizen science applications, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate methods based on specific research objectives and available resources. The findings underscore the need for a tiered approach, combining passive samplers for initial screening and grab sampling for quantitative analysis, to develop a robust monitoring strategy for protecting water quality.

Abstract: Background: Cleaning validation is a critical component of pharmaceutical manufacturing quality assurance, ensuring the prevention of cross-contamination between production batches. Two predominant analytical techniques, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis, are widely employed for residue detection, yet the optimal selection between these methodologies remains a subject of ongoing debate within the industry. Objective: This review critically evaluates the comparative advantages, limitations, and application contexts of HPLC and TOC analysis in pharmaceutical cleaning validation programs, providing evidence-based guidance for method selection. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted examining peer-reviewed publications, regulatory guidance documents, and industry case studies from 2010 to 2025. Selection criteria included studies comparing analytical performance, regulatory compliance, and practical implementation considerations. Results: HPLC demonstrates superior specificity for active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) quantification with detection limits typically ranging from 0.1–10 µg/mL, while TOC analysis offers advantages in non-specific organic contamination detection with broader applicability and faster analysis times (typically 3–8 minutes versus 15–60 minutes for HPLC). Regulatory guidance from the FDA and EMA supports both methodologies when appropriately validated, with the selection dependent on the specific cleaning validation objectives. Conclusions: Neither technique is universally superior; rather, the optimal choice depends on the validation objective, equipment characteristics, product portfolio complexity, and regulatory requirements. A risk-based approach combining both methodologies may provide the most comprehensive cleaning validation strategy for multi-product facilities.

Abstract: An optical fiber chemical sensor using a molecularly imprinted chitosan membrane coated on the surface of a bent optical fiber probe was developed for selectively analyzing 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in water samples. When the sensor probe was exposed to a water sample, the chitosan MIP membrane extracts/concentrates 4-NP from water sample into the membrane. The 4-NP extracted into the membrane was detected by passing a light beam through the optical fiber, and the interaction of 4-NP in the membrane with evanescent wave of light guided through the optical fiber was detected as a sensing signal. This sensor detects the intrinsic optical absorption signal of 4-NP itself as a sensing signal. No chemical reagent was needed in analyzing this compound in a sample. The sensor is reversible, can be used for continuous monitoring of 4-NP in a sample, and has quick response with a response time of 5 min. The sensor has high sensitivity and selectivity because the MIP membrane selectively concentrates 4-NP by 1.4*104 times into the membrane from a sample solution, but blocks out interference species, including its isomers and derivatives, from entering the membrane. The sensor achieved a detection limit of 2.5 ng/mL (0.018 µM), which is lower than most reported analytical techniques for analyzing this compound in water sample. This sensor can discriminate 4-NP from its isomers and derivatives, such as 2-NP, 3-NP, 2-Cl-4-NP, 2,4-di-NP with a selectivity factor ranging from 104 to 1922. The sensor has been used for analyzing 4-NP in a standard addition sample. The obtained recovery rate ranged from 93% to 101%, demonstrating the application potential of this sensor in water quality analysis.

Abstract: Novel colourimetric sensors are readily devised by combining multifunctional (nano)materials with miniature optoelectronic components. The demand to detect and monitor metal ions has resulted in the invention of new colourimetric sensing schemes, especially for use at the Point-of-Need (PoN). Nonetheless, the design of fully reversible optical materials for continuous real-time ion monitoring remains a bottleneck in the practical realisation of sensors. Magnesium ion is vital to physiological and environmental processes, but monitoring can be challenging, particularly in the presence of Ca2+ as a cross-sensitive interferent in real samples. In this work, a chromophore molecule Hyphan I (1-(2-hydroxy-5-ß-hydroxyethylsulfonyl-phenyl-azo)-2-naphthol) has been grafted onto a cellulose matrix with a simple one-pot vinylsulfonyl process, to form a transparent, biocompatible and highly flexible thin-film colourimetric magnesium ion sensing material (Cellulose Film with Hyphan - CFH). The CFH film has a pH response time of < 60s over the pH range 4 to 9, with a pKa = 5.8. The LOD and LOQ for Mg2+ at pH 8 are 0.089 mM and 0.318 mM, respectively, with an RSD = 0.93%. The CFH film exhibits negligible interference from alkaline and alkaline earth metals, but irreversibly binds certain transition metals (Fe3+, Cu2+ and Zn2+). The CFH material has a fast and fully reversible colourimetric response to pH and Mg2+ over physiologically relevant ranges without interference by Ca2+, demonstrating good potential for integration into microfluidic systems and wearable sensors for biofluid monitoring.

Abstract: A nanobioarray (NBA) chip has been developed with the goal of having a high throughput system that analyze proteins of low sample volumes against multiple probes in a short time. A combination of horizontal and vertical channels are produced to create an antigen array on the surface of the NBA chip in one dimension that is probed by flowing protein samples (e.g. antibodies) from biological fluids in the orthogonal dimension. To improve sensitivity, we have tested the NBA chip by immobilizing streptavidin and then biotinylated peptide to detect the presence of a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) that is specific for the peptide. Bound antibody is detected by an AlexaFluor 647 labeled goat (anti-mouse IgG) polyclonal antibody. Using this NBA chip, we have successfully detected antibodies in samples in 500 nL containing 50 pM of MAb (or 25 attomoles), and this demonstrates a detection limit below that of a comparable ELISA, utilizing a shorter reaction time. Such a system is intended for assays of protein mixtures in biofluids, even for proteomic studies.

Abstract:

In this study, three point mutations of EGFR relevant to lung cancer therapy are detected. Mutated EGFR is the target of a therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as treatment drugs. Background/Objectives: Point mutations in exon 21 (L858R and L861Q) of the EGFR gene are TKI-sensitive; however, mutations in exon 20 (T790M) are TKI-resistant. Therefore, a fast detection method that classifies a NSCLC patient to be drug sensitive or drug resistant is highly clinically relevant. Methods: Probes were designed to detect three point mutations in genomic samples based on DNA hybridization on a solid surface. A method has been developed to detect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) for these mutation detections in the 16-channel nanobioarray chip. The wash by gold-nanoparticles (AuNP) was used to assist the differentiation detection Results: The gold nanoparticle-assisted wash method has enhanced differentiation between WT and mutated sequences relevant to the EGFR sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Conclusions: The WT and mutated sequences (T790M, L858R and L861Q) in genomic samples were successfully differentiated from each other.

Abstract: Alecrim-do-campo (Baccharis dracunculifolia) is a species of agroindustrial and medicinal relevance that has attracted increasing interest in recent years due to its distinctive chemical profile rich in bioactive compounds. In this context, the present study evaluated the efficiency of different extraction conditions for volatile compounds in alecrim-do-campo, aiming to contribute to the traceability of products that use this species as a source of metabolites. A 2³ factorial design was employed to assess the best conditions for extracting volatiles by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS‑SPME), using three different semipolar fibers (PDMS/DVB, DVB/CAR/PDMS and CAR/PDMS). Regarding the effect of the variation factors to which the samples were subjected, only the extraction time (min) had a significant effect on compound extraction using the CAR/PDMS fiber. In total, 79 volatile compounds were detected using the three fibers, with CAR/PDMS (43 compounds) and DVB/CAR/PDMS (44 compounds) showing the highest diversity. The nature of this study is important for the industry because it optimizes the search for quality parameters in plant-derived products.

Abstract:

Paris polyphylla (Chonglou), a medicinal herb documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and a key component of formulas such as Yunnan Baiyao, is a rare and endangered plant prized for its bioactive steroidal saponins, notably polyphyllin I (PPI) and II (PPII). However, its pharmacological potential is hampered by inefficient extraction and unreliable compound identification. Herein, we developed a sustainable and efficient extraction strategy using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents (DES), optimized via an L₉(3⁴) orthogonal experimental design. Extraction efficiencies across the seven Paris species ranged from 2.04% to 16.51%, achieved by systematically optimizing key parameters such as the choline chloride-to-ethanol molar ratio (1:1.8), material-to-liquid ratio (1:20 g mL^-1), and extraction time (100 min). By ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) analysis, PPI and PPII were quantified using specific retention times and characteristic fragment ions, revealing content ranges of 3.282–21.452 mg g^-1 and 4.201–17.975 mg g^-1, respectively. This methodology provides a robust platform for quality control and standardization of Paris-derived medicines, while paving the way for sustainable utilization and in-depth study of its steroidal saponins.

Abstract: Purpose : Data stability is a critical factor in ToF-SIMS single-cell analysis. However, various factors, such as sample processing, instrument condition, and data acquisition, can introduce uncertainties into ToF-SIMS data. Correcting this data is vital, yet current methods mainly focus on total ion current normalization or using consistent substrates. No specific correction method exists for ToF-SIMS single-cell metabolomics. Methods: This study utilizes the Norm-SVR, commonly used methods for correcting large-scale metabolomics data, for the correction of ToF-SIMS single-cell metabolomic analysis and assesses its performance in comparison to traditional total ion current normalization. Results and Conclusion: The results suggest that Norm-SVR effectively diminishes batch effects and reduces variability, thereby underscoring the method's efficacy and practicality. This approach is expected to improve data quality assurance in extensive ToF-SIMS analytical datasets.

Abstract:

In this study, a novel material obtained from shredded maize stalk (MS) was functionalized using Alizarine Red S (ArS), a complexing agent that contains -OH and -C=O groups in its structure (MS-ArS). The obtained material MS-ArS was employed in adsorption experiments for Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cr³⁺, Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺ (Mⁿ⁺) removal. Initially, complex formation between (Mⁿ⁺) and ArS in buffer solution at pH 4 and 10 was investigated using UV-Vis spectrometric method. The functionalization process of MS was done at pH = 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10. The results showed that the best functionalization was obtained at pH=2. After functionalization study, Mⁿ⁺ adsorption onto MS-ArS at pH 4 and 10 was tested. Mⁿ⁺ adsorption proved to be pH dependent. It was observed that pH=10 was the optimum medium for Mⁿ⁺ adsorption. MS-ArS has affinity for Mⁿ⁺ in the following order Fe³⁺>Cu²⁺>Zn²⁺>Mn²⁺>Pb²⁺>Cr³⁺. The results demonstrate also remarkable desorption rates (D(%)) when 0.5 M HCl is used as regeneration solvent: 94% for Cu²⁺, 92.4% for Fe³⁺, 91.7% for Cr³⁺, 90.8% for Zn²⁺, 90.3% for Pb²⁺, and 86.1% for Mn²⁺. These findings highlight the potential of this sustainable material for effective adsorption and recovery of the complexing material in order to respect the principle of circular economy approach.

Abstract: Distribution water-extractable particulate (colloid) organic matter (WEOM) in narrow (nano- to micrometer) size fractions of chernozem soil by sequential filtration on track-etched membranes were studied. Multimodal (IR and fluorescence) two-dimensional correlation (2D-COS) spectroscopy was used. Protocols for attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR of WEOM are proposed. ATR-FTIR 2D-COS provides larger volume of information on characteristic bands compared to traditional FTIR, especially in C–H ranges (3000–2800 and 1450–1300 cm–1). Fluorescence excitation-emission-matrix 2D-COS showed that the indexes and ratios of humic- to protein-like compounds are reproducible, exhibit significant variation among size fractions, with maximum amounts of saturated humic-like compounds in the largest (2–10 μm) and finest factions (0.01–0.03 μm) while medium fractions (0.05–1 μm) are dominated by fulvic acids and fresh organic matter. Heterospectral fluorescence–IR 2D-COS enhanced the accuracy of identification and assessment of WEOM group composition and showed that C–H IR band intensities correlate with tyrosine-like EEM bands and biogenic fluorescence in-dexes, while carboxylic components, with humate-like bands and humification fluo-rescence indexes. Element profiles in WEOM fractions correlate with fluorescence in-dexes; humification indexes, with P, S, Cr, Mg, Ca, Cu, and Zn; biogenic, with Mg, P, Cr, Cd, K, S, and Ca.

Abstract:

Additive manufacturing, particularly fused deposition modeling (FDM), has emerged as a promising approach for producing electrochemical sensors based on conductive thermoplastic composites. In this study, the effects of various printing parameters (extrusion temperature, layer height and width, printing speed, and the number of conductive layers) on the electrochemical performance of PLA/CB electrodes fabricated via FDM were investigated. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analyses showed that properly adjusting these parameters promoted the formation of more efficient conductive pathways and reduced charge transfer resistance during the monitoring of the redox behavior of the potassium ferrocyanide/ferricyanide probe. Furthermore, the applicability of the sensor was demonstrated through the determination of dopamine, achieving a detection limit of 0.16 µmol L⁻¹. Overall, the findings highlighted that optimizing printing conditions is essential for enhancing the electrochemical response of the sensors and further strengthened the potential of 3D printing as a promising route for the fabrication of electrodes for electroanalytical applications.

Abstract:

This study explores the pedagogical integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) into chemistry education through a practical chemometrics activity using the Wisconsin Diagnostic Breast Cancer (WDBC) dataset. Graduate students employed Microsoft 365 Copilot (GPT-5) and Gemini to perform statistical analyses, dimensionality reduction, and classification tasks entirely via natural language prompts. The exercise covered exploratory data visualization, normality assessment, log transformation, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA). Students compared raw and log-transformed datasets to investigate how preprocessing affected multivariate discrimination and predictive accuracy. Both LLMs generated reproducible results consistent with Jamovi software outputs and produced publication-quality plots including score, loading, VIP, and confusion matrix diagrams. Beyond technical proficiency, the activity enhanced students’ conceptual understanding of supervised and unsupervised learning while promoting critical evaluation of generative AI outputs. The findings demonstrate that LLMs can serve as accessible, interactive tools for teaching machine learning and chemometric analysis, lowering programming barriers and fostering data literacy.

Abstract: Coral reef ecosystems represent one of the most biodiverse and productive marine habitats, yet they are increasingly threatened by a range of anthropogenic stressors. Among these, pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) have recently emerged as contaminants of growing concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and complex interactions within reef environments. This review synthesizes current research on the occurrence, transport pathways, and ecological impacts of PPCPs on coral reef systems. Evidence indicates that compounds such as UV filters, antibiotics, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals can impair coral physiology, disrupt symbiotic relationships with zooxanthellae, and contribute to bleaching events. The review further highlights the variability in coral species’ sensitivity to these contaminants, with documented effects ranging from DNA damage and oxidative stress to reduced growth and reproductive capacity. Despite advances in detection and risk assessment, significant knowledge gaps remain regarding long-term exposure, mixture effects, and the influence of local environmental conditions on contaminant toxicity. By consolidating recent findings, this review underscores the urgent need for targeted research and policy action to mitigate the threat of emerging contaminants to coral reef ecosystems.

Abstract: Integral membrane proteins (IMPs), which constitute 50–60% of drug targets, play es-sential roles in numerous biological processes but remain underrepresented in conven-tional bottom-up and in structural proteomics owing to their hydrophobicity and re-sistance to proteolysis. Although advances in IMPs proteomics have improved global IMPs detection, most efforts focus on proteome-scale protein identification rather than targeted structural analysis. Protein footprinting and cross-linking, two approaches in structural proteomics, require high sequence coverage and protein digestion to pep-tides of suitable length for structural elucidation, necessitating optimized digestion condition for individual IMPs. Here, we describe a digestion protocol tailored for structural mass spectrometry, applying it to an amphipathic IMP with distinct ex-tramembrane and transmembrane domains, as a model system. We evaluated the use of various protease–additive combinations and applied filter-aided sample prepara-tion (FASP) to remove detergents and surfactants efficiently prior to MS analysis. The optimized conditions consistently yielded >90% sequence coverage. Guided by MS re-tention time calibration and hydrophobic factor simulations, we identified a “sweet spot” for transmembrane peptide detection. Notably, although cleavable surfactants can enhance proteome-wide coverage, our results show that they are not essential for single protein studies as in structural proteomics. Instead, detergent removal, protease selection, and generation of suitably sized peptides are critical for enabling reliable bottom-up structural analysis of IMPs. The protocol developed here was successfully applied across several footprinting methods for structural studies of IMPs.