Analyst Blog

2013 Dreyfus Prize awarded to Graham Cooks

Rebecca Brodie, Deputy Editor — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:58:55 +0000

2013 Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences

The 2013 Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences has been awarded to Graham Cooks

The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation has selected chemical instrumentation as the topic of the 2013 Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences. The Dreyfus Prize, awarded biennially, recognizes an individual for exceptional and original research in a selected area of chemistry that has advanced the field in a major way.

This year the Dreyfus Prize has been awarded to R. Graham Cooks, the Henry Bohn Hass Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Purdue University, Advisory Board member of Analyst and Chemical Science. Graham Cooks is recognized internationally as an innovative giant in the field of mass spectrometry who has enriched analytical chemistry in unparalleled ways. Virtually every pharmaceutical and biotechnology company relies on mass spectrometry at a level that has become possible, in part, through Cooks’s innovations. Click to read more.

Take a look at a few of Graham’s recent papers in Analyst and Chemical Science below they will be free to read until the end of the month:

Rapid analysis of whole blood by paper spray mass spectrometry for point-of-care therapeutic drug monitoring
Ryan D. Espy, Nicholas E. Manicke, Zheng Ouyang and R. Graham Cooks
Analyst, 2012, 137, 2344-2349
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN35082C

Accelerated bimolecular reactions in microdroplets studied by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Marion Girod, Encarnacion Moyano, Dahlia I. Campbell and R. Graham Cooks
Chem. Sci., 2011, 2, 501-510
DOI: 10.1039/C0SC00416B

Paper spray: a simple and efficient means of analysis of different contaminants in foodstuffs
Zhiping Zhang, R. Graham Cooks and Zheng Ouyang
Analyst, 2012, 137, 2556-2558
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN35196J

Early malaria diagnosis

Kate Bandoo, Publishing Assistant — Tue, 14 May 2013 11:36:44 +0000

Scientists in Japan have developed a technique that could diagnose malaria just one day after infection.

It is estimated that in 2010 over 200 million people were infected with malaria and over 600 thousand people died from it. Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites that are transmitted by mosquitoes. The parasites invade red blood cells, eventually causing the cells to rupture and release the parasites so they can infect other cells.

To read the full article please visit Chemistry World.

Raman spectroscopic analysis of malaria disease progression via blood and plasma samples
Alison J.Hobro, Aki Konishi, Cevayir Coban and Nicholas I. Smith
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00255A

HOT Articles in Analyst

Paola Quattroni, Development Editor — Mon, 13 May 2013 15:12:45 +0000

FTIR micro-spectral images to monitor cell division

Take a look at our New HOT Articles free to read until June 3^rd. Click on the links below and discover all about the latest research published in Analyst:

Employing aqueous CdTe quantum dots with diversified surface functionalities to discriminate between heme (Fe(II)) and hemin (Fe(III))
Jishu Han, Ziwei Zhou, Xinyuan Bu, Shoujun Zhu, Hao Zhang, Haizhu Sun and Bai Yang
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00310H

A disposable electrochemical immunosensor for the determination of leptin in serum and breast milk
Irene Ojeda, María Moreno-Guzmán, Araceli González-Cortés, Paloma Yáñez-Sedeño and José M. Pingarrón
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00183K

Microfluidic assay to monitor anticoagulation therapy

Mepanipyrim haptens and antibodies with nanomolar affinity
Francesc Albert Esteve-Turrillas, Josep Vicent Mercader, Consuelo Agulló, Antonio Abad-Somovilla and Antonio Abad-Fuentes
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00228D

Exploring the spectroscopic differences of Caki-2 cells progressing through the cell cycle while proliferating in vitro
M. Jimenez-Hernandez, C. Hughes, P. Bassan, F. Ball, M. D. Brown, N. W. Clarke and P. Gardner
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00507K

A microfluidic anti-Factor Xa assay device for point of care monitoring of anticoagulation therapy
Leanne F. Harris, Paul Rainey, Vanessa Castro-López, James S. O’Donnell and Anthony J. Killard
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00401E

Enhancing Dopamine Sensitivity by Reducing Surface Fouling

Laura Ruvuna — Thu, 09 May 2013 15:09:47 +0000

Researchers have adapted a gold electrode to enhance electrochemical dopamine measurements and overcome the fouling problems that typically occur on the surface when using this technique.

Cells on doped overoxidised PPy modified electrodes

Many diseases such as Parkinson’s and schizophrenia are caused by irregularities in the neurotransmitter dopamine. Each disease affects dopamine production differently, however in all cases studying the process both inside and outside the body has presented many challenges.

Jenny Emnéus at the Technical University of Denmark and collaborators in Italy improved the detection of dopamine by placing a doped overoxidised polypyrrole (PPy) film on the electrode surface. The film was doped with different counter ions to inhibit dopamine polymerisation and the binding of negatively charged species. Although the overoxidation of PPy did affect the conductivity of the film, it also became more sensitive to dopamine, suggesting that doped overoxidised PPy can be used as sensors for dopamine.

To learn more about the techniques the authors used to reduce surface fouling and detect dopamine release from live cells, check out the article below. It will be free to read until May 28^th .

Doped overoxidized polypyrrole microelectrodes as sensors for the detection of dopamine released from cell populations
Luigi Sasso, Arto Heiskanen, Francesco Diazzi, Maria Dimaki, Jaime Castillo-León, Marco Vergani, Ettore Landini, Roberto Raiteri, Giorgio Ferrari, Marco Carminati, Marco Sampietro, Winnie E. Svendsen and Jenny Emnéus
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00085K

Gordon F. Kirkbright Bursary Award, 2014

Kate Bandoo, Publishing Assistant — Thu, 09 May 2013 09:55:08 +0000

The Gordon F. Kirkbright bursary award is a prestigious annual award that enables a promising student/non-tenured young scientist of any nation to attend a recognised scientific meeting or visit a place of learning.
The fund for this bursary was established in 1985 as a memorial to Professor Gordon Kirkbright in recognition of his contributions to analytical spectroscopy and to science in general. Although the fund is administered by the Association of British Spectroscopists (ABS) Trust, the award is not restricted to spectroscopists.

Applications are invited for the 2014 Gordon Kirkbright Bursary.

For further information contact John Chalmers at, email: vibspecconsult@aol.com

The closing date for entries is 31 December 2013.

Analyst Issue 11 out now!

Paola Quattroni, Development Editor — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:39:45 +0000

Wang and Schultz, Analyst, 2013, 138, 3150-3157

The latest issue of Analyst is now online and ready for you to enjoy. We have three new covers and a couple of HOT papers free for you to read.

On the outside cover is an image from a paper by Zachary Schultz and Hao Wang from the University of Notre Dame, USA, showing functionalised nanoparticles detected with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and Tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) using streptavidin and biotin as a model system for protein-ligand binding. The researchers examined the chemical origin of enhanced signals from SERS and TERS detection and observed that different sizes of functionalised nanoparticles show changes in intensities in both types of measurements.

The chemical origin of enhanced signals from tip-enhanced Raman detection of functionalized nanoparticles
Hao Wang and Zachary D. Schultz
Analyst, 2013,138, 3150-3157
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN36898J

Yun et al., Analyst, 2013, 138, 3196-3200

Our inside front cover features a study on digital imaging of cultured cells enhanced by augmented reality technologies. Won Gu Lee and colleagues from Seoul National University, South Korea, present a new method to look at specimens under the microscope using augmented indicators. This new technique enables observation of long term live cells and identification of the exact location of individual cells within a biological sample.

Microscopic augmented-reality indicators for long-term live cell time-lapsed imaging
Kyungwon Yun, Jungman Chung, Yong Park, Byungjoo Lee, Won Gu Lee and Hyunwoo Bang
Analyst, 2013,138, 3196-3200
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00124E

Ishimoto et al., Analyst, 2013, 138, 3158-3162

Finally, our outisde back cover showcases research on the simplification of conventional neuraminidase inhibitor assays. Hideaki Hisamoto and his group at Osaka Prefecture University, Japan, successfully integrated the assay into a single step operation using a combinable poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) capillary sensor array.

Integration of neuraminidase inhibitor assay into a single-step operation using a combinable poly(dimethylsiloxane) capillary sensor
Tadashi Ishimoto, Kaede Jigawa, Terence G. Henares, Tatsuro Endo and Hideaki Hisamoto
Analyst, 2013,138, 3158-3162
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN36785A

Now take a look at the selected HOT papers below. They will be free to read until May 30^th.

Tagging the rolling circle products with nanocrystal clusters for cascade signal increase in the detection of miRNA
Jingjing Yao, Kenneth Flack, Liangzi Ding and Wenwan Zhong
Analyst, 2013,138, 3121-3125
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00398A

Isotachophoresis with ionic spacer and two-stage separation for high sensitivity DNA hybridization assay
Charbel Eid, Giancarlo Garcia-Schwarz and Juan G. Santiago
Analyst, 2013,138, 3117-3120
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00374D

FTIR spectral signature of anticancer drug effects on cancer cells: any influence of the cell cycle?

Jennifer A. Dougan, Web Writer — Thu, 02 May 2013 15:23:16 +0000

Visible image, infrared image, propidium iodide fluorescence image of a cell smear

Erik Goormaghtigh and co-workers from the Centre for Structural Biology and Bioinformatics at the Unversité Libre de Bruxelles have investigated the use of Fourier transformfo infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy r studying the effect of an anti-cancer drug, paclitaxel, on a human prostate cancer cell line.

The researchers combined fluorescence spectroscopy with FTIR spectroscopy using a fluorescent DNA intercalator to identify cell cycle stage. By doing so, they sought to understand the drug’s effect on cell cycle and/or metabolic perturbation. The authors discuss both the application and limitation of this approach to cell studies.

Read more about this study in this HOT Analyst paper, free for you until May 24^th .

FTIR spectral signature of anticancer drug effects on PC-3 cancer cells: is there any influence of the cell cycle?
Allison Derenne, Alix Mignolet and Erik Goormaghtigh
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00225J

The 36th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Chemical Society – Aguas de Lindoia, Brazil 25-28 May 2013

Rebecca Brodie, Deputy Editor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:34:46 +0000

The 36th Annual Meeting of the Brazilian Chemical Society is being held this month in Aguas de Lindoia, Brazil, 25th-28th May. Click here for more information.

Analyst and Analytical Methods are pleased to announce a cross journal web-themed issue on Analytical Sciences in Brazil. Interdisciplinary analytical science is particularly welcome. Guest Editor Ivo M. Raimundo Jr. will be in attendance at the Brazilian Chemical Society annual meeting.

Submission deadline: 31^st Jan 2014
Articles published online in a web collection

Guest Editors: Boris Mizaikoff, University of Ulm
Ivo M. Raimundo Jr., UNICAMP

For more information please contact analyst-rsc@rsc.org

New Hot Articles in Analyst

Paola Quattroni, Development Editor — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:16:21 +0000

Synthesis, characterisation, tomography imaging of bismuth sulfide nanoparticles

Take a look at our HOT papers now available online . Tomography imaging applications, serum micro-Raman spectroscopy and photoelectrochemical studies are among the topics featured in these articles.

To read the full papers, please access the links below. They will be free for you until May 20th.

Dendrimer-stabilized bismuth sulfide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and potential computed tomography imaging applications
Yi Fang, Chen Peng, Rui Guo, Linfeng Zheng, Jinbao Qin, Benqing Zhou, Mingwu Shen, Xinwu Lu, Guixiang Zhang and Xiangyang Shi
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00237C

Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients: a proof-of-concept study using serum micro-Raman spectroscopy
I. Taleb, G. Thiéfin, C. Gobinet, V. Untereiner, B. Bernard-Chabert, A. Heurgué, C. Truntzer, P. Hillon, M. Manfait, P. Ducoroyc and G. D. Sockalingum
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00245D

Carbon nanotubes biosensors for malondialdehyde detection

Label-free and facile electrochemical biosensing using carbon nanotubes for malondialdehyde detection
Ling Yuan, Yaqian Lan, Min Han, Jianchun Bao, Wenwen Tu and Zhihui Dai
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00041A

Tailoring zinc porphyrin to the Ag nanostructure substrate: an effective approach for photoelectrochemical studies in the presence of mononucleotides
Farkhondeh Fathi, Cong Kong, Yueqiang Wang, Yongshu Xie, Yi-Tao Long and Heinz-Bernhard Kraatz
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00156C

Biological and biomedical 14C-accelerator mass spectrometry and graphitization of carbonaceous samples
Ill-Min Chung and Seung-Hyun Kim
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00077J

An AC electrokinetics facilitated biosensor cassette for rapid pathogen identification
Mengxing Ouyang, Ruchika Mohan, Yi Lu, Tingting Liu, Kathleen E. Mach, Mandy L. Y. Sin, Mason McComb, Janhvi Joshi, Vincent Gau, Pak Kin Wong and Joseph C. Liao
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00259D