Analyst Blog

Glycosylation, the ubiquitous biological process of adding sugars to protein or lipids, serves a critical role in diverse cell signaling and communication events. Furthermore, anomalies in glycosylation can often lead to various diseases including diabetes, cancer, and inflammation. Consequently, accurate characterization of glycan composition is important for therapeutic and diagnostic development. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a widely used analysis tool that can help find the answers. In a comprehensive review, Heather Desaire and colleagues from the University of Kansas, USA, discuss the current MS methods of analysis, as well as their respective advantages and limitations.

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MS analysis of glycans and glycopeptides

Software for automated interpretation of mass spectrometry data from glycans and glycopeptides Carrie L. Woodin ,  Morgan Maxon and Heather Desaire
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36042J

Electrochemical Sensing Using Target-Induced Strand Release

The toxic, bioaccumulative, and non-biodegradable effects of heavy metals pose a severe environmental concern. Hence, monitoring toxic metals such as lead requires effective detection methods. Bo Tang and colleagues from the Shandong Normal University, China, have developed the latest electrochemical detection strategy, which is based on the target-induced strand release method. In their design, the lead-binding DNA aptamer forms a duplex with a complementary DNA sequence that is immobilized to an electrode surface. In this state, methylene blue redox indicators are able to intercalate along the duplex structure, and provide a readable electrochemical signal. However, in the presence of lead, the metal ions bind specifically to the aptamer, which allows release of the lead-aptamer complex into solution. The subsequent release of methylene blue molecules away from the electrode surface leads to a measurable decrease in signal to signify lead detection.

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A selective amperometric sensing platform for lead based on target-induced strand release
Feng Li, Limin Yang, Mingqin Chen, Peng Li and Bo Tang
Analyst, 2013, 138, 461-466
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36227A

Our health and well-being is deeply impacted by the air that we breathe. Maintaining good quality of air is highly dependent on the ability of chemical gas sensors to monitor toxic air pollutants in the environment. While many sensors are currently available, there is still a need for a detection system that is highly sensitive and selective, robust, accurate, fast, adaptable to mass production, and capable of monitoring many different chemical gases. Jong Kyu Kim and colleagues from the Republic of Korea have addressed some of these challenges by developing an “electronic nose” – a series of high performance gas sensors based on an array of TiO₂ nanohelices fabricated by the method of rotating oblique angle deposition (OAD).

Gas sensors based on an array of near single crystalline TiO2

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A near single crystalline TiO2 nanohelix array: enhanced gas sensing performance and its application as a monolithically integrated electronic nose
Sunyong Hwang,  Hyunah Kwon,  Sameer Chhajed,  Ji Won Byon,  Jeong Min Baik,  Jiseong Im,  Sang Ho Oh,  Ho Won Jang,  Seok Jin Yoon and Jong Kyu Kim
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN35932D