Analyst Blog

Take a look at these new HOT articles just published in Analyst! These papers will be free to read for the next two weeks. Click on the links below:

A new turn-on fluorescent chemosensor based on diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) for imaging Zn²⁺ in living cells
Guanjun Zhang, Haiying Li, Shiming Bi, Longfeng Song, Yunxiang Lu, Liang Zhang, Jianjun Yu and Limin Wang  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00873H

Separation of metalloproteins using a novel metal ion contaminant sweeping technique and detection of protein-bound copper by a metal ion probe in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: distribution of copper in human serum
Shingo Saito, Mitsuyoshi Kawashima, Hiroki Ohshima, Kazuki Enomoto, Makoto Sato, Hajime Yoshimura, Keitaro Yoshimoto, Mizuo Maedad and Masami Shibukawaa  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01107K

High pressure nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry for analysis of aqueous solutions
Md. Matiur Rahman, Mridul Kanti Mandal, Kenzo Hiraoka and Lee Chuin Chen 
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00699A

Introducing novel amorphous carbon nanoparticles as energy acceptors into a chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer immunoassay system
Zhenxing Wang, Hongfei Gao and Zhifeng Fu 
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01177A

The global identification of tRNA isoacceptors by targeted tandem mass spectrometry
Collin Wetzel and Patrick A. Limbach 
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01224G

Enhanced imaging of developed fingerprints using mass spectrometry imaging
M. J. Bailey, M. Ismail, S. Bleay, N. Bright, M. Levin Elad, Y. Cohen, B. Geller, D. Everson, C. Costa, R. P. Webb, J. F. Watts and M. de Puit  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01204B

Photonic crystal enhanced microscopy for imaging of live cell adhesion
Weili Chen, Kenneth D. Long, Meng Lu, Vikram Chaudhery, Hojeong Yu, Ji Sun Choi, James Polans, Yue Zhuo, Brendan A. C. Harley and   Brian T. Cunningham  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01541F

Ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of leukemia cells

Detecting cancerous cells, such as those of leukemia, in early stages can greatly affect patient treatment and survival. Current diagnostic tools such as immunohistochemistry require large concentrations of cells, which occur in advanced stages of the disease.

Jun-Jie Zhu and co-workers at Nanjing University , China, developed an assay for leukemia cells using aptamers in a unique, competition-based electrochemical sensor. This involves the use of magnetic (Fe3O4) and gold nanoparticles and the detection of electrochemical signals from deposited silver nanoparticles using square wave anodic stripping voltammetery. The gold nanoparticles bind to the much larger magnetic particles through an apatmer, but the apatmer has a higher specificity for the leukemia cells. Upon introduction of the cells, some of the gold nanoparticles are released from the magnetic surface affecting the amount of detectable signal from the silver. The researchers successfully detected as few as 10 cells and demonstrated a high specificity of the aptamers for only one type of leukemia cells. Although they chose leukemia cells, the only limitation is the specificity of aptamers available and ideally, any cancer could be tested for in this system.

To read the full article, please access the link below. This paper will be free to read for the next three weeks.

A novel aptamer-based competition strategy for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of leukemia cells
Kui Zhang, Tingting Tan, Jia-Ju Fu, Tingting Zheng and   Jun-Jie Zhu
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01255G

Detection of E. coli in Ringer's solution

Sophisticated analytical tests producing a readout which can be interpreted by the naked eye, or by image editing software, are becoming increasingly popular.  They offer a low cost alternative to tests requiring expensive equipment and highly trained analysts. Jürgen Popp and colleagues from the Friedrich Schiller University and the Institute of Photonic Technology in Jena, Germany, have developed a new detection method for DNA which provides a distinctive colour change in the case of a positive result.

The bacterial contamination of intravenous fluids in hospitals is a significant concern in modern medicine, so Popp and his team chose the detection of E. Coli in Ringer’s solution as the first test for their assay. The technique uses surface-modified magnetic beads which can bind complementary target DNA by hybridisation. A silver deposition kit provides the visual colour change: for a positive result, silver nanoparticles are generated by enzymatic silver deposition, turning the sample black. As well as being an inexpensive and convenient qualitative test, a quantitative result can be found by analysing a digital photograph of the colour change in standard image editing software.

To read the full article, please cick on the link below. The paper will be free to read for the next three weeks.

Convenient detection of E. coli in Ringer’s solution
Martha Schwarz, Susanne Pahlow, Thomas Bocklitz, Carolin Steinbrücker, Dana Cialla, Karina Weber and Jürgen Popp
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01240A

BODIPY-Based Probe for HClO Imaging

Detection of suitable biomarkers of disease is critical for medical diagnosis. However, detection becomes a paradoxical challenge when the biomarker is naturally found in healthy individuals. This is the case for the biomarker hypochlorous acid (HClO), a reactive oxygen species that plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy immune system under normal conditions. Yet, when optimal levels of HClO cannot be maintained by the body, cellular functions become disrupted and this can result in diseases such as atherosclerosis, arthritis, and cancer. Consequently, HClO requires medical monitoring, particularly in the mitochondria where a high concentration tends to reside. To help distinguish between healthy and diseased states, the ideal biosensor must provide fast response, high selectivity, high sensitivity and mitochondrial permeability.

To address this challenge, Xiaojun Peng and colleagues from the Dalian University of Technology in China have created a fluorescent imaging probe to detect HClO by localizing to mitochondria in live cells. Their probe makes use of boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) dye for its outstanding fluorescent properties. Incorporation of an oxime group onto the BODIPY scaffold allows the tuning of fluorescence to an on/off state depending on the presence/absence of HClO, respectively. Lastly, incorporation of a triphenylphosphine group onto BODIPY provides the localization signal to the mitochondria. Learn all the details of this exciting new discovery by accessing the link below:

A highly specific BODIPY-based probe localized in mitochondria for HClO imaging
Guanghui Cheng, Jiangli Fan, Wen Sun, Kun Sui, Xin Jin, Jingyun Wang and   Xiaojun Peng  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01152F

This pap[er will be free to read for the next three weeks. Let us know what your thoughts are by leaving a comment!

Check out the latest HOT articles just published in Analyst! They are all free for you to read for the next three weeks. Enjoy!

A protein nanofiber hydrogel for sensitive immunoassays
Dae-Sung Lee, Jin-Seung Park, Eun Jung Lee, Hyun Jin Kim and Jeewon Lee
Analyst, 2013,138, 4786-4794
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00564J

Anodic stripping voltammetric determination of cadmium using a “mercury free” indium film electrode
Sukeri Anandhakumar, Jayaraman Mathiyarasu and Kanala Lakshimi Narasimha Phani
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01070H

Alteration of Asian lacquer: in-depth insight using a physico-chemical multiscale approach
Anne-Solenn Le Hô, Chloé Duhamel, Céline Daher, Ludovic Bellot-Gurlet, Céline Paris, Martine Regert, Michel Sablier, Guilhem André, Jean-Paul Desrochese and   Paul Dumasf
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00608E

Luminescence lifetime-based capillary oxygen sensor utilizing monolithically integrated organic photodiodes
Bernhard Lamprecht,  Andreas Tschepp, Merima Cajlakovic, Martin Sagmeister, Volker Ribitsch and Stefan Köstler
Analyst, 2013, Accepted Manuscript
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00208J

Dual detection of cancer biomarker CA125 using absorbance and electrochemical methods
Israa Al-Ogaidi, Zoraida P. Aguilar, Savan Suri, Honglei Gou and Nianqiang Wu
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00668A

Desorption electro-flow focusing ionization of explosives and narcotics for ambient pressure mass spectrometry
Thomas P. Forbes, Tim M. Brewer and Greg Gillen
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01164J

High-throughput analysis of drugs in biological fluids by desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry coupled with thin liquid membrane extraction Cecilie Rosting, Stig Pedersen-Bjergaard, Steen Honoré Hansen and Christian Janfelt
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00544E

Multifunctional carbon nanoelectrodes fabricated by focused ion beam milling
Rahul Thakar, Anna E. Weber, Celeste A. Morris and Lane A. Baker
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01216F

Facile synthesis of quantum dots/mesoporous silica/quantum dots core/shell/shell hybrid microspheres for ratiometric fluorescence detection of 5-fluorouracil in human serum
Rijun Gui, Ajun Wan and Hui Jin
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01089A

Optimization of microfluidic PET tracer synthesis with Cerenkov imaging
Alex A. Dooraghi, Pei Y. Keng, Supin Chen,  Muhammad R. Javed, Chang-Jin “CJ” Kim, Arion F. Chatziioannou and R. Michael van Dam
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01113E

A label-free and colorimetric turn-on assay for coralyne based on coralyne-induced formation of peroxidase-mimicking split DNAzyme
Ting Hou, Xiuzhong Wang, Xiaojuan Liu, Shufeng Liu, Zongfeng Du and Feng Li
Analyst, 2013,138, 4728-4731
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01024D

Rapid detection and identification of bacteria in sepsis

Infections of the blood are a major cause of death, even in countries where antibiotics are widely available. A large hurdle to successful treatment of this type of infection is the identification of the responsible bacteria, which can take several days. Clinicians often resort to the use of broad spectrum antibiotics, which encourages the rise of antibiotic resistant bacteria in the population.

In this collaborative work, researchers led by James Carey at the National University of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and David Engebretson of Oklahoma City University in the United States, report the design and testing of a colorimetric sensor for bacterial identification. The process simultaneously cultures the bacteria and analyses the unique fingerprint of gases and metabolites produced. The single-step testing kit is automated and disposable, unlike current methods which require skilled technicians, and is so far able to distinguish between eight of the most common pathogens.

By combining the detection and identification of bacteria, the authors are confident that this new technology will prove to be a major step forward in the treatment and outcome of sepsis in patients.

To read the full paper, free for you for the next three weeks, please access the link below:

Single step, rapid identification of pathogenic microorganisms in a culture bottle
Yu W. Chu, Bo Y. Wang, David A. Engebretson and   James R. Carey
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01175E

SERDS combined with signal regression analysis to monitorthe phototrophic microorganisms

As the demand for non-renewable energy sources continues to soar, alternative renewable and environmentally friendly alternatives continue to be explored. The biomass conversion by algae has emerged as promising avenue. Additionally, algae produce other compounds relevant in pharmaceutical research. A bioreactor houses these phototropic organisms, but direct measurement of these compounds within the reactor can be costly, inefficient, and require complex modeling to understand.

Researchers at University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany used shifted-excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) in a model algae system as a new way to probe these reactions. In SERDS, two spectra are acquired at slightly different wavelengths, and subtraction of the two removes the fluorescence background, a common problem in normal Raman spectroscopy. The red algae, Porphyridium purpureum produces a number of relevant compounds, such as sulfated polysaccharides, which have important anti-viral properties.

With the help of an algorithm to process the spectra, they tracked the separation of this promising pharmaceutical compound, which can be applied to other algae systems.

To know more about the study, please access the link below. This paper will be free to read for the next three weeks.

Combined shifted-excitation Raman difference spectroscopy and support vector regression for monitoring the algal production of complex polysaccharides
Kristina Noack, Björn Eskofier, Johannes Kiefer, Christina Dilk, Georg Bilow, Matthias Schirmer, Rainer Buchholz and   Alfred Leipertz
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01158E

CMOS Image Sensor for Glucose Monitoring

Millions of people suffer from diabetes, and the disease is quickly becoming a global epidemic. To address patient need, many electrochemical- and biochemical-based technologies have been developed over the last decade.

While considerable progress has been made, many of these methods still do not possess the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and user friendliness required to meet patient demands.

Researchers from Gachon University in the Republic of Korea, have developed the latest glucose sensor based on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging that provides enhanced efficiency for glucose monitoring. The novel method measures the concentration of oxidized glucose in blood plasma by the intensity of color produced, which leads to variations in photon count detected by the CMOS sensor.

Assess the link below for more details. This paper will be free to read for the next three weeks:

CMOS image sensors as an efficient platform for glucose monitoring
Jasmine Pramila Devadhasan, Sanghyo Kim and   Cheol Soo Choi
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00805C

What are your thoughts on this new discovery? Let us know by leaving a comment.

Take a look below at the new HOT Articles just published in Analyst. They will be free to read until August 16th. Enjoy!

Multiplexed DNA detection with a composite molecular beacon based on guanine-quenching
Dong-Shan Xiang, Kun Zhai and Lian-Zhi Wang  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01060K 

In vivo characterization of protein uptake by yeast cell envelope: single cell AFM imaging and μ-tip-enhanced Raman scattering study
Denys Naumenko, Valentinas Snitka, Elena Serviene, Ingrida Bruzait and Boris Snopok  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00362K 

Luminol-labeled gold nanoparticles for ultrasensitive chemiluminescence-based chemical analyses
Lateef U. Syed, Luxi Zhang Swisher, Hannah Huff, Caitlin Rochford, Fengli Wang, Jianwei Liu, Judy Wu, Mark Richter, Sivasai Balivada, Deryl Troyer and Jun Li   
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01005H

Toward optimal spatial and spectral quality in widefield infrared spectromicroscopy of IR labelled single cells
Eric C. Mattson, Miriam Unger, Sylvain Clède, François Lambert, Clotilde Policar, Asher Imtiaz, Roshan D’Souza and Carol J. Hirschmugl 
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00383C

Energy-selective neutron imaging for morphological and phase analysis of iron–nickel meteorites
S. Peetermans, F. Grazzi, F. Salvemini, E. H. Lehmann, S. Caporalid and G. Pratesie  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00985H

Metal–tag labeling coupled with multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry for absolute quantitation of proteins
Xueying Wang, Xin Wang, Weijie Qin, Hongjun Lin, Jifeng Wang, Junying Wei, Yangjun Zhang and Xiaohong Qian 
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00613A

A novel miniaturized radiofrequency potentiometer tag using ion-selective electrodes for wireless ion sensing
Marta Novell, Tomàs Guinovart, Ivana Murković Steinberg, Matthew Steinberg, F. Xavier Rius and Francisco J. Andrade  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00727H

3D pulsed laser-triggered high-speed microfluidic fluorescence-activated cell sorter
Yue Chen, Ting-Hsiang Wu, Yu-Chun Kung, Michael A. Teitell and Pei-Yu Chiou  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN01266B

Here are some new HOT papers for you to enjoy! Access to the full articles by clicking the links below. These papers will be free to read until August 3^rd.

Carbon dots and chitosan composite film based biosensor for the sensitive and selective determination of dopamine
Qitong Huang, Shirong Hu, Hanqiang Zhang, Jianhua Chen, Yasan He, Feiming Li, Wen Weng, Jiancong Ni, Xiuxiu Bao and Yi Lin  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00510K

Biomolecular dual-ion-trap mass analyzer
Yun-Fei Hsu, Jung-Lee Lin, Ming-Lee Chu and Chung-Hsuan Chen 
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00653K

Protein-binding aptamer assisted signal amplification for the detection of influenza A (H1N1) DNA sequences based on quantum dot fluorescence polarization analysis
Juanni Zhang, Jianniao Tian, Yanlong He, Sheng Chen, Yixuan Jiang, Yanchun Zhao and Shulin Zhao   
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00830D

Quantifying degradation of collagen in ancient manuscripts: the case of the Dead Sea Temple Scroll
R. Schütz, L. Bertinetti, I. Rabin, P. Fratzl and A. Masic
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN00609C

pH-independent optical sensing of heparin based on ionic liquid-capped gold nanoparticles
Bahram Hemmateenejad, Samira Dorostkar, Fatemeh Shakerizadeh-Shirazi and Mojtaba Shamsipur  
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AN36895E