Analyst Blog

Yu and White, Analyst, 2013, 138, 1020-1-25

With Analyst Issue 4, here is a list of our selected HOT articles free for you to read until February 8th.

Chemosensors for detection of CO2, microarray-based fluorescence assays, microRNA biosensors using Pb nanoparticles and forensic electrochemistry for atropine detection are among the topics highlighted in these articles. To know more about the latest studies published in Analyst, click on the links below:

Amidine-based fluorescent chemosensor with high applicability for detection of CO2: A facile way to “see” CO2
Tong Tian ,  Xi Chen ,  Hong Li ,  Yao Wang ,  Lin Guo and Lei Jiang
Analyst, 2013,138, 991-994
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36401H

Suitability of GaP nanoparticles as a surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectroscopy inorganic matrix and their soft ionization ability
Tetsu Yonezawa ,  Hiroki Tsukamoto ,  Shinji Hayashi ,  Yuki Myojin ,  Hideya Kawasaki and Ryuichi Arakawa
Analyst, 2013,138, 995-999
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36738F

Microarray-based fluorescence assay of endonuclease functionality and inhibition
Lan Ma ,  Min Su ,  Tao Li and Zhenxin Wang
Analyst, 2013,138, 1048-1052
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36638J

Electroanalytical sensing of atropine using disposable screen printed graphite sensors

Forensic electrochemistry: sensing the molecule of murder atropine
Ouissam Ramdani ,  Jonathan P. Metters ,  Luiz Carlos S. Figueiredo-Filho ,  Orlando Fatibello-Filho and Craig E. Banks
Analyst, 2013,138, 1053-1059
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36450F

A novel label-free electrochemical microRNA biosensor using Pd nanoparticles as enhancer and linker
Xiaoyan Wu ,  Yaqin Chai ,  Ruo Yuan ,  Huilan Su and Jing Han
Analyst, 2013,138, 1060-1066
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36506E

Conjugated self-doped polyaniline–DNA hybrid as trigger for highly sensitive reagentless and electrochemical self-signal amplifying DNA hybridization sensing
Yuwei Hu ,  Tao Yang ,  Qianhe Li ,  Qian Guan and Kui Jiao
Analyst, 2013,138, 1067-1074
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36620G

Mesoporous phosphonate–TiO2 nanoparticles for simultaneous bioresponsive sensing and controlled drug release
Hui Li ,  Tian-Yi Ma ,  De-Ming Kong and Zhong-Yong Yuan
Analyst, 2013,138, 1084-1090
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36631B

A functional graphene oxide-ionic liquid composites–gold nanoparticle sensing platform for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of Hg2+
Na Zhou ,  Jinhua Li ,  Hao Chen ,  Chunyang Liao and Lingxin Chen
Analyst, 2013,138, 1091-1097
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36405K

Take a look below at some wonderful HOT articles we’ve recently published in Analyst.
There are papers covering a variety of fields, including an ultrasensitive graphene-based system to detect mercury and the use of Raman spectroscopy to discriminate between malignancies in lymph nodes. These HOT papers will be free to read until February 8th.

Conjugated self-doped polyaniline–DNA hybrid as trigger for highly sensitive reagentless and electrochemical self-signal amplifying DNA hybridization sensing
Yuwei Hu ,  Tao Yang ,  Qianhe Li ,  Qian Guan and Kui Jiao
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36620G

A functional graphene oxide-ionic liquid composites–gold nanoparticle sensing platform for ultrasensitive electrochemical detection of Hg2+
Na Zhou ,  Jinhua Li ,  Hao Chen ,  Chunyang Liao and Lingxin Chen
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36405K

Discrimination between benign, primary and secondary malignancies in lymph nodes from the head and neck utilising Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis
Gavin Rhys Lloyd ,  Linda E. Orr ,  Jonathan Christie-Brown ,  Keith McCarthy ,  Simon Rose ,  Michael Thomas and Nicholas Stone
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36579K

Suitability of GaP nanoparticles as a surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectroscopy inorganic matrix and their soft ionization ability
Tetsu Yonezawa ,  Hiroki Tsukamoto ,  Shinji Hayashi ,  Yuki Myojin ,  Hideya Kawasaki and Ryuichi Arakawa
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36738F

Identification of lipids in mouse brain by mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometry sequencing of transfer ribonucleic acids by the comparative analysis of RNA digests (CARD) approach
Siwei Li and Patrick A. Limbach
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36515D

In addition, David Gode and Dietrich Volmer present an interesting review on lipid imaging by mass spectrometry. They provide a comprehensive overview of lipid imaging techniques using already established or more recent methodologies.

Lipid imaging by mass spectrometry – a review
David Gode and Dietrich A. Volmer
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36337B

Schematic steps for biosensor detecting mRNAs

Short non-coding single stranded nucleotides known as microRNA (miRNA) have become important biomarkers due to their up- and down-regulated expression in certain cancers.

Jing Han and colleagues at Southwest University, China, targeted miRNAs using an electrochemical-based biological sensor containing palladium nanoparticles. A multilayer film coated the glass electrodes in order to bind the palladium particles, and then catalyzed hydrogen peroxide to enhance the signal of the miRNA binding. Using a model of miRNA overexpressed in several diseases, miRNA-155, they detected even low concentrations in blood serum samples previously prepared and demonstrated the high reproducibility and adaptability of this assay for a variety of other biomarkers.

To read more about this study, access to the link below. This paper will be free to read until January 24th.

A novel label-free electrochemical microRNA biosensor using Pd nanoparticles as enhancer and linker
Xiaoyan Wu ,  Yaqin Chai ,  Ruo Yuan ,  Huilan Su and Jing Han
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36506E

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.

Learn more by accessing the link below:

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

Enzymatic activity by dsDNA-based microarray

A new double strand (ds) DNA microarray-based fluorescence assay has been developed to measure the activity of endonuclease enzymes.
Given their ability to cleave DNA, endonucleases are known as “molecular scalpels”and they play a crucial role in DNA recombination, replication and repair. They have been used in the laboratory for PCR assays, gene mapping, medicinal chemistry and are also considered important targets for antimicrobial and antiviral drugs.
Zhenxin Wang and colleagues from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, developed a dsDNA microarray by hybridizing Cy5-labeled oligonucleotides with immobilized complementary oligonucleotide probes on glass slides. In this microarray, when endonucleases “cut” the DNA backbone, the fluorescence is reduced. The researchers demonstrated that more than one enzyme can be detected simultaneously and also detected the activity of specific enzyme inhibitors commonly used.
According to this research, dsDNA microarrays will soon be used for drug discovery and screening of DNA inhibitors.

To know more about this research, this article is free to read until January 24th. Click on the link below:

Microarray-based fluorescence assay of endonuclease functionality and inhibition
Lan Ma ,  Min Su ,  Tao Li and Zhenxin Wang
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36638J

Here are some great HOT articles for you free to read until January 24th!

Topics include improved detection methodologies such as aptamer-based spectrofluorometry for cellular prion protein detection and new signal-amplified strategies to detect chair-like antiparallel G-quadruplex. In addition, an interesting study from Germany presents a new versatile reactor design developed for monitoring multiphase reactions. Take a look at the full articles below:

Comprehensive monitoring of a biphasic switchable solvent synthesis
Sonja Hardy ,  Irene M. de Wispelaere ,  Walter Leitner and Marcel A. Liauw
Analyst, 2013,138, 819-824
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36044F

Aptamer-based spectrofluorometry for cellular prion protein using N,N′-bis[3,3′-(dimethylamino)propylamine]-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide
Lei Zhan ,  Li Jiao Liang ,  Shu Jun Zhen ,  Chun Mei Li and Cheng Zhi Huang
Analyst, 2013,138, 825-830
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36322D

New reactor based on UV-Vis and mIR ATR-spectroscopy

Enzyme-free colorimetric bioassay based on gold nanoparticle-catalyzed dye decolorization
Wei Li ,  Jie Li ,  Weibing Qiang ,  Jingjuan Xu and Danke Xu
Analyst, 2013,138, 760-766
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36374G

A novel signal-amplified strategy based on assembly reactivation for highly specific and sensitive detection of chair-like antiparallel G-quadruplex
Wei Gai ,  Qianfan Yang ,  Junfeng Xiang ,  Wei Jiang ,  Qian Li ,  Hongxia Sun ,  Lijia Yu ,  Qian Shang ,  Aijiao Guan ,  Hong Zhang and Yalin Tang
Analyst, 2013,138, 798-804
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36557J

Comparison of photo- and Cu(I)-catalyzed “click” chemistries for the formation of carbohydrate SPR interfaces
Nazek Maalouli ,  Alexandre Barras ,  Aloysius Siriwardena ,  Mohamed Bouazaoui ,  Rabah Boukherroub and Sabine Szunerits
Analyst, 2013,138, 805-812
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36272D

A highly selective fluorescent probe for BO₃⁻ based on acetate derivatives of coumarin in aqueous solution and thimerosal
Fangjun Huo ,  Long Wang ,  Yutao Yang ,  Yueyin Chu ,  Caixia Yin ,  Jianbin Chao ,  Yongbin Zhang ,  Xuxiu Yan ,  Anmin Zheng ,  Shuo Jin and Peng Zhi
Analyst, 2013,138, 813-818
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36492A

A new MTS Search Engine has been recently optimised to identify volatile compounds such as pesticides, pollutants and nitrosamines.
The mass to structure or MTS Search Engine is a database containing theoretical molecular mass information for about 20,000 compounds and it was initially developed for identification of compounds in atmospheric pressure ionization (API)-LC-MS. The database can be used for forensic studies and allows determination of street drugs, doping agents in urine samples and determination of pesticides in food. So far, it has been used exclusively for non-volatile analytes determined by LC-MS.

MTS Search Engine based on GC-MS spectra

Wenta Liao and William Draper from USA now extend the identification to volatile and semi-volatile compounds using chemical ionization GC-MS. According to the authors, this new MTS Search Engine has the advantage to identify a wide variety of pesticides, nitrosamines and other toxic substances, as well as halogenated and non-halogenated structures, which could not be identified before.

To read more about this research, take a look at the full article by clicking the link below. This paper will be free to read until January 24th.

Identification of volatile and semivolatile compounds in chemical ionization GC-MS using a Mass-To-Structure (MTS) Search Engine with integral isotope pattern ranking
Wenta Liao and William M. Draper
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36490E

Carbohydrate microarrays have become an important tool for studying glycan-cell interactions, carbohydrate-binding proteins, and in detecting dangerous pathogens. The current sensor methods require complex labeling or indirect analyte detection.

C–H insertion photocoupling reaction and copper “click” methods

Using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR), Sabine Szunerits and coworkers at  Lille 1 University detected carbohydrate-binding protein complexes directly and without labels. In order to use SPR, they developed a unique substrate of Ti, Au, and silicon dioxide and tested two carbohydrate surface attachment chemistries. The azide-functionalized surfaces were linked to a glycan using a copper “click” chemistry or photocoupling. Both methods showed comparable binding efficiency and sensitivity of the carbohydrate binding protein.

To read the full article, click on the link below. It will be free to read until January 9th.

Comparison of photo- and Cu(I)-catalyzed “click” chemistries for the formation of carbohydrate SPR interfaces
Nazek Maalouli, Alexandre Barras, Aloysius Siriwardena, Mohamed Bouazaoui, Rabah Boukherroub and Sabine Szunerits
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36272D

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.

Find out more details by accessing the link below:

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

Take a look at these new articles published in Analyst free for you to enjoy until January 9th.

Topics include aptamer based spectrofluorometry, the development of enzyme-free colorimetric bioassays based on gold nanoparticle catalyzed dye decolorization, new ways to identify DNA G-quadruplex structures, and a new set-up to monitor biphasic switchable solvent synthesis. We also have an interesting review on coupled isothachophoresis and capillary electrophoresis which describes the features, advantages and limitations of the methodologies currently in use.

To have a read now, click on the links below:

Coupling isotachophoresis and capillary electrophoresis: a review and comparison of methods
Supreet S. Bahga and Juan G. Santiago
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36150G

A novel signal-amplified strategy based on assembly reactivation for highly specific and sensitive detection of chair-like antiparallel G-quadruplex
Wei Gai ,  Qianfan Yang ,  Junfeng Xiang ,  Wei Jiang ,  Qian Li ,  Hongxia Sun ,  Lijia Yu ,  Qian Shang ,  Aijiao Guan ,  Hong Zhang and Yalin Tang
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36557J

Aptamer-based spectrofluorometry for cellular prion protein using N,N′-bis[3,3′-(dimethylamino)propylamine]-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic diimide
Lei Zhan ,  Li Jiao Liang ,  Shu Jun Zhen ,  Chun Mei Li and Cheng Zhi Huang
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36322D

Comprehensive monitoring of a biphasic switchable solvent synthesis
Sonja Hardy ,  Irene M. de Wispelaere ,  Walter Leitner and Marcel A. Liauw
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36044F

Enzyme-free colorimetric bioassay based on gold nanoparticle-catalyzed dye decolorization
Wei Li ,  Jie Li ,  Weibing Qiang ,  Jingjuan Xu and Danke Xu
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36374G