Upgraded Lab-on-a-Chip for Real-Time Detection of Food-borne Pathogens

Oliver Strohmeier and his colleagues from the University of Freiburg in Germany have developed a novel PCR-based platform to detect food-borne pathogens. Named “LabDisk”, the device implements centrifugal microfluidics for sample separation, and can be subsequently transferred to a commercially available thermocycler for real-time PCR amplification of pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, EHEC, Staphylococcus aureus, Citrobacter freundii, and Campylobacter jejuni. Importantly, LabDisk incorporates on-chip quality controls to help validate test results, and enables quantitative as well as qualitative testing. This new approach brings molecular detection one step closer to fully integrated sample-to-answer food testing.

Scheme of "LabDisk" for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens

"LabDisk" for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens

Download the full article, free until March 7th!

Real-time PCR based detection of a panel of food-borne pathogens on a centrifugal microfluidic “LabDisk” with on-disk quality controls and standards for quantification

Oliver Strohmeier, Nico Marquart, Daniel Mark, Günter Roth, Roland Zengerle and Felix von Stetten

Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article

DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41822G, Paper

Let us know what your thoughts are by leaving a comment!

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Catching viruses associated with cervical cancer

Researchers in the UK have developed an automated bioassay that can spot the forms of the human papilloma virus (HPV) most often linked with cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women and it is almost always associated with the Human Papilloma virus (HPV), a DNA virus with more than 200 known genotypes. Almost 99% of all cervical cancers are associated with at least one genotype of HPV. Estimates suggest that more than 50% of people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives and many will not even know it, with most genotypes not being a risk to humans.

Early stages of cervical cancer do not present clear symptoms so a simple and rapid diagnostic test capable of detecting and differentiating multiple HPV types is needed to implement appropriate and timely treatment.

Now, Ross Stevenson and co-workers at the University of Strathclyde and Renishaw Diagnostics have developed a quick and efficient bioassay that uses surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy (SERS) to differentiate between different HPV genotypes.

To read the full article, please visit Chemistry World.

Human papilloma virus genotyping by surface-enhanced Raman scattering
Sam Hibbitts, P. Lewis White, Julie Green, Graeme McNay, Duncan Graham and Ross Stevenson
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C4AY00155A, Communication

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Congratulations Milton Lee!

A photograph of Professor Milton LeeEditorial Board Member Milton Lee was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by LC-GC Europe, in recognition of his ’outstanding achievements in hyphenated chromatographic techniques and for distinguished service to the international chromatographic community’.

See some of his contributions to Analytical Methods below.

Size separation of biomolecules and bioparticles using micro/nanofabricated structures
Jie Xuan and Milton L. Lee
Anal. Methods, 2014,6, 27-37
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41364K, Critical Review

Equilibrium distribution sampling device for preparation of calibration mixtures for gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
Xiaofeng Xie, Tai V. Truong, Jacolin A. Murray, Jesse A. Contreras, H. Dennis Tolley and Milton L. Lee
Anal. Methods, 2013,5, 6312-6318
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41393D, Paper

One-step conversion of dipicolinic acid to its dimethyl ester using monomethyl sulfate salts for GC-MS detection of bacterial endospores
Aaron N. Nackos, Tai V. Truong, Trenton C. Pulsipher, Jon A. Kimball, H. Dennis Tolley, Richard A. Robison, Calvin H. Bartholomew and Milton L. Lee
Anal. Methods, 2011,3, 245-258
DOI: 10.1039/C0AY00270D, Paper

Differentiation of Bacillus endospore species from fatty acid methyl ester biomarkers
Tai V. Truong, Aaron N. Nackos, John R. Williams, Douglas N. VanDerwerken, Jon A. Kimball, Jacolin A. Murray, Jason E. Hawkes, Donald J. Harvey, H. Dennis Tolley, Richard A. Robison, Calvin H. Bartholomew and Milton L. Lee
Anal. Methods, 2010,2, 638-644
DOI: 10.1039/B9AY00198K, Paper

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Keeping food safe: A novel immunoassay for milk analysis

Hybrid chemiluminescence immunoassays

The transfer of veterinary drugs into food products is of major concern to a world already struggling to combat antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics such as chloramphenicol also have serious side effects in humans, including bone marrow depression and acute leukemia. Despite government bans on the use of such drugs in food-producing animals in a number of countries, cases of food poisoning caused by contaminated meat continue to occur.

Researchers led by Hiayang Jiang at the China Agricultural University in Beijing have developed a novel method for the analysis of two key drugs, chloramphenicol (CAP) and clenbuterol (CLE), which can simultaneously detect trace amounts of each compound in milk samples.

Traditional detection methods have relied on gas and liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry, which require expensive instrumentation and highly trained technicians. Jiang and coworkers have designed a hybrid chemiluminescence immunoassay to detect trace amounts of CAP and CLE in a single analysis, with minimal cost and time requirements.

This paper will be free to read until the 27th of February 2014.

Simultaneous determination of chloramphenicol and clenbuterol in milk with hybrid chemiluminescence immunoassays
Xiaoqi Tao, Jianzhong Shen, Xingyuan Cao, Zhanhui Wang, Xiaoping Wu and Haiyang Jiang
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41744A

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HOT articles in Analytical Methods

Take a look at our new hot articles just published in Analytical Methods. These papers are all free to read until February 28th 2014. Enjoy the reading!

Using spectral analysis and fluorescence lifetimes to discriminate between grass and tree pollen for aerobiological applications
David J. O’Connor, Pierre Lovera, Daniela Iacopino, Alan O’Riordan, David A. Healy and John R. Sodeau
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41093E, Paper

A green HPLC method for the analysis and stability study of flavoxate HCl using micellar eluent
Rania Nabih El-Shaheny, Nahed Mahmoud El-Enany and Fathalla Fathalla Belal
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41318G, Paper

Trap-and-release membrane inlet ion mobility spectrometry for on-line measurement of trace propofol in exhaled air
Qinghua Zhou, Enyou Li, Xin Wang, Yulei Gong, Lei Hua, Weiguo Wang, Tuanshuai Qu, Jinghua Li, Yiping Liu, Changsong Wang and Haiyang Li
Anal. Methods, 2014,6, 698-703
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41545G, Paper

Microwave-assisted synthesis of ionic liquid-modified silica as a sorbent for the solid-phase extraction of phenolic compounds from water
Ping Su, Ruoyu Wang, Yang Yu and Yi Yang
Anal. Methods, 2014,6, 704-709
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41771A, Paper

Electrostatic fabrication of oleylamine capped nickel oxide nanoparticles anchored multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposite: A robust electrochemical determination of riboflavin at nanomolar levels
Deivasigamani Ranjith Kumar, Devaraj Manoj and Jayadevan Santhanalakshmi
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41810C, Paper

OpenFluor– an online spectral library of auto-fluorescence by organic compounds in the environment
Kathleen R. Murphy, Colin A. Stedmon, Philip Wenig and Rasmus Bro
Anal. Methods, 2014,6, 658-661
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41935E, Communication

Biases in ketone measurements using DNPH-coated solid sorbent cartridges
Steven Sai Hang Ho, Judith C. Chow, John G. Watson, Ho Sai Simon Ip, Kin Fai Ho, Wen Ting Dai and Junji Cao
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41636D, Communication

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Emerging analytical methods for global energy and climate issues

Analytical Methods 2013, 5, 2660-2665

Analytical Methods, 2013, 5, 2660-2665

We are delighted to announce we are still accepting submissions for a themed issue of Analytical Methods on

Emerging analytical methods for global energy and climate issues

The aim of this issue is to highlight important developments and novel applications in the area of analytical methods and their application to energy research, climate change and environmental issues. It is envisaged the issue will cover a range of topics, including a mixture of both fundamental advances and exciting new applications. Guest Edited by Alastair Lewis (The University of York) and Dermot Diamond (Dublin City University).

Submission Deadline: 31st  March 2014

Both Communications and Full Papers can be submitted for consideration; if you would like to contribute a review-type article, we would be happy to discuss with you.
Please indicate in your covering letter that your article is to be considered for this themed issue. For more information email us at METHODS-RSC@rsc.org

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The Emerging Technologies competition open for applications

The Royal Society of Chemistry launches the 2014 UK Emerging Technologies Competition

Applications are invited from university researchers and small companies working in the UK in applied research in the chemical, life and materials sciences for a chance to turn their research into commercial success. The prize consists of ongoing mentoring and support from high profile multinational companies, up to £10,000 cash prize and more. We are proud to announce the mentor companies Procter and Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Catalent Applied Drug Delivery Institute, Croda and more will be joining soon.

Emerging Technologies Competition 2014

The applicants can be individuals or teams and they must submit a brief online application to the Royal Society of Chemistry. The entries will be judged by an independent panel of science and business experts and the shortlisted applications will be invited for the second round of the competition. Each team will pitch to a specialist panel at a public event and up to 5 teams will be crowned as winners. But everyone is a winner! The finalists will be able to access one to one FREE advice from business and finance specialists. In addition this is an excellent opportunity to practice pitching ideas to high profile multinational companies and to meet and network with fellow entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders.

Key dates:
First round closes on 1 March 2014
Second round takes place on 25 June 2014,
Chemistry Centre, London

Visit www.rsc.li/emerging-technologies for full details.
UK applications only please

If you have any questions please contact Aurora Antemir antemira@rsc.org.

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Prizes and Awards nominations open

The Royal Society of Chemistry’s Prizes and Awards recognise achievements by individuals, teams and organisations in advancing the chemical sciences. There are over 80 Prizes and Awards available covering all areas of the chemical sciences, with prize money of up to £5000 to be won.

The main categories are:

shutterstock_93666160

Biosciences

Environment, Sustainability and Energy

Inorganic Chemistry (Dalton Division)

Materials Chemistry

Organic Chemistry

Physical Chemistry (Faraday Division)

Industry & Technology

In addition, we have a new award this year, the Industrial Analytical Science Award, to recognise and celebrate the great contribution of analytical science in industry.

To view the full list of Prizes and Awards and to make a nomination, visit www.rsc.org/awards

Nominations open until 15 January 2014

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HOT Articles in Analytical Methods

Take a look at our new hot articles just published in Analytical Methods. These papers are all free to read until January 6th 2014. Enjoy the reading!

Multianalytical approach to explain the darkening process of hematite pigment in paintings from ancient Pompeii after accelerated weathering experiments
Maite Maguregui, Kepa Castro, Héctor Morillas, Josu Trebolazabala, Ulla Knuutinen, Rita Wiesinger, Manfred Schreiner and Juan Manuel Madariaga
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41741G, Paper

A new method to determine the thickness of platinum nanofilm simply by measuring its electrical resistance
Yujing Sun, Zhiwei Wen, Fugang Xu, Yue Zhang, Yan Shi, Haichao Dai and Zhuang Li
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41488D, Communication

A real-time cell-electronic sensing method for comparative analysis of toxicity of water contaminants
Haiying Du, Jinhua Li, Birget Moe, Claire F. McGuigan and Xing-Fang Li
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41686K, Paper

Magnetic imprinted surface enhanced Raman scattering (MI-SERS) based ultrasensitive detection of ciprofloxacin from a mixed sample
Zhinan Guo, Lei Chen, Haiming Lv, Zhi Yu and Bing Zhao
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY40866C, Paper

Synthesis, characterization and adsorption performance of molecularly imprinted nanoparticles for tripterine by precipitation polymerization
Yuan Liu, Guifeng Zhang, Lihong Deng, Jiandu Lei, Lianyan Wang and Jing He
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41772G, Paper

Selection, identification and application of a DNA aptamer against Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin A
Yukun Huang, Xiujuan Chen, Yu Xia, Shijia Wu, Nuo Duan, Xiaoyuan Ma and Zhouping Wang
Anal. Methods, 2014, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41576G, Paper

Multianalytical approach to explain the darkening process of hematite pigment in paintings from ancient Pompeii after accelerated weathering experiments

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Dissecting the Big Topics of Very Small Fluidic Devices

Pui Sai Lau is a guest web writer for Analytical Methods. She is currently a PhD student at McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

From the development of macro-, then micro- and now nano-fluidic devices, the science of biomolecule and bioparticle separation continues to evolve to meet the requirements of growing analytical applications. As new discoveries unravel innovative technologies, different problems for investigation also begin to emerge. Jie Xuan and Milton L. Lee from Brigham Young University, Utah, USA evaluate the progress of fluidic devices, and discuss some of the possibilities for future development. Find out more by accessing the link below. This paper will be free to read until 6 January 2014.

Let us know what your thoughts are by leaving a comment!

Size separation of biomolecules and bioparticles using micro/nanofabricated structures
Jie Xuana and Milton L. Lee
Anal. Methods, 2014, 6, 27-37
DOI: 10.1039/C3AY41364K

Micro/Nanostructures for Molecular Separation

Micro/Nanostructures for Molecular Separation

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