REVIEW: THE ROLE OF AUTOMATION IN IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE AND THROUGHPUT OF MICROSAMPLE BIOANALYSIS

IF 5.7 2区化学 Q1 CHEMISTRY, ANALYTICAL

Analytica Chimica Acta Pub Date : 2025-04-05 DOI:10.1016/j.aca.2025.344018

Michele Protti, Laura Mercolini, Roberto Mandrioli

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Microsampling is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving topics in bioanalysis. It can provide numerous advantages in comparison to traditional biological fluid sampling (safety and analyte stability, feasible shipping, lower storage expenses and increased environmental friendliness). All these advantages can be put to ideal use if microsampling is coupled to advanced automation. Most modern microsampling techniques are designed for optimal automatability of the sampling procedure, or of any of the subsequent analytical workflow steps, so that the usual advantages of the former can be enhanced by increased throughput, better safety and lower per-analysis expenses. However, finding relevant information on recent advances in automation for the bioanalysis of microsamples is still a challenging task.

Results

In this review paper with 92 references, the most recent and relevant applications of full automation and semi-automation in biological microsample analysis are presented, with notes on the advantages and limitations of each approach. Some less recent examples are also presented, providing context or insight into the evolution of subsequent developments. This unique approach allows a better understanding of the close intertwining and complementarity of microsampling, automation and miniaturised sample preparation, an integration that is essential to ensure optimal and reliable results. Differences between classical and advanced microsampling techniques regarding their performance related to overall process automation are clearly laid out. Ample space is reserved for discussion on the most recent trends and what the authors believe will be the most important future developments.

Significance

This review paper shows for the first time how coupling microsampling to analytical workflow automation could be the tipping point that will help microsampling become fully established in routine bioanalysis. Most disadvantages of microsampling can be either alleviated, outright solved or made irrelevant by automation, and this unprecedented development has the potential to revolutionise an entire research and application field. This is true in most use cases, including TDM, forensics, anti-doping and preclinical, clinical and toxicological studies.

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来源期刊

Analytica Chimica Acta 化学-分析化学

CiteScore

10.40

自引率

6.50%

发文量

1081

审稿时长

38 days

期刊介绍： Analytica Chimica Acta has an open access mirror journal Analytica Chimica Acta: X, sharing the same aims and scope, editorial team, submission system and rigorous peer review. Analytica Chimica Acta provides a forum for the rapid publication of original research, and critical, comprehensive reviews dealing with all aspects of fundamental and applied modern analytical chemistry. The journal welcomes the submission of research papers which report studies concerning the development of new and significant analytical methodologies. In determining the suitability of submitted articles for publication, particular scrutiny will be placed on the degree of novelty and impact of the research and the extent to which it adds to the existing body of knowledge in analytical chemistry.