Microchemical Journal最新文献

{"title":"Empowering early detection of prostate cancer: a point-of-care biosensing perspective","authors":"Jen-Tai Lin ,&nbsp;Ya-Ping Chung ,&nbsp;Tong-Lin Wu ,&nbsp;Wan-Ching Lin ,&nbsp;Balasubramanian Sriram ,&nbsp;Sea-Fue Wang ,&nbsp;Sekhar Praveen ,&nbsp;Thiagarajan Soundappan ,&nbsp;Sakthivel Kogularasu ,&nbsp;Guo-Ping Chang-Chien","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114538","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114538","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Prostate cancer (PCa) is a major oncological burden globally, with disease progression closely linked to the timeliness and accuracy of clinical detection. Despite widespread use, conventional diagnostic approaches, including prostate-specific antigen assays, digital rectal examination, and ultrasound-guided biopsy, suffer from significant limitations such as poor biomarker specificity, invasiveness, and inter-operator variability, contributing to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. Recent advances in biosensor engineering have enabled the development of highly sensitive, selective, and multiplexed point-of-care diagnostic systems that can quantitatively detect PCa-associated biomarkers in noninvasive biological fluids with minimal sample processing. This review critically examines the current landscape of POC biosensing strategies for PCa, focusing on electrochemical, optical, and field-effect transistor (FET)-based platforms functionalized with high-affinity biorecognition elements such as antibodies, aptamers, and synthetic receptors. We highlight clinically validated and emerging molecular targets, including PSA isoforms, PCA3, TMPRSS2–ERG fusion transcripts, exosomal RNAs, and circulating tumor cells, and evaluate their diagnostic performance in integrated sensor systems. Emphasis is placed on the role of nanostructured transducer interfaces such as graphene, MXenes, metal–organic frameworks, and quantum dots in enhancing signal-to-noise ratios, lowering detection limits to the femtomolar range, and enabling multimodal sensing. Moreover, the integration of machine learning (ML) and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) algorithms into biosensor data workflows is discussed as a means to extract clinically actionable insights from high-dimensional, multi-biomarker datasets. These intelligent systems facilitate individualized risk assessment, improved classification of equivocal cases, and data-driven clinical decision-making. Finally, we address translational challenges related to device reproducibility, regulatory compliance, long-term stability, and deployment in low-resource settings. Collectively, the synergy between advanced materials, real-time analytics, and noninvasive sample access positions next-generation biosensing technologies as a cornerstone in the future of precision diagnostics and global prostate cancer management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114538"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144633431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Advanced microscale separation and mass spectrometry approaches for next-generation anti-doping in sports","authors":"Shengli Cui ,&nbsp;Shuiquan Wang ,&nbsp;Ruikai Chen","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Clean sport increasingly depends on analytical tools able to outpace evolving clandestine doping tactics.</div></div><div><h3>Approach</h3><div>We systematically reviewed &gt;300 peer-reviewed studies (2014–2025) and World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) technical documents on microscale separation techniques—capillary and microchip electrophoresis, nano- and micro-flow liquid chromatography (PLOT, UHPLC, HILIC, LC × LC) and lab-on-a-chip workflows—and their hyphenation to modern mass-spectrometers (triple-quadrupole, Orbitrap/QTOF, ion-mobility, GC-combustion-IRMS).</div></div><div><h3>Key advances</h3><div>Microscale formats reduce solvent and sample use by &gt;90 %, boost peak capacity, and, when coupled with dried-blood-spot or volumetric microsampling, enable minimally invasive, high-frequency testing. Online pre-concentration, active LC × LC modulation and sheathless nano-ESI now deliver sub-pg mL⁻¹ limits of detection for anabolic steroids, selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs), and peptide hormones, while collision-cross-section values resolve isomeric interferences.</div></div><div><h3>Implications</h3><div>These developments give anti-doping laboratories faster, greener and more sensitive assays, extend detection windows, and strengthen the Athlete Biological Passport with multiplexed peptide and metabolite read-outs—providing a proactive defence against emerging doping threats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114516"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144633429","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Covalent organic frameworks (COFs)-based sensors: advances in environmental monitoring, food safety and biomedicine detection","authors":"Rui Liu ,&nbsp;Meng Han ,&nbsp;Xin Zhang ,&nbsp;Yuan Sun ,&nbsp;Rijia Liu ,&nbsp;Shuang Jin","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a groundbreaking class of porous crystalline materials that have attracted considerable attention in sensing applications due to their unique structural advantages. This review systematically examines the recent advances in COFs sensors across three critical domains. Specially, for environmental monitoring, their deployment in the detection of the heavy metal ions and organic pollutants, in the food safety applications were discussed. COFs sensors for the identification of the pesticide residues and microbial contaminants through the distinctive fluorescence quenching and colorimetric mechanisms were also analyzed. The biomedical section highlighted the importance of the COFs platforms for ultrasensitive detection of disease biomarkers via the innovative signal amplification strategies. Beyond the demonstrated superior analytical performance, these COFs sensors offer the transformative practical advantages including the field-deployable operation, the recyclability, and the integration with other devices. The development of COFs sensing technologies can not only provide the immediate solutions for pressing the detection challenges but also establish a new paradigm for designing the next-generation smart sensors with the enhanced selectivity, stability and multifunctionality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114529"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metal oxides in biomedicine: Advances in imaging, drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing","authors":"Karuppiah Nagaraj","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114481","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114481","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) have garnered significant attention in biomedical applications due to their unique physicochemical properties, including high surface area, tunable band gaps, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the synthesis, functionalization, and biomedical applications of MONPs, focusing on their roles in imaging, targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensing. MONPs such as Fe₃O₄, TiO₂, ZnO, CeO₂, and MgO exhibit exceptional optical, magnetic, and catalytic properties, making them highly suitable for multimodal imaging, therapeutic interventions, and regenerative medicine. The objective of this review is to assess the current state of MONP-based technologies, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and translational challenges in clinical applications. A systematic evaluation of recent advancements in MONP synthesis, surface engineering, and in vitro/in vivo studies was conducted to determine their efficacy in biomedical applications. Results indicate that Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles significantly enhance MRI contrast for tumor imaging, while TiO₂ and ZnO improve CT resolution. Functionalized MONPs facilitate site-specific drug delivery through pH- and magnetically responsive mechanisms, reducing systemic toxicity and enhancing therapeutic efficiency. In tissue engineering, MONPs promote osteogenesis, neural regeneration, and wound healing by mitigating oxidative stress and stimulating cellular proliferation. Furthermore, ZnO- and TiO₂-based biosensors exhibit high sensitivity for glucose monitoring, cancer biomarker detection, and infectious disease diagnostics. Despite their promising biomedical potential, challenges such as long-term biocompatibility, nanoparticle aggregation, and large-scale production remain critical hurdles for clinical translation. Addressing these limitations through optimized synthesis strategies, advanced functionalization techniques, and integration into hybrid diagnostic and therapeutic platforms will be essential for realizing the full potential of MONPs in next-generation healthcare solutions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114481"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144595595","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Metal oxide gas sensors with nanosheet morphology: A review","authors":"M. Hjiri ,&nbsp;N. Benmansour ,&nbsp;Fatemah M. Barakat ,&nbsp;G. Neri","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Resistance gas sensors are often fabricated from semiconducting metal oxides (SMOs) and since surface area serve a decisive role in this type of sensors, development of morphologies with high amount of adsorption sites is essential. In this regards, SMOs with 2D nanosheet (NS) morphology are highly promising for gas sensing because of their good crystallinity and large surface area for providing numerous adsorption sites for gas molecules. However, they also have some shortages like relatively high sensing temperature and weak selectivity. In this review, we have discussed various aspects of SMO gas sensors with NS morphology. Pristine, doped, decorated, and composite SMOs with NS morphologies can be successfully used for the detection of toxic gases. Contents of current review may open new concepts for scientists in this field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114510"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144589057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review of deep eutectic solvents for sustainable metabolite extraction: Physicochemical database, extraction efficiency, and recovery strategies","authors":"Abu Hurairah Darwisy Alias,&nbsp;Muhammad Hakimin Shafie","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Conventional extraction solvents such as ethanol, methanol, acetone, and chloroform pose significant risks to human health and the environment due to their carcinogenicity, reproductive toxicity, and neurotoxicity. To address these concerns, green solvents have emerged as safer alternatives, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3, which promotes health and well-being. This review provides an overview of deep eutectic solvents (DES) as promising green solvents, highlighting their physicochemical properties and applications. The physicochemical characteristics of DES are examined, with a particular focus on how hydroxyl (OH) group density, molar ratio of DES constituents, and alkyl chain length influence key parameters such as pH, water content, viscosity, density, and polarity. Moreover, the relationship between these physicochemical properties and the efficiency of DES in extracting bioactive metabolites, including primary (i.e., proteins, polysaccharides, amino acids) and secondary metabolites (i.e., flavonoids, phenolics, alkaloids), is critically discussed. By refining DES properties and optimizing extraction methodologies, their potential can be further expanded for applications in pharmaceuticals, food sciences, and biochemistry, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient bioactive compound extraction processes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114448"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144595575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lab-on-paper for point-of-care detection of pesticides: A review","authors":"Richa Rao ,&nbsp;Dinesh Prasad ,&nbsp;Vishnu Sharma ,&nbsp;Naresh Kumar Mani","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114487","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing population and increasing food demand have caused an increase in pesticide consumption by farmers to prevent crop loss and maintain yield. While effective, pesticides pose serious risks to the environment, animals and humans, making accurate detection of pesticides essential. Advanced tools such as high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry offer sensitive and accurate detection of pesticides but cannot be deployed for on-site use because of their high cost and complexity. In response, there has been a surge in the development of point-of-care devices, many of which utilize paper as a substrate. These devices, commonly known as lab-on-paper devices, provide a low-cost, portable and qualitative method for detecting pesticide residues in a variety of samples, including environmental and biological samples. These devices have employed novel recognition elements such as enzymes, aptamers, and nanomaterials and have integrated new age technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for the enhanced optical detection of pesticides. This review highlights recent advancements in lab-on-paper technologies that utilize optical signals for the detection of pesticides. Furthermore, we highlight developments involving lateral flow assays for pesticide detection and discuss the challenges in commercialization and real-life settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114487"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Machine learning for image-based cell classification, detection, and segmentation in microfluidic biosensors: A computer vision perspective","authors":"Kuo Chen ,&nbsp;Jingyuan Tang ,&nbsp;Ling Wen ,&nbsp;Zhulin Ma ,&nbsp;Shan Liu ,&nbsp;Diangeng Li","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114357","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114357","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microfluidic biosensors, when combined with microscopy imaging, provide continuous observation of cells during growth and division, generating vast quantities of visual data. The integration of machine learning (ML) enables real-time analysis of these images, enhancing the monitoring of cell behavior and dynamic changes. This offers critical insights for cell biology and disease research, representing a typical problem in computer vision (CV). This paper specifically focuses on cell analysis tasks, including cell classification, detection, and segmentation, within the microfluidic biosensor framework. We review the application of ML techniques for these three core tasks, discussing both traditional methods and end-to-end deep learning (DL) models. Emphasizing how ML improves the accuracy and efficiency of microfluidic biosensor imaging, we highlight the growing potential for personalized medicine, disease diagnosis, and drug development. Finally, we analyze current technological trends and propose recommendations for future research in cell analysis using microfluidic biosensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114357"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144571088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An insight into paper-based microfluidic devices for diabetes diagnosis: Fabrication, detection, and applications","authors":"Suchitra Kumari Panigrahy ,&nbsp;Abhijeeta Nandha ,&nbsp;Awanish Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114475","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114475","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Worldwide, diabetes mellitus (DM) is a prevalent non-communicable disease that can result in severe consequences. Therapy and management of the disease depend on early diagnosis and stringent glycemic control. The advancement of medical research and technology has undoubtedly enhanced the accuracy and efficacy of clinical treatments; yet, the high cost and complexity of these technologies have hindered their widespread adoption in less developed regions. Compared to laboratory-based technologies, point-of-care/need (POC/N) sensing devices have drawn attention for clinical and environmental sample analysis owing to ease of fabrication from basic materials, low cost, quick test times, and low reagent and sample requirements. The porous nature of paper, flow control, and storage of samples and reagents make it suitable as a substrate for these devices. Till now, the potential of paper-based microfluidic devices (μPADs) in diabetes management has been unexplored. Microfluidics is a key technology in modern analytical chemistry that would be very useful in automation, miniaturization, and quick analytics in diabetes diagnosis. This current review gives insight into the various fabrication techniques for μPADs and detection methods for diabetes management. This information will be helpful for researchers to develop novel microfluidic devices for the timely detection and effective treatment of diabetes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114475"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144571865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sample preparation for environmental monitoring under the perspective of white analytical chemistry: Green, sustainable and, effective","authors":"Marcos V.S. Pereira ,&nbsp;Iare S. Ribeiro ,&nbsp;Adriele R.V. da Silva ,&nbsp;Juliana P.P. Silva ,&nbsp;Wesley C.P. Aquino ,&nbsp;Cícero A. Lopes Júnior ,&nbsp;Jemmyson R. de Jesus","doi":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.microc.2025.114444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>White analytical chemistry (WAC) emerges as an integrative concept that expands the traditional paradigm of green analytical chemistry by incorporating analytical performance (red), environmental sustainability (green), and practical/economic feasibility (blue). This review critically examines the main sample preparation techniques through the lens of WAC, highlighting their alignment with sustainability and analytical excellence in environmental applications. Conventional and emerging methodologies, including liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), solid-phase extraction (SPE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and miniaturized techniques are discussed along with novel materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), carbon-based sorbents, and green solvents like ionic liquids and deep eutectics. Through this approach, the review highlights the potential of WAC to guide the development of sample preparation workflows that are not only efficient and reproducible, but also safer, cleaner, and more affordable for real-world environmental monitoring. Several application involving water, food and waste samples are reported, demonstrating how WAC-driven strategies achieve high “whiteness” scores, reinforcing their practical relevance and ecological value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":391,"journal":{"name":"Microchemical Journal","volume":"215 ","pages":"Article 114444"},"PeriodicalIF":4.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144549472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}