Kyeong-Mo Koo , Jin-Kyu Wi , Chang-Dae Kim , Hyung-Joo Kim , Tae-Hyung Kim
{"title":"Cell-based electrochemical biosensors for cancer diagnosis: Advances and emerging trends","authors":"Kyeong-Mo Koo , Jin-Kyu Wi , Chang-Dae Kim , Hyung-Joo Kim , Tae-Hyung Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118669","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118669","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cancer remains a major global health burden, while current biomarkers remain limited in capturing tumour progression despite advances in imaging and molecular diagnostics. Conventional modalities such as positron emission tomography (PET), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) remain constrained by high cost, lengthy procedures, and invasive sampling. Electrochemical (EC) biosensors have emerged as sensitive, label-free tools capable of real-time monitoring and integration into portable platforms.</div><div>This review focuses on cell-based EC biosensors that interface directly with cancer cells to detect dynamic redox behaviour beyond conventional assays. These systems capture intracellular as well as extracellular redox and metabolic activity, offering functional insight into tumour state and therapeutic response. Sensing and interface-engineering strategies are outlined to clarify remaining technical challenges. Finally, we outline future directions that integrate EC biosensors with three-dimensional tumour models, organoids and microfluidic systems to establish physiologically relevant and multiplexed diagnostic platforms for translational cancer research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118669"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Fábio Trindade , Miron Sopić , Michael J. Davies , Christos Tsatsanis , Florence Pinet , Helena Beatriz Ferreira , Jelena Munjas , Karine R. Mayilyan , Melissa Marie Formosa , Ritienne Attard , Rosienne Farrugia , Rui Vitorino , Soliman Khatib , Stephanie Bezzina Wettinger , Susana Novella , Vít Kosek , Yahya Sohrabi , Paolo Magni , Yvan Devaux , David de Gonzalo-Calvo , Marie Mardal
{"title":"Relevance of pre-analytical factors in multiomics: Toward a standardized blood processing protocol","authors":"Fábio Trindade , Miron Sopić , Michael J. Davies , Christos Tsatsanis , Florence Pinet , Helena Beatriz Ferreira , Jelena Munjas , Karine R. Mayilyan , Melissa Marie Formosa , Ritienne Attard , Rosienne Farrugia , Rui Vitorino , Soliman Khatib , Stephanie Bezzina Wettinger , Susana Novella , Vít Kosek , Yahya Sohrabi , Paolo Magni , Yvan Devaux , David de Gonzalo-Calvo , Marie Mardal","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To implement multiomic studies successfully, there is a need to overcome challenges in steps ranging from study design to data integration. As blood is the preferred matrix for sampling in such studies, we review how pre-analytical factors affect genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics and propose a harmonized blood processing protocol. Plasma is preferred, as clotting of serum may cause contamination from lysed cells. Transcriptomics is highly sensitive to platelet contamination, making platelet-poor plasma ideal. Processing delays and room-temperature storage compromise the stability of several analytes classes. To ensure comparability, the Standard PREanalytical Code (SPREC) should document all phases of sample handling. We recommend collecting blood in K<sub>2</sub>EDTA tubes and separating plasma via two centrifugations (1600×<em>g</em> and 16,000×<em>g</em>, 10 min at 4 °C). Samples should be checked for hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia and then stored at −80 °C [SPREC: PL2.PED.A1.C.J.A.D]. Following this standardized protocol or documenting deviations from it can improve multiomic reproducibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118676"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034669","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Matthias Anagho-Mattanovich , Hayden Ashley Paige , Ricardo Hernández Medina , Thomas Moritz
{"title":"Stable-isotope labeling using mass spectrometry for metabolism research","authors":"Matthias Anagho-Mattanovich , Hayden Ashley Paige , Ricardo Hernández Medina , Thomas Moritz","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Stable-isotope labeling and tracing are powerful approaches in metabolism research, allowing for the observation of atom movement through the biochemical reaction network of a system. By introducing isotopically labeled substrates, researchers can track metabolite transformations, uncover pathway dynamics, and calculate metabolic fluxes. Unlike traditional metabolomics, isotope tracing provides insights into both static and dynamic aspects of metabolism. Modern analytical and computational methods have made stable-isotope labeling more accurate, replacing older unsafe radiolabeling techniques. However, careful experimental design, biological study, chemical analysis, and data processing are essential to avoid pitfalls and ensure accurate, reliable results in isotope labeling studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118691"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073587","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zhuoning Xie , Simin Cheng , Xiaoyun Gong , Xiaoxiao Ma
{"title":"Applications of stable isotopes in lipid metabolic tracing and lipidomics analysis","authors":"Zhuoning Xie , Simin Cheng , Xiaoyun Gong , Xiaoxiao Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118629","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118629","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lipids are structurally diverse and functionally critical biomolecules playing key roles in energy storage, signal transduction, and membrane formation. Their precise regulation is essential for cellular homeostasis, with metabolic disruptions closely linked to conditions like atherosclerosis and diabetes, while lipid metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a hallmark of cancer. This review outlines recent advances in applying stable isotopes for lipid metabolic tracing, lipidomics analysis, and flux quantification. It discusses various labeling strategies and reviews dynamic characterization models such as mass isotopomer distribution (MID), carbon-average enrichment, isotopomer spectral analysis (ISA), and <sup>13</sup>C-nonstationary metabolic flux analysis (<sup>13</sup>C-NMFA). The applications of isotope tracing in baseline metabolism, disease-induced reprogramming, and pharmacology are examined, alongside advancements in mass spectrometry imaging and single-cell lipidomics. Ultimately, stable isotope tracing offers a dynamic perspective for lipid metabolism, enabling the tracking of real-time pathway changes and metabolic fluxes. Combined with advanced mass spectrometry, this approach should significantly expand the understanding of physiology and disease mechanisms, highlighting its potential in pharmacological research and future developments in multimodal data integration and AI-driven spatiotemporal modeling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118629"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145882558","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mingshi Shao , Shushi Hou , Xiao Fu , Xiang Li , Yu Chen , Pei-Yang Su , Yongchao Huang
{"title":"Analytical investigation of charge carrier separation in photoelectrochemical water splitting: Multi-Scale methods and emerging trends","authors":"Mingshi Shao , Shushi Hou , Xiao Fu , Xiang Li , Yu Chen , Pei-Yang Su , Yongchao Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118672","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118672","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rapid recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs limits the efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, making understanding charge separation and kinetics diagnostics essential. This review highlights latest advances in multi-spatiotemporal analytical methods for probing charge carrier dynamics, from femtosecond-scale generation to long-term device operation. Time-resolved spectroscopies, including transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL); spatially resolved microscopies, such as Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and scanning photoelectrochemical microscopy (SPECM); and electrochemical and operando methods, including intensity-modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS) and operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), are compared in terms of principles, resolution, and mechanistic relevance. Emphasis is placed on integrating multimodal and operando characterizations to link atomic-scale charge behavior with macroscopic performance. Complementary computational approaches, including density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML), are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives emphasize multimodal strategies and standardized systems to accelerate rational design of efficient PEC systems for sustainable hydrogen production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118672"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advances in novel strategies for long noncoding RNA assay","authors":"Huimin Yuan, Hai-juan Li, Li-juan Wang, Chun-yang Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcripts that lack protein-coding potential but regulate pivotal biological processes and carcinogenesis. Dysregulated lncRNA expression contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of diverse diseases, including cancers, neuronal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, lncRNAs have served as both diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of cancers. Recently, numerous analytical techniques have been established for lncRNA detection, providing valuable insights into the prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of diseases. However, there are no systematic review that comprehensively summarizes the classification, biological functions, analytical methods, and clinical applications of lncRNAs. Herein, we introduce the classification and biological functions of lncRNAs, and focus on the advances in novel strategies from <em>in vitro</em> detection to <em>in vivo</em> imaging of lncRNA. We summarize their mechanisms, performances, features, and potential applications in tumor cell discrimination, clinical diagnosis, and disease therapy. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and future directions in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118646"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922590","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Recent advances in label-free light scattering imaging and sensing of single cells and exosomes","authors":"Faihaa Mohammed Eltigani, Xuantao Su","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118659","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118659","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Single particle analysis is essential for clinical diagnosis, which helps identify the highly heterogeneous nature of microscale cells and nanoscale exosomes. However, most analytical methods require the use of labels and stains that could perturb the original bio-states of single cells or exosomes. Light scattering methods offer substantial advances by providing label-free, rapid, and cost-effective imaging and sensing technologies with nanometer detection sensitivity. Recent research has witnessed the emergence of novel label-free methods for single-cell and exosome analysis. This review discusses light scattering imaging and sensing methods for label-free analysis of single cells and exosomes, focusing on high-resolution, high-throughput, and high-content technologies. The review framework also encompasses advances in artificial intelligence for light scattering optical metrology, an essential field in optical imaging and sensing. This review is expected to provide promising directions to leverage light scattering multimodal technology toward label-free multiscale analysis of single cells or exosomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118659"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922634","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qian Liu , Xinyi Tao , Bingqing Nie , Qunlin Zhang , Zikuan Gu , Haifeng Lu
{"title":"Recent advances in molecularly imprinted polymer-based nanomedicines for targeted imaging and therapeutics","authors":"Qian Liu , Xinyi Tao , Bingqing Nie , Qunlin Zhang , Zikuan Gu , Haifeng Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118666","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118666","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic affinity materials featuring precisely tailor-made binding cavities complementary to template molecules in shape, size, and functionality. Serving as robust substitutes for biological ligands, MIPs possess distinct advantages including high affinity and specificity, straightforward synthesis, excellent stability and cost-efficiency. Currently, the development of MIPs is undergoing a revolutionary transformation from their traditional applications such as separation, catalysis and biosensing to emerging biomedical frontiers such as bioimaging and nanomedicine. As such, engineering MIP-based nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) have emerged as an appealing platform for precision medicine due to their excellent dispersion, rapid binding kinetics and good biocompatibility. In this review, we summarize the latest strategies for the rational design and advanced fabrication of nanoMIPs. Additionally, the recent progress of nanoMIPs in targeted imaging and therapeutics is presented. Lastly, the potentials and future perspectives of nanoMIPs is discussed. These insights aim to inspire more advanced studies in nanoMIP-based nanomedicines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118666"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yifan Dong , Zehang You , Chen Chen , Ranqing Jiang , Hanfei Liu , Mengyi Zheng , Yuanhua Shao
{"title":"Recent developments of ECL mechanisms study and their applications","authors":"Yifan Dong , Zehang You , Chen Chen , Ranqing Jiang , Hanfei Liu , Mengyi Zheng , Yuanhua Shao","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118636","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2025.118636","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This review briefly summarizes the latest progress in investigation of mechanism for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) and its application in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis. First, some core techniques for ECL mechanism elucidation are introduced. Electrochemistry-mass spectrometry (EC-MS) enables real-time capture of short-lived intermediates (e.g., TPrA·<sup>+</sup>, luminol radical anions), validating reaction pathways from speculation to empirical evidence; spectroscopic/imaging methods reveal multi-dimensional information on ECL excited-state characteristics, kinetic processes, and spatial distribution; other techniques such as scanning probe microscopy and theoretical simulation complement the characterization of interfacial reactions and molecular-level mechanisms. Subsequently, focusing on AMI diagnosis, the review highlights translational value driven by ECL mechanism research: ultra-sensitive detection of biomarkers (cTnI, h-FABP) with detection limits as low as 0.11 fg/mL, enabled by co-reactant-intermediate regulation; multi-marker joint detection (cTnI, h-FABP, copeptin) via spectral/potential resolution, improving diagnostic accuracy for clinical serum samples; development of portable point-of-care testing (POCT) devices with shortened detection times, enabled by insights into nano-interface mass transfer mechanisms; enhanced clinical application efficacy, as these diagnostic advantages stem directly from in-depth ECL mechanism research. Finally, challenges and future directions are discussed, aiming to promote application of ECL in precision medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118636"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145922637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Advancements and strategies in simultaneous multi-target detection for analyte multiplexing","authors":"Zhazira Zhumabekova , Nigara Yunussova , Damira Kanayeva","doi":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.trac.2026.118688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers has become increasingly important for healthcare diagnostics, food quality control, and environmental monitoring. Real-world samples are often complex, containing multiple analytes that may interact, leading to cross-reactivity and complicating reliable detection. In response, significant advances have been made in developing multiplexed analytical platforms that enable accurate, efficient, and early detection of disease markers or contaminants. This review systematically analyzes literature published from 2018 to mid-2025, following PRISMA guidelines, to evaluate strategies, technologies, and applications in multiplexed analyte detection platforms. It critically reviews various approaches, including optical, electrochemical, and molecular methods, all of which aim to detect multiple analytes simultaneously in one or more samples. This study also explores a broad range of applications in which multi-target detection is valuable, including real-time monitoring of environmental contaminants and clinical diagnostic settings, where early disease detection is vital. In conclusion, this work highlights current research directions in multi-analyte detection, its limitations, and potential future advancements.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":439,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Analytical Chemistry","volume":"196 ","pages":"Article 118688"},"PeriodicalIF":12.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146074246","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}