{"title":"Review of methods for the determination of cellular cholesterol content: principles, advantages, limitations, applications, and perspectives","authors":"Zihang Zhou, Jiangyu Zong, Ning Xu","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00842-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00842-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Imbalances in cellular cholesterol homeostasis are associated with various diseases, and accurate determination of cholesterol levels and distribution is essential for a thorough understanding of cellular physiopathology. In this review, we comprehensively analyzed various techniques for cellular cholesterol determination. They include indirect methods based on SREBP2 activity monitoring, gas chromatography–liquid chromatography coupling, enzyme analysis, improved Abell–Kendall method, cholesterol-specific probes such as filipin III and cholesterol-dependent cytolysin, and cholesterol analogs such as dehydroergosterol, BODIPY-cholesterol, label-free as well as labeling Raman assays and mass spectrometry imaging techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging, desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging, and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry technology. Principles, advantages, and limitations of each technique are discussed in detail, their characteristics in terms of sensitivity, spatial resolution, and temporal resolution are compared in detail. Finally, suggestions for selecting the technique for different experimental objectives are also given. These findings will help researchers choose the most suitable method according to their own needs, provide strong support for cellular cholesterol research, and promote the development of related fields to better elucidate the significance of cellular cholesterol in normal biologic activities and also its intrinsic relationship with diseases.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 11","pages":"1697 - 1714"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s44211-025-00842-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144939396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xue Xiao, Dan Li, Xiandong Li, Pinchun Kang, Qiao Lu
{"title":"Laser-induced acoustic desorption coupled with dielectric barrier discharge ionization mass spectrometry for analysis of thermally labile compounds","authors":"Xue Xiao, Dan Li, Xiandong Li, Pinchun Kang, Qiao Lu","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00827-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00827-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Laser-induced acoustic desorption (LIAD) coupled with dielectric barrier discharge ionization mass spectrometry (DBDI-MS) has been developed as a novel technique for the direct detection of solid samples. LIAD is a “soft” desorption method that enables the volatilization of thermally labile and involatile compounds without significant degradation, while DBDI provides a gentle ionization process. Compared with laser desorption DBDI-MS (LD-DBDI-MS) or laser desorption ionization-MS (LDI-MS), this combination allows for the analysis of fragile molecules with minimal fragmentation. In this study, we optimized the LIAD-DBDI-MS system by adjusting key parameters such as the distance between the titanium foil and the ion source inlet, and the laser power density. The system was successfully employed for the analysis of melamine, copper phthalocyanine, and folic acid, demonstrating its capability to detect molecular species primarily as intact [M + H]⁺ or [M]⁻ ions with minimal or no fragmentation. The results highlight the potential of LIAD-DBDI-MS as a powerful tool for the analysis of complexes and fragile compounds in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and materials science.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 10","pages":"1637 - 1645"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144939459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alvin Lim Teik Zheng, Ellie Yi Lih Teo, Yiu Pang Hung, Juniza Md Saad, Nor Hisam Zamakshshari, Eric Lim Teik Chung, Mohammed Abdillah Ahmad Farid, Yoshito Andou
{"title":"Recent progress in functional materials for electrochemical detection of pesticides: modification strategies, performance, and future challenges","authors":"Alvin Lim Teik Zheng, Ellie Yi Lih Teo, Yiu Pang Hung, Juniza Md Saad, Nor Hisam Zamakshshari, Eric Lim Teik Chung, Mohammed Abdillah Ahmad Farid, Yoshito Andou","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00838-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00838-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Widespread pesticides use in agriculture has led to significant groundwater and food contamination, posing severe risks to both human health and the environment. Real-time detection of these emerging contaminants remains a formidable challenge. Electrochemical sensors and biosensors have remained a viable technique for overcoming the limits ascribed to their ultra-sensitivity and rapid detection times as well as excellent sensitivity, reliability, and selectivity. This comprehensive review will encompass the most recent advancements in the utilization of functional materials such as metal–organic framework, MXene, carbon organic framework, carbon nanotubes, and graphene modifiers for the detection of a myriad of pesticides via electrochemical detection techniques, electrode materials, electrolyte solutions, and sample matrices. This review compiles performance data, including detection limits and linear ranges, for various sensing platforms. Finally, the write-up will discuss advanced sensor technology and address the improvements made on electrochemical sensors and biosensors for pesticide detection, which will be important in future studies on pesticide determination.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 10","pages":"1585 - 1606"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144939439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Current status of detection strategies for pathogenic Escherichia coli: a brief review and summary","authors":"Xudong Xue, Min He, Peng Wang, Yan Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00836-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00836-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Pathogenic <i>E. coli</i>, a significant concern for researchers and health organizations worldwide, has caused numerous large-scale bacterial infection deaths worldwide. Low-dose infection and high pathogenicity underscore the need for rapid and accurate detection of <i>E. coli</i> to control its infection and protect human health and public health safety. This review outlines the main detection strategies for <i>E. coli</i> in recent years and divides them into six categories: traditional plate colony counting, immunology, optics, molecular biology, electrochemical sensing, and microchip technology. Recent representative articles on <i>E. coli</i> detection are also summarized and analyzed, and their advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Additionally, this review also presents the future direction and prospects of <i>E. coli</i> detection strategies. The main objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive overview and constructive ideas to develop efficient, advanced, and immediate detection methods for <i>E. coli</i> and pathogenic microorganism detection, emphasizing the need for such strategies.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 10","pages":"1575 - 1584"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144939356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Quantitative analysis using LA-ICP-MS and powder samples dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol films","authors":"Masahiro Kobayashi, Hiromasa Namiki, Hideo Hayashi","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00835-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00835-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The combination of laser ablation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a powerful tool for direct analysis of solid samples. However, quantitative analyses by LA-ICP-MS require matrix-matched standard materials, which are not always available. In this study, we have developed a method that enables quantitative analyses of powder samples using LA-ICP-MS. The sample powder is dispersed in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) paste, which is a hydrophilic resin, and a film sample is obtained by a screen-printing technique. Analyte concentrations can be determined by a standard-addition method using an analyte-spiked film prepared by mixing standard solutions into the PVA paste. Because of its hydrophilicity, it is possible to increase the ratio of analytes (standard solutions) to the resin. Despite samples being diluted with the resin, this method has enough sensitivity to detect elements at concentrations < 0.1 μg/g. Several types of ceramic powder (SiC, ZrO<sub>2</sub>, and TiO<sub>2</sub>) were analyzed using this method, and all the analytes, the concentrations of which differed by five orders of magnitude (from < 1 μg/g to > 1 wt%), were accurately quantified. This method, in which reliable matrix-matched standard materials are easily tailored for each sample, can be potentially important in quantitative analyses using LA-ICP-MS.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 11","pages":"1757 - 1762"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144870981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Federico Sanjuan, Charles Aubourg, Bertrand Fasentieux, Maria Angels Subirana, François Baudin, Maxime Bernier
{"title":"Modeling the combined influence of maturation and organic matter content on terahertz dielectric properties of oil shales","authors":"Federico Sanjuan, Charles Aubourg, Bertrand Fasentieux, Maria Angels Subirana, François Baudin, Maxime Bernier","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00834-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00834-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Maturation and organic matter content are critical factors influencing the hydrocarbon generation potential and economic viability of oil shales. Accurate assessment of these parameters is essential for optimizing extraction techniques and evaluating resource quality. While previous studies have individually linked maturation and organic content to dielectric permittivity in the terahertz (THz) range, their combined influence has not yet been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we explore the interdependence between maturation, organic matter content, and THz dielectric properties. Fifteen oil shale samples from two distinct basins were analyzed using Rock-Eval thermal analysis to quantify organic content, vitrinite reflectance to determine thermal maturity, and THz time-domain spectroscopy to estimate dielectric permittivity. Based on these analyses, we propose an empirical model that links these three parameters through a fitted surface, achieving a 75% accuracy in data representation. These findings provide a more robust framework than previous approaches for characterizing oil shales and enhancing resource evaluation.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 11","pages":"1749 - 1755"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144870980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Simple and rapid TLC blotting-based methodology for screening membrane protein-specific lipids","authors":"Supakorn Wangamnuayporn, Nobuaki Matsumori","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00841-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00841-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>We present a novel methodology for the rapid and simplified screening of membrane protein (MP)-specific lipids, utilizing thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to separate lipid mixtures, followed by colorimetric detection using our recently developed MP-immobilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). After separation, the lipids on the TLC plate were transferred to a polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane and visualized colorimetrically with MP-functionalized AuNPs. Lipid species on the TLC or PVDF membrane were further annotated via mass spectrometry. To enhance the visualization of specifically interacting lipids and minimize non-specific binding on the PVDF membrane, several factors, including AuNP size, blocking with bovine serum albumin, and detergent washing, were optimized using bacteriorhodopsin (bR)-immobilized AuNPs. Consequently, S-TGD-1, a known bR-specific lipid, was strongly detected, confirming the effectiveness of this method. We then applied this approach to the potassium channel KcsA and demonstrated that cardiolipin band on the PVDF was most strongly stained by KcsA-immobilized AuNPs. This is consistent with previous reports identifying cardiolipin as a KcsA-specific lipid. To more quantitatively identify MP-specific lipids, we also introduced the Binding Index (BI), which reproduced that S-TGD-1 and cardiolipin are specific to bR and KcsA, respectively. Thus, the utility of this methodology was demonstrated through studies with bR and KcsA. This technique offers a broadly applicable approach for identifying MP-binding lipids without requiring extensive lipid purification or sophisticated instrumentation, providing a versatile tool for studying MP–lipid interactions.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 10","pages":"1669 - 1679"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144870982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of ammonium fluoride as a mobile phase additive on quantitativity of fatty acids in electrospray ionization–liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry","authors":"Kohei Kawabata, Haruka Muraoka, Yuya Ohtsuki, Soo Takasu, Yukihiro Esaka, Akira Tokumura, Hiroyuki Nishi","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00832-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00832-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fatty acids (FAs) are essential molecules in biological systems and have crucial roles for fundamental components of cellular membranes, energy stores and mediators for cellular functions. The growing importance of FAs has also paid attention to analytical methods for the determination of FA contents in various samples accurately. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analysis is a powerful tool due to less time for sample preparation and analysis. This analytical approach enables to quantify levels of FA and other lipid classes in various samples simultaneously without derivatization. In the present study, the effects of ammonium salts on the sensitivity of FAs in LC–MS/MS analysis were evaluated. First, authors performed the comparison of FA analysis with different mobile phases, which contain ammonium formate, ammonium fluoride, ammonium acetate or ammonium carbonate. Interestingly, the mobile phase containing ammonium fluoride enhanced the sensitivity of targeted FA species more than other ammonium salts. Second, the difference of quantativity of FA species was examined. It was indicated that both carbon chain length and the number of double bonds affect ionization of FA species. Finally, the method of FA analysis based on ammonium fluoride was applied to FA profiling of lotus root. It is indicated that mobile phase containing ammonium fluoride enabled to evaluate FA contents with highly sensitivity in LC–MS/MS analysis.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 10","pages":"1681 - 1688"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144870979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Iveta S. Turomsha, Maxim Y. Gvozdev, Natalia V. Loginova
{"title":"Sterically hindered phenolic azomethine dyes derived from aliphatic amines: solvatochromism, DFT studies and antioxidant activity","authors":"Iveta S. Turomsha, Maxim Y. Gvozdev, Natalia V. Loginova","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00837-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00837-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Displaying versatile biological activity, Schiff bases are known to possess prominent optical, thermal, and metal coordination properties, rendering them prospective for the design of dyes, photonic devices, ion sensors, molecular probes, etc. Furthermore, azomethine compounds bearing a phenolic moiety may exert antioxidant action. In this work, the antioxidant activity of the bis-substituted and mono-substituted phenolic azomethine dyes derived from 4,6-di-<i>tert-</i>butyl-2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde was determined in DPPH radical and ABTS cation radical scavenging assays, FRAP and CUPRAC metal reducing assays, and ferrous iron chelating activity assay. The effects of aliphatic amine substituents, steric factors, and the coordination behavior of the compounds on their antioxidant activity were studied. Experimental results of the antioxidant activity assays and plausible mechanisms of antioxidant action were elucidated with reference to the reaction parameters and global reactivity descriptors calculated for the DFT-optimized compound structures. The studied phenolic Schiff bases were characterized by spectroscopic and quantum chemical methods. Solvatochromic properties of the compounds were investigated in terms of the influence of solvent nature and the acidity and basicity of the medium on their catechol imine/quinone methide tautomerism.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 11","pages":"1763 - 1777"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144854268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ikuo Ueta, Nan Jin, Tetsuo Kuwabara, Yoshihiro Saito
{"title":"Evaporation of volatile guest compounds incorporated into solid-state cyclodextrins","authors":"Ikuo Ueta, Nan Jin, Tetsuo Kuwabara, Yoshihiro Saito","doi":"10.1007/s44211-025-00833-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s44211-025-00833-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The evaporation of volatile naphthalene compounds incorporated into solid-state cyclodextrins (CDs) was quantitatively evaluated using a solid-phase extraction (SPE) device and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Initially, an aqueous CD solution was spiked on a quartz filter and dried. Then, solution of naphthalene compounds in acetone was spiked on the filter, resulting in the formation of guest–CD complexes on the filter. The filter was fixed in a filter holder, and the SPE device was connected to the filter holder. Subsequently, clean air was collected via the filter holder and the SPE device using a gas sampling pump. During air sampling, naphthalene compounds evaporated from the filter and were collected on the SPE device. Subsequently, naphthalene compounds in the SPE device and the filter were eluted with acetone, followed by quantification with HPLC. The results indicated that the inclusion in solid-state β-CD suppressed the evaporation of naphthalene compounds. In addition, the inclusion effect was stronger for the dry than for the wet CDs. The inclusion effect was also found to increase with temperature.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":7802,"journal":{"name":"Analytical Sciences","volume":"41 11","pages":"1811 - 1816"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144798009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}