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Author Moro, G.; Cristofori, D.; Bottari, F.; Cattaruzza, E.; De Wael, K.; Moretto, L.M. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Redesigning an electrochemical MIP sensor for PFOS : practicalities and pitfalls Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Sensors Abbreviated Journal Sensors-Basel  
  Volume (down) 19 Issue 20 Pages 4433  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract There is a growing interest in the technological transfer of highly performing electrochemical sensors within portable analytical devices for the in situ monitoring of environmental contaminants, such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). In the redesign of biomimetic sensors, many parameters should be taken into account from the working conditions to the electrode surface roughness. A complete characterization of the surface modifiers can help to avoid time-consuming optimizations and better interpret the sensor responses. In the present study, a molecularly imprinted polymer electrochemical sensor (MIP) for PFOS optimized on gold disk electrodes was redesigned on commercial gold screen-printed electrodes. However, its performance investigated by differential pulse voltammetry was found to be poor. Before proceeding with further optimization, a morphological study of the bare and modified electrode surfaces was carried out by scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and profilometry revealing an heterogeneous distribution of the polymer strongly influenced by the electrode roughness. The high content of fluorine of the target-template molecule allowed to map the distribution of the molecularly imprinted polymer before the template removal and to define a characterization protocol. This case study shows the importance of a multi-analytical characterization approach and identify significant parameters to be considered in similar redesigning studies.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000497864700081 Publication Date 2019-10-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1424-8220 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.677 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.677  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:164686 Serial 5808  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author De Keersmaecker, M.; De Wael, K.; Adriaens, A. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Influence of the deposition method, temperature and deposition time on the corrosion inhibition of lead dodecanoate coatings deposited on lead surfaces Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication Journal of solid state electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal J Solid State Electr  
  Volume (down) 17 Issue 5 Pages 1259-1269  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Electrochemical impedance measurements have been used to investigate the influence of the deposition method, including time and temperature, upon the corrosion inhibition characteristics of lead dodecanoate coatings on lead electrodes. The results were analysed using multivariate statistics and show that, in general, these easily prepared coatings are very protective against corrosion. The temperature proves to be an important parameter for the quality and the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the coating. A comparison between two different electrochemically assisted deposition methods, immersion using a reduction pretreatment and cyclic voltammetry, does not show significant differences. Using the immersion technique at room temperature, the deposition time was tested as the third influencing parameter for the corrosion inhibition efficiency of the deposited lead dodecanoate coatings. A longer deposition time of the lead into the sodium dodecanoate solution provides a layer with a somewhat higher corrosion resistance.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000320374300001 Publication Date 2013-01-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1432-8488 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.316 Times cited 4 Open Access  
  Notes ; The Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO)- and Ghent University are acknowledged for the funding of this work. The authors would also like to thank Pieter van Hoe for the construction of the lead electrodes. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.316; 2013 IF: 2.234  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:105278 Serial 5663  
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Author Moro, G.; De Wael, K.; Moretto, L.M. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Challenges in the electrochemical (bio)sensing of non-electroactive food and environmental contaminants Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Current opinion in electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 16 Issue 16 Pages 57-65  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract The electrochemical detection of non-electroactive contaminants can be successfully faced via the use of indirect detection strategies. These strategies can provide sensitive and selective responses often coupled with portable and user-friendly analytical tools. Indirect detection strategies are usually based on the change in the signal of an electroactive probe, induced by the presence of the target molecule at a modified electrode. This critical review aims at addressing the developments in indirect electro-sensing strategies for non-electroactive contaminants in food and environmental analysis in the last years (2017-2019). Emphasis is given to the strategy design, the electrode modifiers used and the feasibility of technological transfer.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000485814400010 Publication Date 2019-04-20  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2451-9103; 2451-9111 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 4 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:159574 Serial 5498  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Elia, A.; De Wael, K.; Dowsett, M.; Adriaens, A. doi  openurl
  Title Electrochemical deposition of a copper carboxylate layer on copper as potential corrosion inhibitor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2011 Publication Journal of solid state electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal J Solid State Electr  
  Volume (down) 16 Issue 1 Pages 143-148  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Carboxylic acids and sodium carboxylates are used to protect metals against aqueous and atmospheric corrosion. In this paper, we describe the application of a layer of copper carboxylate on the surface of a copper electrode by means of cyclic voltammetry technique and tests which measure the corresponding resistance to aqueous corrosion. Unlike the soaking process, which also forms a film on the surface, the use of cyclic voltammetry allows one to follow the deposition process of the copper carboxylates onto the electrode. The modified electrodes have been characterised with infrared spectroscopy. In addition, the corrosion resistance of the film has been investigated using polarisation resistance and Tafel plot measurements.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000298651700018 Publication Date 2011-01-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1432-8488 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.316 Times cited 8 Open Access  
  Notes ; Authors would like to acknowledge the Research Foundation-Flanders (FWO) for funding assistance (A. Elia is a FWO aspirant) and V. Vermeersch and S. Van Vlierberghe (Ghent University, Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials Research Group) for the FTIR-ATR measurements. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.316; 2011 IF: 2.131  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:89618 Serial 5588  
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Author Hamidi-Asl, E.; Dardenne, F.; Blust, R.; De Wael, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title An improved electrochemical aptasensor for chloramphenicol detection based on aptamer incorporated gelatine Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Sensors Abbreviated Journal Sensors-Basel  
  Volume (down) 15 Issue 4 Pages 7605-7618  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Because of the biocompatible properties of gelatine and the good affinity of aptamers for their targets, the combination of aptamer and gelatine type B is reported as promising for the development of biosensing devices. Here, an aptamer for chloramphenicol (CAP) is mixed with different types of gelatine and dropped on the surface of disposable gold screen printed electrodes. The signal of the CAP reduction is investigated using differential pulse voltammetry. The diagnostic performance of the sensor is described and a detection limit of 1.83 x 10(-10) M is found. The selectivity and the stability of the aptasensor are studied and compared to those of other CAP sensors described in literature.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000354236100025 Publication Date 2015-03-27  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1424-8220 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.677 Times cited 21 Open Access  
  Notes ; Ezat Hamidi-Asl was financially supported by IOF-POC (University of Antwerp). ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.677; 2015 IF: 2.245  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:126071 Serial 5464  
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Author Rather, J.A.; Pilehvar, S.; De Wael, K. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Polycyclodextrin and carbon nanotubes as composite for tyrosinase immobilization and its superior electrocatalytic activity towards butylparaben an endocrine disruptor Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2015 Publication Journal of nanoscience and nanotechnology Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 15 Issue 5 Pages 3365-3372  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract We developed a protocol for the immobilization of tyrosinase (Tyr) on the composite of polycyclodextrin polymer (CDP) and carbon nanotubes for the detection of an endocrine disruptor, i.e., butylparaben (BP). The formation of the CDP polymer was characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The conducting film of cross-linked CDP and carbon nanotubes, displays excellent matrix capabilities for Tyr immobilization. The host-guest chemical reaction ability of CD and the ππ stacking interaction assure the bioactivity of Tyr towards butylparaben. The developed biosensor was characterized electrochemically by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The enzyme-substrate kinetic parameters such as the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (K M app) was measured under saturated substrate concentration. The determination of butylparaben was carried out by using square wave voltammetry over the concentration range of 2.1 to 35.4 μM with a detection limit of 0.1 μM. The fabricated biosensor was successfully applied in real-life cosmetic samples with good recovery ranging from 98.5 to 102.8%.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000347435200007 Publication Date 2014-10-01  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1533-4899 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 3 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors are highly thankful for the mobility grant (Non-Europe Postdoc Fellowship) for one of the author (Jahangir Ahmad Rather) supported by the Belgian Federal Science Policy (Belspo) co-funded by the Marie Curie Actions from the European Commission. Sanaz Pilehvar is funded by BOF-DOCPRO UA. ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:119550 Serial 5776  
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Author Pilehvar, S.; Dierckx, T.; Blust, R.; Breugelmans, T.; De Wael, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title An electrochemical impedimetric aptasensing platform for sensitive and selective detection of small molecules such as chloramphenicol Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2014 Publication Sensors Abbreviated Journal Sensors-Basel  
  Volume (down) 14 Issue 7 Pages 12059-12069  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)  
  Abstract We report on the aptadetection of chloramphenicol (CAP) using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The detection principle is based on the changes of the interfacial properties of the electrode after the interaction of the ssDNA aptamers with the target molecules. The electrode surface is partially blocked due to the formation of the aptamer-CAP complex, resulting in an increase of the interfacial electron-transfer resistance of the redox probe detected by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy or cyclic voltammetry. We observed that the ratio of polarization resistance had a linear relationship with the concentrations of CAP in the range of 1.76127 nM, and a detection limit of 1.76 nM was obtained. The covalent binding of CAP-aptamer on the electrode surface combined with the unique properties of aptamers and impedimetric transduction leads to the development of a stable and sensitive electrochemical aptasensor for CAP.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000340035700041 Publication Date 2014-07-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1424-8220 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 2.677 Times cited 34 Open Access  
  Notes ; We are thankful to UA-DOCPRO and UA-BOFACA for financial support. ; Approved Most recent IF: 2.677; 2014 IF: 2.245  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:117845 Serial 5592  
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Author Balashova, I.O.; Tolbin, A.Y.; Tarakanov, P.A.; Krot, A.R.; Fedorova, K., V; Sergeeva, I.A.; Trashin, S.A.; De Wael, K.; Pushkarev, V.E.; Koifman, M.O.; Ponomarev, G., V. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A covalently linked dyad based on zinc phthalocyanine and methylpheophorbide α : synthetic and physicochemical study Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Macroheterocycles Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 14 Issue 1 Pages 40-50  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract The first covalently linked conjugate of metal phthalocyaninate and chlorin e(6) derivative has been obtained by transesterification of alpha-ketomethyl ester in methylpheophorbide a with zinc(II) 2-(2-hydroxymethylbenzyloxy)-9(10),16(17),23(24)-tri-tert-butylphthalocyaninate under mild conditions. The dyad exhibits a panchromatic nature revealing both the phthalocyanine and pheophorbide derived bands in the UV-Vis absorption spectrum. The H-1 NMR spectroscopy data combined with theoretical calculations indicate the presence of spatial intramolecular interactions between the phthalocyanine, pheophorbide and spacer fragments of the dyad allowing to forecast its enhanced nonlinear optical properties, as well as the characteristic energy transfer from the excited pheophorbide subunit to the phthalocyanine core. Indeed, when excited in the UV-Vis range, the conjugate shows red fluorescence with the spectral maximum at 686 nm, which is close to the one of the initial zinc phthalocyaninate. Furthermore, the dyad effectively generates singlet oxygen and, in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as biocompatible solubilizer, forms stable micellar saline solutions with the particles ranged in size between 40 and 100 nm. These nanoparticles represent promising third-generation photosensitizing systems for application in theranostics.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000659682000003 Publication Date 2021-06-25  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:179196 Serial 7386  
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Author de Jong, M.; Van Echelpoel, R.; Langley, A.R.; Eliaerts, J.; van den Berg, J.; De Wilde, M.; Somers, N.; Samyn, N.; De Wael, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Real-time electrochemical screening of cocaine in lab and field settings with automatic result generation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Drug testing and analysis Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 14 Issue 8 Pages 1471-1481  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract This work presents the results of a novel application for the fast on-site screening of cocaine and its main cutting agents in suspicious and confiscated samples. The methodology behind the novel application consists of portable electrochemical detection coupled with a peak-recognition algorithm for automated result output generation, validated both in laboratory and field settings. Currently used field tests, predominantly colorimetric tests, are lacking accuracy, often giving false positive or negative results. This presses the need for alternative approaches to field testing. By combining portable electrochemical approaches with peak-recognition algorithms, an accuracy of 98.4% concerning the detection of cocaine was achieved on a set of 374 powder samples. In addition, the approach was tested on multiple 'smuggled', colored cocaine powders and cocaine mixtures in solid and liquid states, typically in matrices such as charcoal, syrup and clothing. Despite these attempts to hide cocaine, our approach succeeded in detecting cocaine during on-site screening scenarios. This feature presents an advantage over colorimetric and optical detection techniques, which can fail with colored sample matrices. This enhanced accuracy on smuggled samples will lead to increased efficiency in confiscation procedures in the field, thus significantly reducing societal economic and safety concerns and highlighting the potential for electrochemical approaches in on-the-spot identification of drugs of abuse.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000790965700001 Publication Date 2022-04-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1942-7603; 1942-7611 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187767 Serial 8921  
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Author Morales-Yánez, F.; Trashin, S.; Sariego, I.; Roucher, C.; Paredis, L.; Chico, M.; De Wael, K.; Muyldermans, S.; Cooper, P.; Polman, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Electrochemical detection of Toxocara canis excretory-secretory antigens in children from rural communities in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador : association between active infection and high eosinophilia Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Parasites & Vectors Abbreviated Journal Parasite Vector  
  Volume (down) 13 Issue 1 Pages 245-247  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Background The diagnosis of active Toxocara canis infections in humans is challenging. Larval stages of T. canis do not replicate in human tissues and disease may result from infection with a single T. canis larva. Recently, we developed a nanobody-based electrochemical magnetosensor assay with superior sensitivity to detect T. canis excretory-secretory (TES) antigens. Here, we evaluate the performance of the assay in children from an Ecuadorian birth cohort that followed children to five years of age. Methods Samples were selected based on the presence of peripheral blood eosinophilia and relative eosinophil counts. The samples were analyzed by the nanobody-based electrochemical magnetosensor assay, which utilizes a bivalent biotinylated nanobody as capturing agent on the surface of streptavidin pre-coated paramagnetic beads. Detection was performed by a different nanobody chemically labelled with horseradish peroxidase. Results Of 87 samples tested, 33 (38%) scored positive for TES antigen recognition by the electrochemical magnetosensor assay. The average concentration of TES antigen in serum was 2.1 ng/ml (SD = 1.1). The positive result in the electrochemical assay was associated with eosinophilia > 19% (P = 0.001). Parasitological data were available for 57 samples. There was no significant association between positivity by the electrochemical assay and the presence of other soil-transmitted helminth infections. Conclusions Our nanobody-based electrochemical assay provides highly sensitive quantification of TES antigens in serum and has potential as a valuable tool for the diagnosis of active human toxocariasis.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000535618800003 Publication Date 2020-05-12  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1756-3305 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.2 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes ; This project was funded by the Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek-Vlaanderen (FWO-Flanders), project No. G.0189.13N. The ECUAVIDA cohort was funded by the Wellcome Trust (grant 072405/Z/03/Z and 088862/Z/09/Z). ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.2; 2020 IF: 3.08  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:168966 Serial 6501  
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Author Schram, J.; Parrilla, M.; Sleegers, N.; Van Durme, F.; van den Berg, J.; van Nuijs, A.L.N.; De Wael, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Electrochemical profiling and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry characterization of synthetic cathinones : from methodology to detection in forensic samples Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Drug Testing And Analysis Abbreviated Journal Drug Test Anal  
  Volume (down) 13 Issue 7 Pages 1282-1294  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Toxicological Centre  
  Abstract The emergence of new psychoactive drugs in the market demands rapid and accurate tools for the on‐site classification of illegal and legal compounds with similar structures. Herein, a novel method for the classification of synthetic cathinones (SC) is presented based on their electrochemical profile. First, the electrochemical profile of five common SC (i.e., mephedrone, ethcathinone, methylone, butylone and 4‐chloro‐alpha‐pyrrolidinovalerophenone) is collected to build calibration curves using square wave voltammetry on graphite screen‐printed electrodes (SPE). Second, the elucidation of the oxidation pathways, obtained by liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry, allows the pairing of the oxidation products to the SC electrochemical profile, providing a selective and robust classification. Additionally, the effect of common adulterants and illicit drugs on the electrochemical profile of the SC is explored. Interestingly, a cathodic pretreatment of the SPE allows the selective detection of each SC in presence of electroactive adulterants. Finally, the electrochemical approach is validated with gas‐chromatography‐mass spectrometry by analyzing 26 confiscated samples from seizures and illegal webshops. Overall, the electrochemical method exhibits a successful classification of SC including structural derivatives, a crucial attribute in an ever‐diversifying drug market.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000624902500001 Publication Date 2021-02-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1942-7603; 1942-7611 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.469 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.469  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:175583 Serial 7863  
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Author Al-Emam, E.; Beltran, V.; De Meyer, S.; Nuyts, G.; Wetemans, V.; De Wael, K.; Caen, J.; Janssens, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Removal of a past varnish treatment from a 19th-century Belgian wall painting by means of a solvent-loaded double network hydrogel Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Polymers Abbreviated Journal Polymers-Basel  
  Volume (down) 13 Issue 16 Pages 2651-20  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract Polymeric materials have been used by painting conservator-restorers as consolidants and/or varnishes for wall paintings. The application of these materials is carried out when confronting loose paint layers or as a protective coating. However, these materials deteriorate and cause physiochemical alterations to the treated surface. In the past, the monumental neo-gothic wall painting 'The Last Judgment' in the chapel of Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege in Antwerp, Belgium was treated with a synthetic polymeric material. This varnish deteriorated significantly and turned brown, obscuring the paint layers. Given also that the varnish was applied to some parts of the wall painting and did not cover the entire surface, it was necessary to remove it in order to restore the original appearance of the wall painting. Previous attempts carried out by conservator-restorers made use of traditional cleaning methods, which led to damage of the fragile paint layers. Therefore, gel cleaning was proposed as a less invasive and more controllable method for gently softening and removing the varnish. The work started by identifying the paint stratigraphy and the deteriorated varnish via optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A polyvinyl alcohol-borax/agarose (PVA-B/AG) hydrogel loaded with a number of solvents/solvent mixtures was employed in a series of tests to select the most suitable hydrogel composite. By means of the hydrogel composite loaded with 10% propylene carbonate, it was possible to safely remove the brown varnish layer. The results were verified by visual examinations (under visible light 'VIS' and ultraviolet light 'UV') as well as OM and FTIR spectroscopy.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000690248000001 Publication Date 2021-08-10  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2073-4360 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.364 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.364  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181567 Serial 8470  
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Author Drăgan, A.-M.; Feier, B.G.; Tertis, M.; Bodoki, E.; Truta, F.; Stefan, M.-G.; Kiss, B.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K.; Oprean, R.; Cristea, C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Forensic analysis of synthetic cathinones on nanomaterials-based platforms : chemometric-assisted voltametric and UPLC-MS/MS investigation Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2023 Publication Nanomaterials Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 13 Issue 17 Pages 2393-19  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are a group of new psychoactive substances often referred to as “legal highs” or “bath salts”, being characterized by a dynamic change, new compounds continuously emerging on the market. This creates a lack of fast screening tests, making SCs a constant concern for law enforcement agencies. Herein, we present a fast and simple method for the detection of four SCs (alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, N-ethylhexedrone, 4-chloroethcathinone, and 3-chloromethcathinone) based on their electrochemical profiles in a decentralized manner. In this regard, the voltametric characterization of the SCs was performed by cyclic and square wave voltammetry. The elucidation of the SCs redox pathways was successfully achieved using liquid chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry. For the rational identification of the ideal experimental conditions, chemometric data processing was employed, considering two critical qualitative and quantitative variables: the type of the electrochemical platform and the pH of the electrolyte. The analytical figures of merit were determined on standard working solutions using the optimized method, which exhibited wide linear ranges and LODs suitable for confiscated sample screening. Finally, the performance of the method was evaluated on real confiscated samples, the resulting validation parameters being similar to those obtained with another portable device (i.e., Raman spectrometer).  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 001061205100001 Publication Date 2023-08-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2079-4991 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record  
  Impact Factor 5.3 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.3; 2023 IF: 3.553  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:199221 Serial 8869  
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Author Slavkovic, S.; Shoara, A.A.; Churcher, Z.R.; Daems, E.; De Wael, K.; Sobott, F.; Johnson, P.E. url  doi
openurl 
  Title DNA binding by the antimalarial compound artemisinin Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Scientific reports Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 12 Issue 1 Pages 133  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract Artemisinin (ART) is a vital medicinal compound that is used alone or as part of a combination therapy against malaria. ART is thought to function by attaching to heme covalently and alkylating a range of proteins. Using a combination of biophysical methods, we demonstrate that ART is bound by three-way junction and duplex containing DNA molecules. Binding of ART by DNA is first shown for the cocaine-binding DNA aptamer and extensively studied using this DNA molecule. Isothermal titration calorimetry methods show that the binding of ART is both entropically and enthalpically driven at physiological NaCl concentration. Native mass spectrometry methods confirm DNA binding and show that a non-covalent complex is formed. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy shows that ART binds at the three-way junction of the cocaine-binding aptamer, and that binding results in the folding of the structure-switching variant of this aptamer. This structure-switching ability was exploited using the photochrome aptamer switch assay to demonstrate that ART can be detected using this biosensing assay. This study is the first to demonstrate the DNA binding ability of ART and should lay the foundation for further work to study implications of DNA binding for the antimalarial activity of ART.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000740510500120 Publication Date 2022-01-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2045-2322 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184507 Serial 8851  
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Author Florea, A.; De Jong, M.; De Wael, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Electrochemical strategies for the detection of forensic drugs Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Current opinion in electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 11 Issue 11 Pages 34-40  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Illicit drugs consumption and trafficking is spread worldwide and remains an increasing challenge for local authorities. Forensic drugs and their metabolites are released into wastewaters due to human excretion after illegal consumption of drugs and occasionally due to disposal of clandestine laboratory wastes into sewage systems, being recently classified as the latest group of emerging pollutants. Hence, it is essential to have efficient and accurate methods to detect these type of compounds in seized street samples, biological fluids and wastewaters in order to reduce and prevent trafficking and consumption and negative effects on aquatic systems. Electrochemical strategies offer a fast, portable, low-cost and accurate alternative to chromatographic and spectrometric methods, for the analysis of forensic drugs and metabolites in different matrices. Recent electrochemical strategies applied to the detection of illicit drugs in wastewaters, biological fluids and street samples are presented in this review, together with the impact of drug consumption on the environment.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000453710900007 Publication Date 2018-07-21  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2451-9103; 2451-9111 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 7 Open Access  
  Notes ; This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Grant Agreement No. 753223 Narcoreader. The authors also acknowledge financial support from BELSPO, IOF-SBO and UAntwerp. ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:152366 Serial 5597  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hellar-Kihampa, H.; De Wael, K.; Lugwisha, E.; Van Grieken, R. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Water quality assessment in Pangani river basin, Tanzania : natural and anthropogenic influences on concentrations of nutrients and inorganic ions Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2013 Publication International journal of river basin management Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 11 Issue 1 Pages 55-75  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract The ongoing rapid expansions of human activities and population dynamics have potential impact on the environmental quality of the Pangani river basin, one of the largest water resources in Tanzania, including possible loadings of different kinds of micro-contaminants. However, specific extents of the impacts are rather not well investigated. In this work, we assessed the environmental quality of the basin, based on seasonal characterisation of physicochemical water and sediments parameters, dissolved inorganic ions and nutrient loads. The contributions of geochemical processes and land-use practices were evaluated by multivariate correlations and principal component analysis (PCA). Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify similar water quality stations and identify the most and least enriched ones. Surface waters were slightly alkaline, characterised by low total dissolved solids (48652 mg/L). Extremely low oxygen concentration (2.0 mg/L) was also a cause of concern at one station. The Na+ and HCO3 − ions provided the dominant cation and anion, respectively. PCA identified weathering of carbonate and Na+ bearing rocks, gypsum dissolution and atmospheric deposition of sea-salt as the major factors controlling the ionic composition, contributing more than 60% of the spatial variance. Concentration profiles of the chemical species showed a generally low level of anthropogenic inputs, except at a few locations where nitrate and nitrite were significantly enriched above the limits of safe exposure, with patterns indicating influences of farming and livestock keeping. A seasonal difference was observed, with lower ion concentrations during the rainy season, likely due to the dilution effect of increased water discharge. The study provides new insights into the environmental quality of the basin, and indicates the need for continuous monitoring and assessment of the chemical species in the area.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2013-01-07  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1571-5124 ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:104621 Serial 5909  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zhang, T.; Schilling, W.; Khan, S.U.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Lu, C.; Chen, J.; Jaworski, A.; Barcaro, G.; Monti, S.; De Wael, K.; Slabon, A.; Das, S. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Atomic-level understanding for the enhanced generation of hydrogen peroxide by the introduction of an aryl amino group in polymeric carbon nitrides Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Acs Catalysis Abbreviated Journal Acs Catal  
  Volume (down) 11 Issue 22 Pages 14087-14101  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Organic synthesis (ORSY); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract Heterogeneous catalysts are often & ldquo;black boxes & rdquo; due to the insufficient understanding of the detailed mechanisms at the catalytic sites. An atomic-level elucidation of the processes taking place in those regions is, thus, mandatory to produce robust and selective heterogeneous catalysts. We have improved the description of the whole reactive scenario for polymeric carbon nitrides (PCN) by combining atomic-level characterizations with magic-angle spinning (MAS) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, classical reactive molecular dynamics (RMD) simulations, and quantum chemistry (QC) calculations. We disclose the structure & minus;property relationships of an ad hoc modified PCN by inserting an aryl amino group that turned out to be very efficient for the production of H2O2. The main advancement of this work is the development of a difluoromethylene-substituted aryl amino PCN to generate H2O2 at a rate of 2.0 mM & middot;h & minus;1 under the irradiation of household blue LEDs and the identification of possible active catalytic sites with the aid of 15N and 19F MAS solid-state NMR without using any expensive labeling reagent. RMD simulations and QC calculations confirm and further extend the experimental descriptions by revealing the role and locations of the identified functionalities, namely, NH linkers, & minus;NH2 terminal groups, and difluoromethylene units, reactants, and products. <comment>Superscript/Subscript Available</comment  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000758012900020 Publication Date 2021-11-05  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2155-5435 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 10.614 Times cited Open Access Not_Open_Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 10.614  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187276 Serial 7534  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Meysman, F.J.R.; Cornelissen, R.; Trashin, S.; Bonne, R.; Hidalgo-Martinez, S.; van der Veen, J.; Blom, C.J.; Karman, C.; Hou, J.-L.; Eachambadi, R.T.; Geelhoed, J.S.; De Wael, K.; Beaumont, H.J.E.; Cleuren, B.; Valcke, R.; van der Zant, H.S.J.; Boschker, H.T.S.; Manca, J.V. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A highly conductive fibre network enables centimetre-scale electron transport in multicellular cable bacteria Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2019 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun  
  Volume (down) 10 Issue 10 Pages 4120  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Biological electron transport is classically thought to occur over nanometre distances, yet recent studies suggest that electrical currents can run along centimetre-long cable bacteria. The phenomenon remains elusive, however, as currents have not been directly measured, nor have the conductive structures been identified. Here we demonstrate that cable bacteria conduct electrons over centimetre distances via highly conductive fibres embedded in the cell envelope. Direct electrode measurements reveal nanoampere currents in intact filaments up to 10.1 mm long (>2000 adjacent cells). A network of parallel periplasmic fibres displays a high conductivity (up to 79 S cm(-1)), explaining currents measured through intact filaments. Conductance rapidly declines upon exposure to air, but remains stable under vacuum, demonstrating that charge transfer is electronic rather than ionic. Our finding of a biological structure that efficiently guides electrical currents over long distances greatly expands the paradigm of biological charge transport and could enable new bio-electronic applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000485216900006 Publication Date 2019-09-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 10 Open Access  
  Notes ; This research was financially supported by the European Research Council under the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP/2007-2013) through ERC Grant 306933 (F.J.R.M.), the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO project grant G031416N), and the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (VICI grant 016.VICI.170.072 to F.J.R.M.). H.J.E.B., C.J.B. and H.S.J.Z. were supported by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO/OCW), as part of the Frontiers of Nanoscience program. R.B. is supported by an 'aspirant' grant from Research Foundation Flanders (FWO). We thank Laurine Burdorf (UAntwerpen) for help with Thiothrix cultivation, Marlies Nijemeisland (Faculty of Aerospace, TU Delft) for assistance with Raman microscopy, and Jan D'Haen (UHasselt) and Renaat Dasseville (UGent) for help with EM imaging. ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.124  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:162795 Serial 5451  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Bottari, F.; Blust, R.; De Wael, K. pdf  doi
openurl 
  Title Bio(inspired) strategies for the electro-sensing of β-lactam antibiotics Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Current opinion in electrochemistry Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 10 Issue 10 Pages 143-148  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract The dire previsions of the WHO on the so-called “post-antibiotic era” and the continuous and global rise of anti-microbial resistance, spurs our research community to find better ways to fight these threats. In light of this severe threat to human health many attempts have been made to develop efficient methods to detect antibiotic residues in different streams. The use of electrochemistry seems an inviting approach for on-site and fast monitoring. In this critical review, recent developments in the field of (bio) electro-sensing of 19-lactam antibiotics will be presented, with a focus on aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers, the two main promises of a new generation of biosensors, yet to be fulfilled.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000442800000022 Publication Date 2018-05-24  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2451-9103; 2451-9111 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited 15 Open Access  
  Notes ; This work was financially supported by the University of Antwerp (BOF) and the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO). ; Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:153744 Serial 5488  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Eliaerts, J.; Meert, N.; Van Durme, F.; Samyn, N.; De Wael, K.; Dardenne, P. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Practical tool for sampling and fast analysis of large cocaine seizures Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Drug testing and analysis Abbreviated Journal Drug Test Anal  
  Volume (down) 10 Issue 6 Pages 1039-1042  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Large quantities of illicit drugs are frequently seized by law enforcement. In such cases, a representative number of samples needs to be quickly examined prior to destruction. No procedure has yet been set up which rapidly provides information regarding the homogeneity of the samples, the presence of controlled substances and the degree of purity. This study establishes a protocol for fast analysis of cocaine and its most common cutting agent, levamisole, in large seizures. The protocol is based on a hypergeometric sampling approach combined with FTIR spectrometry and Support Vector Machines (SVM) algorithms as analysis methods. To demonstrate the practical use of this approach, five large cocaine seizures (consisting between 45 and 85 units) were analysed simultaneously with GC-MS, GC-FID and a portable FTIR spectrometer using Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) sampling combined with SVM models. According to the hypergeometric sampling plan of the Drugs Working Group ENFSI guidelines, the required number of subsamples ranged between 19 and 23. Considering the identification analyses, the SVM models detected cocaine and levamisole in all subsamples of cases 1 to 5 (100% correct classification), which was confirmed by GC-MS analysis. Considering the quantification analyses, the SVM models were able to estimate the cocaine and levamisole content in each subsample, compared to GC-FID data. The developed strategy is easy, cost effective and provides immediate information about both the presence and concentration of cocaine and levamisole. By using this new strategy, the number of confirmation analyses with laborious and expensive chromatographic techniques could be significantly reduced.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000435270300016 Publication Date 2018-02-03  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1942-7603; 1942-7611 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.469 Times cited 1 Open Access  
  Notes ; Belgian Science Policy Office (BELSPO), Grant/Award Number: WE/49/N14-O14 ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.469  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:148760 Serial 5781  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Hrdlickova Kuckova, S.; Hamidi-Asl, E.; Sofer, Z.; Marvan, P.; De Wael, K.; Sanyova, J.; Janssens, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title A simplified protocol for usage of new immuno-SERS probes for detection of casein, collagens and ovalbumin in cross-sections of artworks Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2018 Publication Analytical methods Abbreviated Journal Anal Methods-Uk  
  Volume (down) 10 Issue 9 Pages 1054-1062  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Although it is now relatively straightforward to identify protein binders in works of art, their proper localization within the corresponding layer still represents a significant analytical challenge. Until now, the identification of proteins has mainly been performed by peptide mass fingerprinting using mass spectrometric methods and their localization in polished paint cross-sections have been realized by optical microscopy via the use of fluorescent stain Sypro Ruby (SR). In this work we propose a simplified protocol for immuno-surface enhanced Raman scattering (immuno-SERS) using gold nanoparticles attached to biphenyl-4,4-dithiol (BPDT) as the SERS-nanotag. These nanoparticles are easily obtainable in the lab and have been used to label multilayered mock up samples prepared as cross-sections to estimate the detection limits of the suggested method. The layers contain egg, casein, and different animal glues binders (prepared in various ratios with linseed oil or a carbohydrate component) mixed with the pigments azurite, vermilion and chalk. The sensitivity of staining agent SR is compared to that of the immuno-SERS protocol for the first time.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000426696100017 Publication Date 2018-02-02  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1759-9660 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 1.9 Times cited 3 Open Access  
  Notes ; The authors wish to acknowledge the Fund for Scientific Research-Flanders (FWO-Vlaanderen) for the support to act as a Postdoctoral Fellow – Pegasus of the Research Foundation – Flanders, and the grant from Specific University research (MSMT No. 20/2017) from the Czech Republic. This work was supported by the project Advanced Functional Nanorobots (reg. No. CZ.02.1.01/0.0/0.0/15_003/ 0000444 financed by the EFRR). Zdenek Sofer and Petr Marvan were supported by specific university research (MSMT No. 20-SVV/2018). ; Approved Most recent IF: 1.9  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:148803 Serial 5831  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Parrilla, M.; Slosse, A.; Van Echelpoel, R.; Montiel, F.N.; Langley, A.R.; Van Durme, F.; De Wael, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Rapid on-site detection of illicit drugs in smuggled samples with a portable electrochemical device Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Chemosensors Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 10 Issue 3 Pages 108-116  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract The smuggling of illicit drugs urges the development of new tools for rapid on-site identification in cargos. Current methods rely on presumptive color tests and portable spectroscopic techniques. However, these methods sometimes exhibit inaccurate results due to commonly used cutting agents, the colorful nature of the sample or because the drugs are smuggled in common goods. Interestingly, electrochemical sensors can deal with these specific problems. Herein, an electrochemical device is presented that uses affordable screen-printed electrodes for the electrochemical profiling of several illicit drugs by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The identification of the illicit compound is based on the oxidation potential of the analyte. Hence, a library of electrochemical profiles is built upon the analysis of illicit drugs and common cutting agents. This library allows the design of a tailor-made script that enables the identification of each drug through a user-friendly interface (laptop or mobile phone). Importantly, the electrochemical test is compared by analyzing 48 confiscated samples with other portable devices based on Raman and FTIR spectroscopy as well as a laboratory standard method (i.e., gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Overall, the electrochemical results, obtained through the analysis of different samples from confiscated cargos at an end-user site, present a promising alternative to current methods, offering low-cost and rapid testing in the field.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000775813500001 Publication Date 2022-03-11  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2227-9040 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187766 Serial 8920  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Eliaerts, J.; Dardenne, P.; Meert, N.; Van Durme, F.; Samyn, N.; Janssens, K.; De Wael, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Rapid classification and quantification of cocaine in seized powders with ATR-FTIR and chemometrics Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Drug testing and analysis Abbreviated Journal Drug Test Anal  
  Volume (down) 9 Issue 10 Pages 1480-1489  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Pharmacology. Therapy; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Traditionally, fast screening for the presence of cocaine in unknown powders is performed by means of colour tests. The major drawbacks of these tests are subjective colour evaluation depending on the operator (50 shades of blue) and a lack of selectivity. An alternative fast screening technique is Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectrometry. This technique provides spectra that are difficult to interpret without specialized expertise and showing a lack of sensitivity for the detection of cocaine in mixtures. To overcome these limitations, a portable FTIR spectrometer using Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) sampling was combined with a multivariate technique, called Support Vector Machines (SVM). Representative street drug powders (n = 482), seized during the period January 2013 to July 2015, and reference powders (n = 33) were used to build and validate a classification model (n = 515) and a quantification model (n = 378). Both models were compared with the conventional chromatographic techniques. The SVM classification model showed a high sensitivity, specificity and efficiency (99%). The SVM quantification model determined cocaine content with a root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 6% calculated over a wide working range from 4 to 99 w%. In conclusion, the developed models resulted in a clear output (cocaine detected or cocaine not detected) and a reliable estimation of the cocaine content in a wide variety of mixtures. The ATR-FTIR technique combined with SVM is a straightforward, user-friendly and fast approach for routine classification and quantification of cocaine in seized powders.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000413685200001 Publication Date 2016-12-17  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1942-7603; 1942-7611 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.469 Times cited 9 Open Access  
  Notes ; ; Approved Most recent IF: 3.469  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:139483 Serial 5799  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Muhammad, S.; Wuyts, K.; De Wael, K.; Samson, R. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Does leaf micro-morphology influence the recognition of particles on SEM images? Type A3 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication International Journal of Environmental Pollution and Remediation Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 9 Issue Pages 22-37  
  Keywords A3 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) remains a popular approach to determine the shape, size, density and elemental composition of particles collected on leaf surfaces, but the effect of leaf micro-morphology on particle counts is not very well known. In this study, leaves of sixteen urban plant species were examined for particle density in June and September 2016 using SEM. The investigated plant species differed in leaf micro-morphology involving trichomes, raised stomata, epicuticular wax crystals and convex epidermal cells forming deep grooves between cells. The particle density on leaves of the investigated plant species was estimated by particle size fraction and leaf side. Particle density was significantly higher on the adaxial (AD) leaf side compared to the abaxial (AB) leaf side and higher for fine-particles than coarse-particles. The effect of trichome density on particle density of the AB and the AD leaf side was indicated to be significant and positive for both coarse and fine-particles in June but not in September. The successive repeated measurements elucidated that features constructing the topography of a leaf surface such as trichomes, stomata, and epidermal cells frequently contributed towards the edge enhancement effect, resulting in exaggerated particle counts. Besides, the mechanical drift contributed to the disparity in particle density measurements. Lastly, the reduction in particle density between successive measurements were imputed on the charging effect. These results enable us to suggest that in addition to characterization of micro-morphological features on a leaf surface, SEM will continue to be a useful approach for determining the particle: shape, size, elemental composition and density of the deposited particles. Nonetheless, the disparity in particle density measurements can occur due to abnormal particle recognition. Based on the results of September, we recommend that within-session successive repeated measurements (~ n ≥ 5) need to be performed to remove measurement uncertainties and obtain reliable quantitative data of particle counts using SEM.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos Publication Date 2021-09-15  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Additional Links UA library record  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: NA  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:181797 Serial 7822  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Dragan, A.-M.; Truta, F.M.; Tertis, M.; Florea, A.; Schram, J.; Cernat, A.; Feier, B.; De Wael, K.; Cristea, C.; Oprean, R. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Electrochemical fingerprints of illicit drugs on graphene and multi-walled carbon nanotubes Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Frontiers In Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Front Chem  
  Volume (down) 9 Issue Pages 641147  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Illicit drugs use and abuse remains an increasing challenge for worldwide authorities and, therefore, it is important to have accurate methods to detect them in seized samples, biological fluids and wastewaters. They are recently classified as the latest group of emerging pollutants as their consumption increased tremendously in recent years. Nanomaterials have gained much attention over the last decade in the development of sensors for a myriad of applications. The applicability of these nanomaterials, functionalized or not, significantly increases and it is therefore highly suitable for use in the detection of illicit drugs. We have assessed the suitability of various nanoplatforms, such as graphene (GPH), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) for the electrochemical detection of illicit drugs. GPH and MWCNTs were chosen as the most suitable platforms and cocaine, 3,4-methylendioxymethamfetamine (MDMA), 3-methylmethcathinone (MMC) and alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (PVP) were tested. Due to the hydrophobicity of the nanomaterials-based platforms which led to low signals, two strategies were followed namely, pretreatment of the electrodes in sulfuric acid by cyclic voltammetry and addition of Tween 20 to the detection buffer. Both strategies led to an increase in the oxidation signal of illicit drugs. Binary mixtures of illicit drugs with common adulterants found in street samples were also investigated. The proposed strategies allowed the sensitive detection of illicit drugs in the presence of most adulterants. The suitability of the proposed sensors for the detection of illicit drugs in spiked wastewaters was finally assessed.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000634708900001 Publication Date 2021-03-16  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2296-2646 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 3.994 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 3.994  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:177704 Serial 7861  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Neven, L.; Barich, H.; Pelmuş, M.; Gorun, S.M.; De Wael, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title The role of singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydroxide, and hydrogen peroxide in the photoelectrochemical response of phenols at a supported highly fluorinated zinc phthalocyanine Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication ChemElectroChem Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 9 Issue 6 Pages e202200108-10  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract Photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing of phenolic compounds using singlet oxygen (1O2)-generating photocatalysts has emerged as a powerful detection tool. However, it is currently not known how experimental parameters, such as pH and applied potential, influence the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their photocurrents. In this article, the PEC response was studied over the 6 to 10 pH range using a rotating (ring) disk (R(R)DE) set-up in combination with quenchers, to identify the ROS formed upon illumination of a supported photosensitizer, F64PcZn. The photocurrents magnitude depended on the applied potential and the pH of the buffer solution. The anodic responses were caused by the oxidation of O2.−, generated due to the quenching of 1O2 with −OH and the reaction of 3O2 with [F64Pc(3-)Zn]. The cathodic responses were assigned to the reduction of 1O2 and O2.−, yielding H2O2. These insights may benefit 1O2 – based PEC sensing applications.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000773947300003 Publication Date 2022-02-23  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2196-0216 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:187524 Serial 8926  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Trashin, S.; Rahemi, V.; Ramji, K.; Neven, L.; Gorun, S.M.; De Wael, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Singlet oxygen-based electrosensing by molecular photosensitizers Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2017 Publication Nature communications Abbreviated Journal Nat Commun  
  Volume (down) 8 Issue Pages 16108  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract Enzyme-based electrochemical biosensors are an inspiration for the development of (bio)analytical techniques. However, the instability and reproducibility of the reactivity of enzymes, combined with the need for chemical reagents for sensing remain challenges for the construction of useful devices. Here we present a sensing strategy inspired by the advantages of enzymes and photoelectrochemical sensing, namely the integration of aerobic photocatalysis and electrochemical analysis. The photosensitizer, a bioinspired perfluorinated Zn phthalocyanine, generates singlet-oxygen from air under visible light illumination and oxidizes analytes, yielding electrochemically-detectable products while resisting the oxidizing species it produces. Compared with enzymatic detection methods, the proposed strategy uses air instead of internally added reactive reagents, features intrinsic baseline correction via on/off light switching and shows C-F bonds-type enhanced stability. It also affords selectivity imparted by the catalytic process and nano-level detection, such as 20 nM amoxicillin in μl sample volumes.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000405466200002 Publication Date 2017-07-14  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2041-1723 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 12.124 Times cited 26 Open Access  
  Notes ; Evonik is thanked for providing samples of silicon and titanium oxides. Support from the National Science Foundation (SMG) for a portion of this work is gratefully acknowledged. FWO and UAntwerpen (BOF) are acknowledged for financial support. ; Approved Most recent IF: 12.124  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:144538 Serial 5833  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Marchetti, A.; Beltran, V.; Nuyts, G.; Borondics, F.; De Meyer, S.; Van Bos, M.; Jaroszewicz, J.; Otten, E.; Debulpaep, M.; De Wael, K. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Novel optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy for the noninvasive characterization of heritage glass-metal objects Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2022 Publication Science Advances Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume (down) 8 Issue 9 Pages eabl6769-9  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab); Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS)  
  Abstract Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) is a recently developed molecular spectroscopy technique that allows to noninvasively obtain chemical information on organic and inorganic samples at a submicrometric scale. The high spatial resolution (approximate to 450 nm), lack of sample preparation, and comparability of the spectral results to traditional Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy make it a promising candidate for the analysis of cultural heritage. In this work, the potential of O-PTIR for the noninvasive characterization of small heritage objects (few cubic centimeters) is demonstrated on a series of degraded 16th century brass and glass decorative elements. These small and challenging samples, typically encountering limitations with existing noninvasive methods such as macroscopic x-ray powder diffraction and mu Raman, were successfully characterized by O-PTIR, ultimately identifying the markers of glass-induced metal corrosion processes. The results clearly demonstrate how O-PTIR can be easily implemented in a noninvasive multianalytical strategy for the study of heritage materials, making it a fundamental tool for cultural heritage analyses.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000790020300013 Publication Date 2022-03-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2375-2548 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 13.6 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 13.6  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:188642 Serial 7184  
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Author Truta, F.; Florea, A.; Cernat, A.; Tertis, M.; Hosu, O.; De Wael, K.; Cristea, C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Tackling the problem of sensing commonly abused drugs through nanomaterials and (bio)recognition approaches Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2020 Publication Frontiers In Chemistry Abbreviated Journal Front Chem  
  Volume (down) 8 Issue Pages 561638  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)  
  Abstract We summarize herein the literature in the last decade, involving the use of nanomaterials and various (bio)recognition elements, such as antibodies, aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers, for the development of sensitive and selective (bio)sensors for illicit drugs with a focus on electrochemical transduction systems. The use and abuse of illicit drugs remains an increasing challenge for worldwide authorities and, therefore, it is important to have accurate methods to detect them in seized samples, biological fluids and wastewaters. They are recently classified as the latest group of “emerging pollutants,” as their consumption has increased tremendously in recent years. Nanomaterials, antibodies, aptamers and molecularly imprinted polymers have gained much attention over the last decade in the development of (bio)sensors for a myriad of applications. The applicability of these (nano)materials, functionalized or not, has significantly increased, and are therefore highly suitable for use in the detection of drugs. Lately, such functionalized nanoscale materials have assisted in the detection of illicit drugs fingerprints, providing large surface area, functional groups and unique properties that facilitate sensitive and selective sensing. The review discusses the types of commonly abused drugs and their toxicological implications, classification of functionalized nanomaterials (graphene, carbon nanotubes), their fabrication, and their application on real samples in different fields of forensic science. Biosensors for drugs of abuse from the last decade's literature are then exemplified. It also offers insights into the prospects and challenges of bringing the functionalized nanobased technology to the end user in the laboratories or in-field.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000589960100001 Publication Date 2020-11-04  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2296-2646 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 5.5 Times cited Open Access  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 5.5; 2020 IF: 3.994  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:174278 Serial 8639  
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Author Thiruvottriyur Shanmugam, S.; Van Echelpoel, R.; Boeye, G.; Eliaerts, J.; Samanipour, M.; Ching, H.Y.V.; Florea, A.; Van Doorslaer, S.; Van Durme, F.; Samyn, N.; Parrilla, M.; De Wael, K. pdf  url
doi  openurl
  Title Towards developing a screening strategy for ecstasy : revealing the electrochemical profile Type A1 Journal article
  Year 2021 Publication Chemelectrochem Abbreviated Journal Chemelectrochem  
  Volume (down) 8 Issue 24 Pages 4826-4834  
  Keywords A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Organic synthesis (ORSY); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)  
  Abstract This article describes the development of an electrochemical screening strategy for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), the regular psychoactive compound in ecstasy (XTC) pills. We have investigated the specific electrochemical profile of MDMA and its electro-oxidation mechanisms at disposable graphite screen-printed electrodes. We have proved that the formation of a radical cation and subsequent reactions are indeed responsible for the electrode surface passivation, as evidenced by using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and electrochemistry. Thereafter, pure cutting agents and MDMA as well as simulated binary mixtures of compounds with MDMA were subjected to square wave voltammetry at pH 7 to understand the characteristic electrochemical profile. An additional measurement at pH 12 was able to resolve false positives and negatives occurring at pH 7. Finally, validation of the screening strategy was done by measuring a set of ecstasy street samples. Overall, our proposed electrochemical screening strategy has been demonstrated for the rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of MDMA, resolving most of the false positives and negatives given by the traditional Marquis color tests, thus exhibiting remarkable promises for the on-site screening of MDMA.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Wos 000735883700020 Publication Date 2021-12-22  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 2196-0216 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles  
  Impact Factor 4.136 Times cited Open Access OpenAccess  
  Notes Approved Most recent IF: 4.136  
  Call Number UA @ admin @ c:irua:184371 Serial 8680  
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