“Derivatization of amphetamine to allow its electrochemical detection in illicit drug seizures”. Parrilla M, Montiel FN, Van Durme F, De Wael K, Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical 337, 129819 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SNB.2021.129819
Abstract: Amphetamine (AMP) is posing critical issues in our society being one of the most encountered drugs-of-abuse in the current illicit market. The continuous drug production in Europe urges the development of new tools for the rapid on-site determination of illicit drugs such as AMP. However, the direct electrochemical detection of AMP is a challenge because the molecule is non-electroactive at the potential window of conventional graphite SPEs. For this reason, a derivatization step is needed to convert the primary amine into an electroactive oxidizable group. Herein, the rapid electrochemical detection of AMP in seized samples based on the derivatization by 1,2-naphthoquinone-4-sulfonate (NQS) is presented by using square wave voltammetry (SWV) at graphite screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). First, a detailed optimization of the key parameters and the analytical performance is provided. The method showed a sensitivity of 7.9 µA mM-1 within a linear range from 50 to 500 µM, a limit of detection of 22.2 µM, and excellent reproducibility (RSD = 4.3%, n = 5 at 500 µM). Subsequently, the effect of NQS on common cutting agents for the selective detection of AMP is addressed. The comparison of the method with drugs-of-abuse containing secondary and tertiary amines confirms the selectivity of the method. Finally, the concept is applied to quantify AMP in 20 seized samples provided by forensic laboratories, exhibiting an accuracy of 97.3 ± 10.5%. Overall, the fast analysis of samples with the electrochemical profiling of derivatized AMP exhibits a straightforward on-site screening aiming to facilitate the tasks of law enforcement agents in the field.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 5.401
DOI: 10.1016/J.SNB.2021.129819
|
“Enhanced electrochemical detection of illicit drugs in oral fluid by the use of surfactant-mediated solution”. Parrilla M, Joosten F, De Wael K, Sensors And Actuators B-Chemical 348, 130659 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SNB.2021.130659
Abstract: Illicit drug consumption is a worldwide worrying phenomenon that troubles modern society. For this reason, law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are placing tremendous efforts into tackling the spreading of such substances among our community. New sensing technologies can facilitate the LEAs duties by providing portable and affordable analytical devices. Herein, we present for the first time a sensitive and low-cost electrochemical method, i.e. square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry on carbon screen-printed electrodes (SPE), for the detection of five illicit drugs (i.e. cocaine, heroin, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, 4-chloro-alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, and ketamine) in oral fluid by the aid of a surfactant. Particularly, the surfactant is adsorbed at the carbon electrode’s surface and yields the adsorption of illicit drug molecules, allowing for an enhanced electrochemical signal in comparison to surfactant-free media. First, the surfactant-mediated behavior is deeply explored at the SPE by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Subsequently, the electrochemical behavior of the five illicit drugs is studied and optimized to render optimal analytical performance. Accordingly, the analytical system exhibited a wide linear concentration range from 1 to 30 µM with sub-micromolar limits of detection and high sensitivity. This performance is similar to other reported electrochemical sensors, but with the advantage of using an unmodified SPE, thus avoiding costly and complex functionalization of the SPE. Finally, the methodology was evaluated in diluted oral fluid samples spiked with illicit drugs. Overall, this work describes a simple, rapid, portable, and sensitive method for the detection of illicit drugs aiming to provide oral fluid testing opportunities to LEAs.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 5.401
DOI: 10.1016/J.SNB.2021.130659
|
“An improved electrochemical aptasensor for chloramphenicol detection based on aptamer incorporated gelatine”. Hamidi-Asl E, Dardenne F, Blust R, De Wael K, Sensors 15, 7605 (2015). http://doi.org/10.3390/S150407605
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 2.677
Times cited: 21
DOI: 10.3390/S150407605
|
“An electrochemical impedimetric aptasensing platform for sensitive and selective detection of small molecules such as chloramphenicol”. Pilehvar S, Dierckx T, Blust R, Breugelmans T, De Wael K, Sensors 14, 12059 (2014). http://doi.org/10.3390/S140712059
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Applied Electrochemistry & Catalysis (ELCAT)
Impact Factor: 2.677
Times cited: 34
DOI: 10.3390/S140712059
|
“Redesigning an electrochemical MIP sensor for PFOS : practicalities and pitfalls”. Moro G, Cristofori D, Bottari F, Cattaruzza E, De Wael K, Moretto LM, Sensors 19, 4433 (2019). http://doi.org/10.3390/S19204433
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.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 2.677
DOI: 10.3390/S19204433
|
“An adhesive conducting electrode material based on commercial mesoporous titanium dioxide as a support for Horseradish peroxidase for bioelectrochemical applications”. Rahemi V, Trashin S, Meynen V, De Wael K, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 146, 689 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2015.06.041
Abstract: An adhesive conducting electrode material containing of graphite, biocompatible ion exchange polymer nafion® and commercial mesoporous TiO2 impregnated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) is prepared and characterized by amperometric, UVvis and N2 sorption methods. The factors influencing the performance of the resulting biosensor are studied in detail. The optimal electrode material consists of 45% graphite, 50% impregnated HRPTiO2 and 5% nafion®. The optimum conditions for H2O2 reduction are an applied potential of 0.3 V and 0.1 mM hydroquinone. Sensitivity and limit of detection in the optimum conditions are 1 A M−1 cm−2 and 1 µM correspondingly. The N2 sorption results show that the pore volume of TiO2 decreases sharply upon adsorption of HRP. The preparation process of the proposed enzyme electrode is straightforward and potentially can be used for preparation of carbon paste electrodes for bioelectrochemical detections.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Laboratory of adsorption and catalysis (LADCA); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
Times cited: 7
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2015.06.041
|
“Chemical boundary conditions for the classification of aerosol particles using computer controlled electron probe microanalysis”. Anaf W, Horemans B, Van Grieken R, De Wael K, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 101, 420 (2012). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2012.09.051
Abstract: A method for the classification of individual aerosol particles using computer controlled electron probe microanalysis is presented. It is based on chemical boundary conditions (CBC) and enables quick and easy processing of a large set of elemental concentration data (mass%), derived from the X-ray spectra of individual particles. The particles are first classified into five major classes (sea salt related, secondary inorganic, minerals, iron-rich and carbonaceous), after which advanced data mining can be performed by examining the elemental composition of particles within each class into more detail (e.g., by ternary diagrams). The CBC method is validated and evaluated by comparing its results with the output obtained with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) for well-known standard particles as well as real aerosol particles collected with a cascade impactor. The CBC method gives reliable results and has a major advantage compared to HCA. CBC is based on boundary conditions that are derived from chemical logical thinking and does not require a translation of a mathematical algorithm output as does HCA. Therefore, the CBC method is more objective and enables comparison between samples without intermediate steps.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
Times cited: 3
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2012.09.051
|
“Optimization of the ion chromatographic quantification of airborne fluoride, acetate and formate in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York”. Kontozova-Deutsch V, Deutsch F, Bencs L, Krata A, Van Grieken R, De Wael K, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 86, 372 (2011). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2011.09.030
Abstract: Ion chromatographic (IC) methods have been compared in order to achieve an optimal separation of fluoride, acetate and formate under various elution conditions on two formerly introduced analytical columns (i and ii) and a novel one (iii): (i) an IonPac AS14 (250 mm × 4 mm I.D.), (ii) Allsep A-2 (150 mm × 4.6 mm I.D.), and (iii) an IC SI-50 4E (250 mm (length) × 4 mm (internal diameter – I.D.)). The IC conditions for the separation of the anions concerned were optimized on the IC SI-50 4E column. A near baseline separation of these anions was attained on the IonPac AS14, whereas the peaks of fluoride and acetate could not be resolved on the Allsep A-2. A baseline separation for the three anions was achieved on the IC SI-50 4E column, when applying an eluent mixture of 3.2 mmol/L Na2CO3 and 1.0 mmol/L NaHCO3 with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The highest precision of 1.7, 3.0 and 2.8% and the best limits of detection (LODs) of 0.014, 0.22 and 0.17 mg/L for fluoride, acetate and formate, respectively, were obtained with the IC SI-50 4E column. Hence, this column was applied for the determination of the acetic and formic acid contents of air samples taken by means of passive gaseous sampling at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA. Atmospheric concentrations of acetic and formic acid up to 1050 and 450 μg/m3, respectively, were found in non-aerated showcases of the museum. In galleries and outdoors, rather low levels of acetic and formic acid were detected with average concentrations of 50 and 10 μg/m3, respectively. The LOD data of acetate and formate on the IC SI-50 4E column correspond to around 0.5 μg/m3 for both acetic and formic acid in air samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2011.09.030
|
“Polymer platforms for selective detection of cocaine in street samples adulterated with levamisole”. Florea A, Cowen T, Piletsky S, De Wael K, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 186, 362 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2018.04.061
Abstract: Accurate drug detection is of utmost importance for fighting against drug abuse. With a high number of cutting agents and adulterants being added to cut or mask drugs in street powders the number of false results is increasing. We demonstrate for the first time the usefulness of employing polymers readily synthesized by electrodeposition to selectively detect cocaine in the presence of the commonly used adulterant levamisole. The polymers were selected by computational modelling to exhibit high binding affinity towards cocaine and deposited directly on the surface of graphene-modified electrodes via electropolymerization. The resulting platforms allowed a distinct electrochemical signal for cocaine, which is otherwise suppressed by levamisole. Square wave voltammetry was used to quantify cocaine alone and in the presence of levamisole. The usefulness of the platforms was demonstrated in the screening of real street samples.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
Times cited: 9
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2018.04.061
|
“Stable carbon isotopic ratio measurement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as a tool for source identification and apportionment : a review of analytical methodologies”. Buczyńska AJ, Geypens B, Van Grieken R, De Wael K, Talanta : the international journal of pure and applied analytical chemistry 105, 435 (2013). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2012.10.075
Abstract: The measurement of the ratio of stable isotopes of carbon (13C/12C expressed as a δ13C) in the individual components of a sample may be used as a means to identify the origin of these components. This article reviews the approaches and reports on the successes and failures of source identification and apportionment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) with the use of compound-specific isotope analysis (CSIA). One of the conditions for a precise and accurate analysis of isotope ratios with the use of GC-C-IRMS is the need for well separated peaks, with no co-elutions, and reduced unresolved complex mixture (UCM). Additionally, special care needs to be taken for an investigation of possible isotope fractionation effects introduced during the analytical treatment of samples. With the above-mentioned problems in mind, this review discusses in detail and compares current laboratory methodologies, mainly in the extraction and subsequent clean-up techniques used for environmental samples (air particulate matter, soil and sediments). Sampling strategies, the use of isotopic internal standards and the ranges for precision and accuracy are also reported and discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
Times cited: 19
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2012.10.075
|
“Evaluation of a calibration transfer between a bench top and portable Mid-InfraRed spectrometer for cocaine classification and quantification”. Eliaerts J, Meert N, Dardenne P, Van Durme F, Baeten V, Samyn N, De Wael K, Talanta 209, 120481 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2019.120481
Abstract: A portable Fourier Transform Mid-InfraRed (FT-MIR) spectrometer using Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) sampling is used for daily routine screening of seized powders. Earlier, ATR-FT-MIR combined with Support Vector Machines (SVM) algorithms resulted in a significant improvement of the screening method to a reliable and straightforward classification and quantification tool for both cocaine and levamisole. However, can this tool be transferred to new (hand-held) devices, without loss of the extensive data set? The objective of this study was to perform a calibration transfer between a newly purchased bench top (BT) spectrometer and a portable (P) spectrometer with existing calibration models. Both instruments are from the same brand and have identical characteristics and acquisition parameters (FT instrument, resolution of 4 cm(-1) and wavenumber range 4000 to 500 cm(-1)). The original SVM classification model (n = 515) and SVM quantification model (n = 378) were considered for the transfer trial. Three calibration transfer strategies were assessed: 1) adjustment of slope and bias; 2) correction of spectra from the new instrument BT to P using Piecewise Direct Standardization (PDS) and 3) building a new mixed instrument model with spectra of both instruments. For each approach, additional cocaine powders were measured (n = 682) and the results were compared with GC-MS and GC-FID. The development of a mixed instrument model was the most successful in terms of performance. The future strategy of a mixed model allows applying the models, developed in the laboratory, to portable instruments that are used on-site, and vice versa. The approach offers opportunities to exchange data within a network of forensic laboratories using other FT-MIR spectrometers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 6.1
Times cited: 2
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2019.120481
|
“The opportunity of 6-monoacetylmorphine to selectively detect heroin at preanodized screen printed electrodes”. Felipe Montiel N, Parrilla M, Beltrán V, Nuyts G, Van Durme F, De Wael K, Talanta , 122005 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2020.122005
Abstract: The illicit consumption of heroin is an increasing concern in our society. For this reason, rapid analytical methods to seize heroin samples in the field are of paramount importance to hinder drug trafficking, and thus prevent the availability of heroin in the drug market. The present work reports on the enriched electrochemical fingerprint of heroin, allowing its selective detection in street samples, based on the use of electrochemical pretreated screen printed electrodes (p-SPE). The voltammetric identification is built on two oxidation peaks of both heroin and its degradation product 6-monoacetylmorphine (6-MAM), generated in alkaline conditions. Interestingly, an anodic pretreatment of the screen printed electrodes (SPE) shifts the peak potential of paracetamol (the most encountered cutting agent in heroin seizures), allowing the detection of 6-MAM peak, overlapping with the paracetamol signal in the case of untreated SPE. Subsequently, the characterization of the p-SPE with scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is provided to demonstrate local changes on the surface of the electrode. From an analytical perspective, p-SPE provide higher sensitivity (0.019 μA μM-1), excellent reproducibility (6-MAM, RSD = 2.85%, and heroin RSD = 0.91%, n = 5) and lower limits of detection (LOD) (5.2 μM) in comparison to untreated SPE. The proposed protocol which integrates a tailor-made script is interrogated against common cutting agents, and finally, validated with the screening of 14 street samples, also analyzed by standard methods. Besides, a comparison with portable spectroscopic techniques on the confiscated samples shows the better performance of the electrochemical strategy. Overall, this sensing approach offers promising results for the rapid on-site profiling of suspicious heroin samples, also in the presence of paracetamol.
Keywords: A1 Journal Article; Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation (AXES) ;
Impact Factor: 4.162
DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2020.122005
|
“Aptamer-ligand recognition studied by native ion mobility-mass spectrometry”. Daems E, Dewaele D, Barylyuk K, De Wael K, Sobott F, Talanta 224, 121917 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2020.121917
Abstract: The range of applications for aptamers, small oligonucleotide-based receptors binding to their targets with high specificity and affinity, has been steadily expanding. Our understanding of the mechanisms governing aptamer-ligand recognition and binding is however lagging, stymieing the progress in the rational design of new aptamers and optimization of the known ones. Here we demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of native ion mobility-mass spectrometry for the analysis of their higher-order structure and non-covalent interactions. A set of related cocaine-binding aptamers, displaying a range of folding properties and ligand binding affinities, was used as a case study in both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes. Using carefully controlled experimental conditions, we probed their conformational behavior and interactions with the high-affinity ligand quinine as a surrogate for cocaine. The ratios of bound and unbound aptamers in the mass spectra were used to rank them according to their apparent quinine-binding affinity, qualitatively matching the published ranking order. The arrival time differences between the free aptamer and aptamer-quinine complexes were consistent with a small ligand-induced conformational change, and found to inversely correlate with the affinity of binding. This mass spectrometry-based approach provides a fast and convenient way to study the molecular basis of aptamer-ligand recognition.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2020.121917
|
“Unlocking the full potential of voltammetric data analysis : a novel peak recognition approach for (bio)analytical applications”. Van Echelpoel R, de Jong M, Daems D, van Espen P, De Wael K, Talanta 233, 122605 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TALANTA.2021.122605
Abstract: Bridging the gap between complex signal data output and clear interpretation by non-expert end-users is a major challenge many scientists face when converting their scientific technology into a real-life application. Currently, pattern recognition algorithms are the most frequently encountered signal data interpretation algorithms to close this gap, not in the least because of their straight-forward implementation via convenient software packages. Paradoxically, just because their implementation is so straight-forward, it becomes cumbersome to integrate the expert's domain-specific knowledge. In this work, a novel signal data interpretation approach is presented that uses this domain-specific knowledge as its fundament, thereby fully exploiting the unique expertise of the scientist. The new approach applies data preprocessing in an innovative way that transcends its usual purpose and is easy to translate into a software application. Multiple case studies illustrate the straight-forward application of the novel approach. Ultimately, the approach is highly suited for integration in various (bio)analytical applications that require interpretation of signal data.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.162
DOI: 10.1016/J.TALANTA.2021.122605
|
“Non-invasive and non-destructive examination of artistic pigments, paints, and paintings by means of X-Ray methods”. Janssens K, van der Snickt G, Vanmeert F, Legrand S, Nuyts G, Alfeld M, Monico L, Anaf W, de Nolf W, Vermeulen M, Verbeeck J, De Wael K, Topics in Current Chemistry 374, 81 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1007/S41061-016-0079-2
Abstract: Recent studies are concisely reviewed, in which X-ray beams of (sub)micrometre to millimetre dimensions have been used for non-destructive analysis and characterization of pigments, minute paint samples, and/or entire paintings from the seventeenth to the early twentieth century painters. The overview presented encompasses the use of laboratory and synchrotron radiation-based instrumentation and deals with the use of several variants of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a method of elemental analysis and imaging, as well as with the combined use of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). Microscopic XRF is a variant of the method that is well suited to visualize the elemental distribution of key elements, mostly metals, present in paint multi-layers, on the length scale from 1 to 100 μm inside micro-samples taken from paintings. In the context of the characterization of artists pigments subjected to natural degradation, the use of methods limited to elemental analysis or imaging usually is not sufficient to elucidate the chemical transformations that have taken place. However, at synchrotron facilities, combinations of μ-XRF with related methods such as μ-XAS and μ-XRD have proven themselves to be very suitable for such studies. Their use is often combined with microscopic Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy and/or Raman microscopy since these methods deliver complementary information of high molecular specificity at more or less the same length scale as the X-ray microprobe techniques. Since microscopic investigation of a relatively limited number of minute paint samples, taken from a given work of art, may not yield representative information about the entire artefact, several methods for macroscopic, non-invasive imaging have recently been developed. Those based on XRF scanning and full-field hyperspectral imaging appear very promising; some recent published results are discussed.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Electron microscopy for materials research (EMAT); AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 4.033
Times cited: 50
DOI: 10.1007/S41061-016-0079-2
|
“Analytical techniques for the detection of amphetamine-type substances in different matrices : a comprehensive review”. Drăgan A-M, Parrilla M, Feier B, Oprean R, Cristea C, De Wael K, Trac-Trends In Analytical Chemistry 145, 116447 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRAC.2021.116447
Abstract: This current review focuses on contributions to amphetamine-type substances (ATS) analysis. This type of synthetic illicit drugs has been increasingly present worldwide reaching 5% of the market on illicit drugs in 2019. The increment of their production in many clandestine laboratories and easy distribution among society are two of the main concerns towards the battle against synthetic drugs. Therefore, the first part of this review details the classification and mechanism of action of ATS in the human body. Second, the pharmacological and toxicological effects of ATS on human health are described to motivate the need of early detection of ATS. Subsequently, the most used laboratory-based and portable methods are presented and critically discussed along the review. Finally, a careful discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of portable techniques employed on the field are addressed as potential tools for on-site ATS detection by law enforcement officers.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Electrochemical and Analytical Sciences Lab (A-Sense Lab)
Impact Factor: 8.442
DOI: 10.1016/J.TRAC.2021.116447
|
“Mapping the gaps in chemical analysis for the characterisation of aptamer-target interactions”. Daems E, Moro G, Campos R, De Wael K, Trac-Trends In Analytical Chemistry 142, 116311 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.TRAC.2021.116311
Abstract: Aptamers are promising biorecognition elements with a wide applicability from therapeutics to bio-sensing. However, to successfully use these biomolecules, a complete characterisation of their bindingperformance in the presence of the target is crucial. Several multi-analytical approaches have been re-ported including techniques to describe kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of the aptamer-targetinteraction, and techniques which allow an in-depth understanding of the aptamer-target structures.Recent literature shows the need of a critical data interpretation, a combination of characterisationtechniques and suggests the key role of the characterisation protocol design. Indeed, thefinal applicationof the aptamer should be considered before choosing the characterisation method. All the limitations andcapabilities of the analytical tools in use for aptamer characterisation should be taken into account. Here,we present a critical overview of the current methods and multi-analytical approaches to study aptamer-target binding, aiming to provide researchers with guidelines for the design of characterisation protocols.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 8.442
DOI: 10.1016/J.TRAC.2021.116311
|
“Characterization of epicuticular wax structures on leaves of urban plant species and its association with leaf wettability”. Muhammad S, Wuyts K, Nuyts G, De Wael K, Samson R, Urban Forestry &, Urban Greening 47, 126557 (2020). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.UFUG.2019.126557
Abstract: Epicuticular wax (EW) protects the plant’s integrity and acts as a barrier against biotic and abiotic stresses. The micro-structured three-dimensional EW’s and presence of leaf trichomes influence the wettability of a leaf surface. In this study, leaves of 96 perennial urban plant species were examined to determine an association between epicuticular wax structure (EWS) types and leaf wettability and investigate their seasonal variation. The EWS types were identified using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while leaf wettability was analyzed by measuring the drop contact angle (DCA) on both the abaxial and the adaxial sides of leaves collected from a common garden in June and September 2016. Four distinct EWS types namely thin film, platelets, crusts, and tubules were observed on leaves of investigated plant species in both June and September. The EWS types varied significantly between functional plant types and plant families in both June and September. In June, the abaxial DCA ranged from 56° to 147°, and the adaxial DCA ranged from 56° to 136°. In September, the abaxial DCA ranged from 54° to 130°, and the adaxial DCA ranged from 51° to 125°. The effect of time, leaf side, and EWS type on leaf wettability were significant. Plant species which showed a change in EWS type or clustering from June to September did not show a more pronounced reduction in DCA compared to those species which exhibited a constant EWS type. Findings from our study illustrate that DCA is not a good indicator in determining the different EWS types due to overlapping DCA intervals between the identified EWS types. However, the identified EWS types remained fairly stable throughout the in-leaf season and do not require repeated measurements for characterization.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation)
Impact Factor: 6.4
Times cited: 5
DOI: 10.1016/J.UFUG.2019.126557
|