Best of the Week: Microplastics in Remote Areas, Disease Diagnosis, Advances in Mid-IR Imaging

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles touch upon several important application areas such as environmental analysis and clinical analysis, and several key techniques are highlighted, including mid-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

Measuring Microplastics in Remote and Pristine Environments

Microplastic (MP) detection in the environment is a hot topic and a focus for researchers in environmental analysis. However, studying the long-range transport of MPs remains a slightly under researched area in this space. Recently, Aleksandra “Sasha” Karapetrova, a graduate student at UC Riverside, and Win Cowger, research director at the Moore Institute for Plastic Pollution Research, studied atmospheric MP deposits in remote snow areas along the U.S. West Coast. Using µ-FT-IR spectroscopy and Open Specy software, they explored MPs' long-range transport (1). In an interview with Spectroscopy, they discussed their findings, offering valuable insights into the spread of MPs in isolated environments and the implications for environmental research (1).

Raman Spectroscopy in Disease Diagnosis

Raman spectroscopy is transforming biomedical sciences by enabling detailed, noninvasive molecular insights for disease diagnosis. A review by researchers from institutions like Harvard Medical School explores advanced techniques, including surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), and resonance Raman spectroscopy (2). These methods excel in detecting early biochemical changes linked to diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and infections. Challenges include laser safety, substrate reproducibility, and data processing (2). Leveraging machine learning (ML) and deep learning is enhancing spectral analysis, offering faster and more accurate diagnoses. With continued advancements, Raman spectroscopy holds promise as a cornerstone of precision medicine in clinical practice.

Advances in Mid-Infrared Imaging: Single-Pixel Microscopy Modernized with Quantum Lasers

In this article, executive editor Jerome Workman Jr. summarizes a recent study that saw scientists create a mid-infrared (MIR) hyperspectral microscope using single-pixel imaging (SPI) and a quantum cascade laser (QCL) (3). This breakthrough enables faster, cost-effective chemical analysis, advancing microscopic imaging technology and expanding its potential applications (3).

Raman Spectroscopy and Deep Learning Enhances Blended Vegetable Oil Authentication

Researchers at Yanshan University developed a novel approach combining Raman spectroscopy with deep learning models—CNN-LSTM, improved AlexNet, and ResNet—to analyze blended vegetable oils like extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), soybean oil, and sunflower oil (4). These models outperformed traditional chemometric methods, achieving high predictive accuracy (R² > 0.995, RMSEP < 2%) (4). This advancement addresses food fraud challenges by ensuring precise authentication of blended oils. The study highlights the potential of deep learning in food quality control and broader applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, setting a new standard for rapid and accurate analysis of complex mixtures.

The Advantages and Landscape of Hyperspectral Imaging Spectroscopy

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) combines spatially resolved and spectral data to analyze materials with exceptional precision, revealing subtle property variations. By integrating chemical and structural information, HSI enhances traditional spectroscopy (5). It finds applications in diverse fields, including environmental analysis, medicine, forensics, agriculture, and food science, advancing research, development, and quality control (5). This compilation of articles showcases the versatility of HSI.

References

1. Wetzel, W. Measuring Microplastics in Remote and Pristine Environments. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/measuring-microplastics-in-remote-and-pristine-environments (accessed 2024-12-12).
2. Wetzel, W. Raman Spectroscopy in Disease Diagnosis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/raman-spectroscopy-in-disease-diagnosis (accessed 2024-12-12).
3. Workman, Jr., J. Advances in Mid-Infrared Imaging: Single-Pixel Microscopy Modernized with Quantum Lasers. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/advances-in-mid-infrared-imaging-single-pixel-microscopy-modernized-with-quantum-lasers (accessed 2024-12-12).
4. Wetzel, W. Raman Spectroscopy and Deep Learning Enhances Blended Vegetable Oil Authentication. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/raman-spectroscopy-and-deep-learning-enhances-blended-vegetable-oil-authentication (accessed 2024-12-12).
5. Workman, Jr., J. The Advantages and Landscape of Hyperspectral Imaging Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-advantages-and-landscape-of-hyperspectral-imaging-spectroscopy (accessed 2024-12-12).