Best of the Week: Soil Analysis, Leukemia Screening, Carbon Nanofibers

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles feature techniques including visible–near-infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS), and mass spectrometry. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

Conducting Soil Analysis Using Vis-NIR Spectroscopy

This article discusses a recent study that addresses the advantages and challenges of in-field soil spectroscopy, particularly vis-NIR spectroscopy, in assessing soil quality for agriculture. The technique allows simultaneous analysis of multiple soil properties, such as carbon content, texture, and pH levels, which are crucial for precision farming (1). The study highlights that although vis-NIR spectroscopy offers real-time, efficient soil analysis, its broader adoption is hindered by a lack of standardization in measurement protocols. The researchers advocate for developing standardized methods and expanding databases to enhance the accuracy and reliability of soil property predictions, which could revolutionize sustainable farming practices (1).

New Study Explores Raman Spectroscopy as a Potential Tool for Leukemia Screening

This article discusses the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for screening leukemia. Researchers from Jilin University conducted a meta-analysis of 15 studies, revealing that Raman spectroscopy has high sensitivity (0.93) and specificity (0.91) in detecting leukemia (2). The study also highlighted the superior diagnostic efficacy of surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), which amplifies Raman signals, making it a promising method for early leukemia detection. Despite these promising results, the research identified limitations, including a small number of studies, potential selection bias, and the inability to differentiate between leukemia subtypes because of limited data (2).

2D-COS Raman Technique Reveals Biocompatibility of Carbon Nanofibers

This article discusses the potential of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in various industries, particularly in biomedicine, through the lens of a study conducted by researchers from Jagiellonian University and AGH University of Science and Technology in Poland. The study, published in Applied Spectroscopy, uses two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) to assess the biocompatibility of CNFs synthesized from polyacrylonitrile fibers (3). The researchers found that untreated electrospun CNFs were cytotoxic, causing significant DNA damage, while functionalized CNFs showed improved biocompatibility (3). The study highlights the importance of surface modification in enhancing CNF safety, making them more suitable for medical applications, and underscores the value of 2D-COS in evaluating nanomaterials.

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Environmental Research

This article discusses the application of high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (HR–MSI) in environmental research, as explored in a recent review by Kevin R. Tucker from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (4). HR–MSI enables researchers to obtain two-dimensional spatial information about unlabeled analytes, enhancing the ability to identify and map the distribution of contaminants (4). The technique is particularly valuable in non-target analysis, wastewater treatment plant constituents, and PFAS toxicology, where it provides detailed insights into pollutant behavior and treatment effectiveness (4). As a relatively new advancement, HR–MSI is expected to expand, with potential enhancements like integrating ion mobility spectrometry for even more precise environmental analysis.

Revealing the Depths: Comparing SORS and Micro-SORS for Subsurface Material Analysis

This article discusses the comparative advantages of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) and its variant, micro-SORS, in subsurface material analysis. SORS, effective for probing deeper layers in turbid materials, excels in signal averaging over larger areas, making it suitable for heterogeneous samples (5). Conversely, micro-SORS offers higher spatial resolution for analyzing micrometric layers, ideal for applications requiring detailed imaging, such as cultural heritage preservation (5). However, micro-SORS, with its higher laser intensity, can risk damaging sensitive sample materials (5). The study provides practical guidelines for choosing between these techniques based on sample characteristics and analytical goals, enhancing their application in fields like cultural heritage and biomedical diagnostics.

References

(1) Wetzel, W. Conducting Soil Analysis Using Vis-NIR Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/conducting-soil-analysis-using-vis-nir-spectroscopy (accessed 2024-08-15).

(2) Wetzel, W. New Study Explores Raman Spectroscopy as a Potential Tool for Leukemia Screening. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-study-explores-raman-spectroscopy-as-a-potential-tool-for-leukemia-screening (accessed 2024-08-15).

(3) Workman, Jr., J. 2D-COS Raman Technique Reveals Biocompatibility of Carbon Nanofibers. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/2d-cos-raman-technique-reveals-biocompatibility-of-carbon-nanofibers (accessed 2024-08-15).

(4) Wetzel, W. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Environmental Research. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/high-resolution-mass-spectrometry-imaging-in-environmental-research (accessed 2024-08-15).

(5) Workman, Jr., J. Revealing the Depths: Comparing SORS and Micro-SORS for Subsurface Material Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/revealing-the-depths-comparing-sors-and-micro-sors-for-subsurface-material-analysis (accessed 2024-08-15).