Best of the Week: Top 10 Spectroscopy Articles, Interview with Daniel Cozzolino, Microplastics in U.S. Seafood

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 diagnostics. Several key techniques are highlighted, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) and two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS). Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

Top 10 Spectroscopy Articles of the Month: Highlights in Interpretive Infrared, AI, Raman Protein Analysis, and Analytical Biology

This article compiles the top 10 most accessed articles from Spectroscopy in December 2024. This collection of articles highlights advances in spectroscopy and chromatography, covering electronic, vibrational, and atomic spectroscopy, magnetic resonance, imaging, and data integration (1). In these 10 articles, some of them include pieces from our most popular columns, including IR Spectral Interpretation Workshop, Chemometrics in Spectroscopy, and Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench, alongside a feature on analytical biology (1). These selections reflect reader interest and key developments in the field.

Assessing the Potential of NIR Spectroscopy to Determine Fatty Acid Content: An Interview with Daniel Cozzolino

Dr. Daniel Cozzolino, a Principal Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, focuses his research on integrating chemometric, machine learning (ML), and spectroscopic techniques like near-infrared (NIR) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI) in food, waste, and agriculture research. In a recent study, he applied NIR spectroscopy to monitor fatty acid profiles in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), which are reared on organic waste streams to produce protein-rich biomass (2). By leveraging BSFL for waste management, industries can reduce environmental impact while creating sustainable, economically viable by-products (2). We sat down with Dr. Cozzolino's to discuss his latest work, which exemplifies using new approaches in resource efficiency and agricultural advancement (2).

Recent Study Analyzes Microplastics in Seafood on the U.S. West Coast

A recent study conducted by researchers from Portland State University and Oregon State University revealed anthropogenic particle (AP) contamination, including microplastics (MPs), in six key Pacific Ocean seafood species critical to Oregon's economy and Indigenous cultures (3). Analyzing 182 samples, researchers found APs in 99% of cases, with pink shrimp showing the highest contamination levels (3). Using micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fibers from synthetic textiles were identified as the primary source (3). The study highlights ecological, cultural, and economic concerns, urging long-term monitoring along the U.S. West Coast and global cooperation to address AP pollution and its impact on seafood sustainability and trade.

Raman Spectroscopy to Detect Lung Cancer and Monitor Vaccine Effects

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Unfortunately, it remains challenging to diagnose and treat. A recent study by researchers from Poland explored the dual role of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) in enhancing immune responses in lung cancer patients and its diagnostic potential (4). Using Raman spectroscopy, the researchers analyzed serum samples from 116 patients and 19 healthy individuals, revealing immune improvements post-vaccination, marked by increased IgG and IgG2 levels (4). The technique also distinguished between healthy and cancerous samples with diagnostic accuracy (4). These findings highlight Raman spectroscopy’s promise in early cancer detection, vaccine monitoring, and personalized healthcare advancements.

Reviewing the Impact of 2D-COS on Analyzing Microplastic Impact on the Environment

A recent study by scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and North Minzu University reviewed the application of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) for understanding microplastics' (MPs) environmental impact. Published in the Journal of Environmental Sciences, the review highlights 2D-COS's ability to address limitations of one-dimensional techniques by enhancing spectral data interpretation, particularly for MPs’ aging mechanisms and interactions with natural organic matter (NOM) (5). Analyzing 67 studies, researchers found that 2D-COS aids in assessing MPs' aging processes and ecological risks (5). However, limitations like establishing causal relationships and amplified spectral variations persist. Integrating 2D-COS with advanced methods may improve MP analysis and mitigation strategies.

References

1. Workman, Jr., J. Top 10 Spectroscopy Articles of the Month: Highlights in Interpretive Infrared, AI, Raman Protein Analysis, and Analytical Biology. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/top-10-spectroscopy-articles-of-the-month-highlights-in-interpretive-infrared-ai-raman-protein-analysis-and-analytical-biology (accessed 2025-01-22).
2. Wetzel, W. Assessing the Potential of NIR Spectroscopy to Determine Fatty Acid Content: An Interview with Daniel Cozzolino. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/assessing-the-potential-of-nir-spectroscopy-to-determine-fatty-acid-content-an-interview-with-daniel-cozzolino (accessed 2025-01-22).
3. Wetzel, W. Recent Study Analyzes Microplastics in Seafood on the U.S. West Coast. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/recent-study-analyzes-microplastics-in-seafood-on-the-u-s-west-coast (accessed 2025-01-22).
4. Workman, Jr., J. Raman Spectroscopy to Detect Lung Cancer and Monitor Vaccine Effects. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/raman-spectroscopy-to-detect-lung-cancer-and-monitor-vaccine-effects (accessed 2025-01-22).
5. Wetzel, W. Reviewing the Impact of 2D-COS on Analyzing Microplastic Impact on the Environment. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/reviewing-the-impact-of-2d-cos-on-analyzing-microplastic-impact-on-the-environment (accessed 2025-01-22).