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Fung FM, Widyantoro C, Li SFY. Keeping Analytical Chemistry Training Up-to-Date. Anal Chem 2024; 96:6863-6869. [PMID: 38656177 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The undergraduate analytical chemistry curriculum serves to equip students with the knowledge and skills for work outside of classroom training. As such, instructors face a challenging task in deciding the breadth and depth of topics for their courses to ensure their syllabi can remain up-to-date with today's needs. We propose that instructors consider covering capillary electrophoresis (CE) and lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technologies in their analytical chemistry courses. Past surveys of the curriculum show a noticeable lack of emphasis on these topics, which we feel is a missed opportunity and one that holds potential for the collective benefit of instructors and students. CE and LOCs are utilized in a diverse array of fields like biochemistry, pharmaceutical production, materials science, and environmental analysis, and their applications are becoming increasingly important amidst the growing movement toward environmentally sustainable practices and green chemistry. They are also more accessible in the analytical chemistry classroom compared with typical benchtop instruments due to the flexibility of their size and cost. This makes them easier to obtain, maintain, and transport for use and demonstration purposes. Additionally, interwoven in these topics are core concepts that are fundamental to analytical chemistry; thus, covering them will inherently reinforce students' understanding of fundamental knowledge. Therefore, we believe increased coverage of CE and LOCs can better prepare undergraduates for modern analytical chemistry work in various industries and fields of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fun Man Fung
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- College of Humanities and Sciences, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077
- Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology, National University of Singapore,15 Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119225
| | - Clarissa Widyantoro
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- College of Humanities and Sciences, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077
| | - Sam Fong Yau Li
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
- College of Humanities and Sciences, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077
- NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI), #02-01, T-Lab Building (TL), 5A Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117411, Singapore
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Zamuruyev K, Ferreira Santos MS, Mora MF, Kurfman EA, Noell AC, Willis PA. Automated Capillary Electrophoresis System Compatible with Multiple Detectors for Potential In Situ Spaceflight Missions. Anal Chem 2021; 93:9647-9655. [PMID: 34184887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c02119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The in situ search for chemical signatures of life on extraterrestrial worlds requires automated hardware capable of performing detailed compositional analysis during robotic missions of exploration. The use of electrophoretic separations in this search is particularly powerful, enabling analysis of a wide range of soluble organic compounds potentially indicative of life, as well as inorganic compounds that can serve as indicators of habitability. However, to detect this broad range of compounds with a single electrophoresis instrument, a combination of different detection modes is required. For detection of any ionizable species, including organic compounds that do not participate in terrestrial biology (i.e., "unknown unknowns"), mass spectrometry (MS) is essential. Inorganic ions, or any dissolved charged species present, can be analyzed using capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D). Additionally, for the trace analysis of compounds of key interest to astrobiology (particularly, amino acids), laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection holds unique promise, due to the fact that it has the highest demonstrated sensitivity of any form of detection. Here, we demonstrate a fully automated, portable capillary electrophoresis analyzer that is capable of all these modes of detection. The prototype system developed here addresses the three most significant challenges for doing electrophoretic separations: precise sample injection, HV isolation, and automation of all operational steps. These key challenges were successfully addressed with the use of custom-designed rotor-stator valves with optimized operational sequences incorporating gas purging steps, rinses, and HV application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Zamuruyev
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Mauro S Ferreira Santos
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Maria F Mora
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Emily A Kurfman
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Aaron C Noell
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, California 91109, United States
| | - Peter A Willis
- Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Dr., Pasadena, California 91109, United States
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Portable capillary electrophoresis instrument with contactless conductivity detection for on-site analysis of small volumes of biological fluids. J Chromatogr A 2015; 1427:177-85. [PMID: 26709071 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.11.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A novel, easy to use and portable capillary electrophoretic instrument for injection of small volumes of biological fluids equipped with contactless conductivity detection was constructed. The instrument is lightweight (<5 kg), all necessary parts including a tablet computer are accommodated in a plastic briefcase with dimensions 20 cm × 33 cm × 17 cm (w × l × h), allows hydrodynamic injection of small sample volumes and can continuously operate for at least 10 hours. The semi-automated hydrodynamic sample injection is accomplished via a specially designed PMMA interface that is able to repeatedly inject sample aliquots from a sample volume as low as 10 μL, with repeatability of peak areas below 5%. The developed interface and the instrument were optimized for the injection of biological fluids. Practical utility was demonstrated on the determination of formate in blood serum samples from acute methanol intoxication patients and on the analysis of ionic profile (nitrosative stress markers, including nitrite and nitrate) in the exhaled breath condensate from one single exhalation.
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Mai TD, Pham TTT, Pham HV, Sáiz J, Ruiz CG, Hauser PC. Portable Capillary Electrophoresis Instrument with Automated Injector and Contactless Conductivity Detection. Anal Chem 2013; 85:2333-9. [DOI: 10.1021/ac303328g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Duc Mai
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse
51, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Centre for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development (CETASD),
Hanoi University of Science, Nguyen Trai Street 334, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thi Thanh Thuy Pham
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse
51, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Centre for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development (CETASD),
Hanoi University of Science, Nguyen Trai Street 334, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hung Viet Pham
- Centre for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development (CETASD),
Hanoi University of Science, Nguyen Trai Street 334, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Jorge Sáiz
- Department of Chemistry I and
University Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP), University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona
km 33.6, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen García Ruiz
- Department of Chemistry I and
University Institute of Research in Police Sciences (IUICP), University of Alcalá, Ctra. Madrid-Barcelona
km 33.6, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter C. Hauser
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse
51, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
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Stojkovic M, Uda NR, Brodmann P, Popovic M, Hauser PC. Determination of PCR products by CE with contactless conductivity detection. J Sep Sci 2012; 35:3509-13. [PMID: 23225717 DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201200800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The use of CE with contactless conductivity detection for the determination of PCR products is demonstrated for the first time. The separation of specific length PCR products according to their size could be achieved using 5% PVP as a sieving medium in a separation buffer consisting of 20 mM Tris and 20 mM 2-(cyclohexylamino)ethansulphonic acid (pH 8.5). A fused silica capillary of 60 cm length and 50 μm id and an applied separation voltage of -15 kV were employed and separations could be completed within 20-50 min. PCR amplified DNA fragments of different sizes obtained from different bacterial plasmid templates as well as a fragment from genomic DNA of genetically modified soybeans could be successfully identified.
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Barnett MJ, Pearce DA, Cullen DC. Advances in the in-field detection of microorganisms in ice. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2012; 81:133-67. [PMID: 22958529 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394382-8.00004-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The historic view of ice-bound ecosystems has been one of a predominantly lifeless environment, where microorganisms certainly exist but are assumed to be either completely inactive or in a state of long-term dormancy. However, this standpoint has been progressively overturned in the past 20years as studies have started to reveal the importance of microbial life in the functioning of these environments. Our present knowledge of the distribution, taxonomy, and metabolic activity of such microbial life has been derived primarily from laboratory-based analyses of collected field samples. To date, only a restricted range of life detection and characterization techniques have been applied in the field. Specific examples include direct observation and DNA-based techniques (microscopy, specific stains, and community profiling based on PCR amplification), the detection of biomarkers (such as adenosine triphosphate), and measurements of metabolism [through the uptake and incorporation of radiolabeled isotopes or chemical alteration of fluorescent substrates (umbelliferones are also useful here)]. On-going improvements in technology mean that smaller and more robust life detection and characterization systems are continually being designed, manufactured, and adapted for in-field use. Adapting technology designed for other applications is the main source of new methodology, and the range of techniques is currently increasing rapidly. Here we review the current use of technology and techniques to detect and characterize microbial life within icy environments and specifically its deployment to in-field situations. We discuss the necessary considerations, limitations, and adaptations, review emerging technologies, and highlight the future potential. Successful application of these new techniques to in-field studies will certainly generate new insights into the way ice bound ecosystems function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J Barnett
- Cranfield Health, Vincent Building, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK
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Kubáň P, Seiman A, Kaljurand M. Improving precision of manual hydrodynamic injection in capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detection. J Chromatogr A 2011; 1218:1273-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2010.12.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lee M, Cho K, Yoon D, Yoo DJ, Kang SH. Portable capillary electrophoresis system for identification of cattle breeds based on DNA mobility. Electrophoresis 2010; 31:2787-95. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201000199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Fernández-la-Villa A, Pozo-Ayuso DF, Castaño-Álvarez M. New analytical portable instrument for microchip electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. Electrophoresis 2010; 31:2641-9. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.201000100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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10
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Portable, lightweight, low power, ion chromatographic system with open tubular capillary columns. J Chromatogr A 2010; 1217:5116-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2010.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2010] [Revised: 05/28/2010] [Accepted: 06/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Fan Y, Tian Z, Qin W. Quick and Sensitive Determination of Fluoroquinolones by Capillary Electrophoresis–Potential Gradient Detection. ANAL LETT 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/00032710902890363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Seiman A, Martin J, Vaher M, Kaljurand M. A portable capillary electropherograph equipped with a cross-sampler and a contactless-conductivity detector for the detection of the degradation products of chemical warfare agents in soil extracts. Electrophoresis 2009; 30:507-14. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.200800341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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TIAN J, QIN W. Quick and Sensitive Determination of Flavonoids by Capillary Electrophoresis-Potential Gradient Detection. ANAL SCI 2009; 25:1119-23. [DOI: 10.2116/analsci.25.1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jing TIAN
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University
| | - Weidong QIN
- College of Chemistry, Beijing Normal University
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Qin W, Liu Q, Fan Y. CE determination of quinolones in the presence of bovine serum albumin. J Sep Sci 2008; 32:118-24. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.200800336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Hutchinson JP, Johns C, Breadmore MC, Hilder EF, Guijt RM, Lennard C, Dicinoski G, Haddad PR. Identification of inorganic ions in post-blast explosive residues using portable CE instrumentation and capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection. Electrophoresis 2008; 29:4593-602. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.200800226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Greenspoon SA, Yeung SH, Johnson KR, Chu WK, Rhee HN, McGuckian AB, Crouse CA, Chiesl TN, Barron AE, Scherer JR, Ban JD, Mathies RA. A Forensic Laboratory Tests the Berkeley Microfabricated Capillary Array Electrophoresis Device. J Forensic Sci 2008; 53:828-37. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1556-4029.2008.00750.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Fan Y, Gan X, Li S, Qin W. A rapid CE-potential gradient detection method for determination of quinolones. Electrophoresis 2007; 28:4101-7. [DOI: 10.1002/elps.200700182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Kubáň P, Nguyen H, Macka M, Haddad P, Hauser P. New Fully Portable Instrument for the Versatile Determination of Cations and Anions by Capillary Electrophoresis with Contactless Conductivity Detection. ELECTROANAL 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/elan.200703908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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Xu Y, Li SFY. Carbon nanotube-enhanced separation of DNA fragments by a portable capillary electrophoresis system with contactless conductivity detection. Electrophoresis 2006; 27:4025-8. [PMID: 16983641 DOI: 10.1002/elps.200600270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It was demonstrated that separation of DNA fragments by a CE-contactless conductivity detection system (CE-CCD) could be enhanced with multiple-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNs) as buffer additive. For HaeIII digest of PhiX174 DNA, optimized MWCN concentration was obtained when the MWCN was above its threshold concentration, at which MWCN could form a network in the buffer as pseudostationary phase to provide additional interaction sites. In the case of larger DNA, MWCN near or below its threshold concentration was enough to provide great improvement of the resolution, which was shown by the separation of the 2-Log DNA ladder. Furthermore, the buffer containing MWCN could provide a more stable baseline in the CE-CCD system, owing to less fluctuation of its conductivity. Compared with CE-UV, CE-CCD with MWCN could provide lower LODs as well as better resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Republic of Singapore
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