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Xie J, Gowen A, Xu W, Xu J. Analysing micro- and nanoplastics with cutting-edge infrared spectroscopy techniques: a critical review. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:2177-2197. [PMID: 38533677 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01808c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The escalating prominence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) as emerging anthropogenic pollutants has sparked widespread scientific and public interest. These minuscule particles pervade the global environment, permeating drinking water and food sources, prompting concerns regarding their environmental impacts and potential risks to human health. In recent years, the field of MNP research has witnessed the development and application of cutting-edge infrared (IR) spectroscopic instruments. This review focuses on the recent application of advanced IR spectroscopic techniques and relevant instrumentation to analyse MNPs. A comprehensive literature search was conducted, encompassing articles published within the past three years. The findings revealed that Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy stands as the most used technique, with focal plane array FTIR (FPA-FTIR) representing the cutting edge in FTIR spectroscopy. The second most popular technique is quantum cascade laser infrared (QCL-IR) spectroscopy, which has facilitated rapid analysis of plastic particles. Following closely is optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) spectroscopy, which can furnish submicron spatial resolution. Subsequently, there is atomic force microscopy-based infrared (AFM-IR) spectroscopy, which has made it feasible to analyse MNPs at the nanoscale level. The most advanced IR instruments identified in articles covered in this review were compared. Comparison metrics encompass substrates/filters, data quality, spatial resolution, data acquisition speed, data processing and cost. The limitations of these IR instruments were identified, and recommendations to address these limitations were proposed. The findings of this review offer valuable guidance to MNP researchers in selecting suitable instrumentation for their research experiments, thereby facilitating advancements in research aimed at enhancing our understanding of the environmental and human health risks associated with MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhao Xie
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Aoife Gowen
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, Center for Coastal Studies, College of Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, USA
| | - Junli Xu
- School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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2
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Ferreira MFS, Brambilla G, Thévenaz L, Feng X, Zhang L, Sumetsky M, Jones C, Pedireddy S, Vollmer F, Dragic PD, Henderson-Sapir O, Ottaway DJ, Strupiechonski E, Hernandez-Cardoso GG, Hernandez-Serrano AI, González FJ, Castro Camus E, Méndez A, Saccomandi P, Quan Q, Xie Z, Reinhard BM, Diem M. Roadmap on optical sensors. JOURNAL OF OPTICS (2010) 2024; 26:013001. [PMID: 38116399 PMCID: PMC10726224 DOI: 10.1088/2040-8986/ad0e85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Optical sensors and sensing technologies are playing a more and more important role in our modern world. From micro-probes to large devices used in such diverse areas like medical diagnosis, defence, monitoring of industrial and environmental conditions, optics can be used in a variety of ways to achieve compact, low cost, stand-off sensing with extreme sensitivity and selectivity. Actually, the challenges to the design and functioning of an optical sensor for a particular application requires intimate knowledge of the optical, material, and environmental properties that can affect its performance. This roadmap on optical sensors addresses different technologies and application areas. It is constituted by twelve contributions authored by world-leading experts, providing insight into the current state-of-the-art and the challenges their respective fields face. Two articles address the area of optical fibre sensors, encompassing both conventional and specialty optical fibres. Several other articles are dedicated to laser-based sensors, micro- and nano-engineered sensors, whispering-gallery mode and plasmonic sensors. The use of optical sensors in chemical, biological and biomedical areas is discussed in some other papers. Different approaches required to satisfy applications at visible, infrared and THz spectral regions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Xian Feng
- Jiangsu Normal University, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Zhejiang University, People’s Republic of China
| | - Misha Sumetsky
- Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Callum Jones
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Srikanth Pedireddy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Vollmer
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Peter D Dragic
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Ori Henderson-Sapir
- Department of Physics and Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
- OzGrav, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Mirage Photonics, Oaklands Park, SA, Australia
| | - David J Ottaway
- Department of Physics and Institute of Photonics and Advanced Sensing, The University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
- OzGrav, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paola Saccomandi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
| | - Qimin Quan
- NanoMosaic Inc., United States of America
| | - Zhongcong Xie
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, United States of America
| | - Björn M Reinhard
- Department of Chemistry and The Photonics Center, Boston University, United States of America
| | - Max Diem
- Northeastern University and CIRECA LLC, United States of America
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3
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Yeh K, Sharma I, Falahkheirkhah K, Confer MP, Orr AC, Liu YT, Phal Y, Ho RJ, Mehta M, Bhargava A, Mei W, Cheng G, Cheville JC, Bhargava R. Infrared spectroscopic laser scanning confocal microscopy for whole-slide chemical imaging. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5215. [PMID: 37626026 PMCID: PMC10457288 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40740-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical imaging, especially mid-infrared spectroscopic microscopy, enables label-free biomedical analyses while achieving expansive molecular sensitivity. However, its slow speed and poor image quality impede widespread adoption. We present a microscope that provides high-throughput recording, low noise, and high spatial resolution where the bottom-up design of its optical train facilitates dual-axis galvo laser scanning of a diffraction-limited focal point over large areas using custom, compound, infinity-corrected refractive objectives. We demonstrate whole-slide, speckle-free imaging in ~3 min per discrete wavelength at 10× magnification (2 μm/pixel) and high-resolution capability with its 20× counterpart (1 μm/pixel), both offering spatial quality at theoretical limits while maintaining high signal-to-noise ratios (>100:1). The data quality enables applications of modern machine learning and capabilities not previously feasible - 3D reconstructions using serial sections, comprehensive assessments of whole model organisms, and histological assessments of disease in time comparable to clinical workflows. Distinct from conventional approaches that focus on morphological investigations or immunostaining techniques, this development makes label-free imaging of minimally processed tissue practical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yeh
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ishaan Sharma
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kianoush Falahkheirkhah
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Matthew P Confer
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Andres C Orr
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yen-Ting Liu
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Yamuna Phal
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ruo-Jing Ho
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Manu Mehta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Ankita Bhargava
- University of Illinois Laboratory High School, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Wenyan Mei
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Georgina Cheng
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Carle Health, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - John C Cheville
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, College of Medicine and Science, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Rohit Bhargava
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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Bhargava R. Digital Histopathology by Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2023; 16:205-230. [PMID: 37068745 PMCID: PMC10408309 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-101422-090956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Infrared (IR) spectroscopic imaging records spatially resolved molecular vibrational spectra, enabling a comprehensive measurement of the chemical makeup and heterogeneity of biological tissues. Combining this novel contrast mechanism in microscopy with the use of artificial intelligence can transform the practice of histopathology, which currently relies largely on human examination of morphologic patterns within stained tissue. First, this review summarizes IR imaging instrumentation especially suited to histopathology, analyses of its performance, and major trends. Second, an overview of data processing methods and application of machine learning is given, with an emphasis on the emerging use of deep learning. Third, a discussion on workflows in pathology is provided, with four categories proposed based on the complexity of methods and the analytical performance needed. Last, a set of guidelines, termed experimental and analytical specifications for spectroscopic imaging in histopathology, are proposed to help standardize the diversity of approaches in this emerging area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Bhargava
- Department of Bioengineering; Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Department of Chemistry; Cancer Center at Illinois; and Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA;
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Xu S, Snyder CR, Rowlette J, Lee YJ. Three-Dimensional Molecular Orientation Imaging of a Semicrystalline Polymer Film under Shear Deformation. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c02036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyu Xu
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Chad R. Snyder
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Jeremy Rowlette
- DRS Daylight Solutions, San Diego, California 92127, United States
| | - Young Jong Lee
- Biosystems and Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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6
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Xu S, Rowlette J, Lee YJ. Imaging 3D molecular orientation by orthogonal-pair polarization IR microscopy. OPTICS EXPRESS 2022; 30:8436-8447. [PMID: 35299296 DOI: 10.1364/oe.449667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Anisotropic molecular alignment occurs ubiquitously and often heterogeneously in three dimensions (3D). However, conventional imaging approaches based on polarization can map only molecular orientation projected onto the 2D polarization plane. Here, an algorithm converts conventional polarization-controlled infrared (IR) hyperspectral data into images of the 3D angles of molecular orientations. The polarization-analysis algorithm processes a pair of orthogonal IR transition-dipole modes concurrently; in contrast, conventional approaches consider individual IR modes separately. The orthogonal-pair polarization IR (OPPIR) method, introduced theoretically but never demonstrated experimentally, was used to map the 3D orientation angles and the order parameter of the local orientational distribution of polymer chains in a poly(ε-caprolactone) film. The OPPIR results show that polymer chains in the semicrystalline film are aligned azimuthally perpendicular to the radial direction of a spherulite and axially tilted from the film normal direction. This newly available information on the local alignments in continuously distributed molecules helps to understand the molecular-level structure of highly anisotropic and spatially heterogeneous materials.
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Phal Y, Yeh K, Bhargava R. Design Considerations for Discrete Frequency Infrared Microscopy Systems. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2021; 75:1067-1092. [PMID: 33876990 PMCID: PMC9993325 DOI: 10.1177/00037028211013372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Discrete frequency infrared chemical imaging is transforming the practice of microspectroscopy by enabling a diversity of instrumentation and new measurement capabilities. While a variety of hardware implementations have been realized, design considerations that are unique to infrared (IR) microscopes have not yet been compiled in literature. Here, we describe the evolution of IR microscopes, provide rationales for design choices, and catalog some major considerations for each of the optical components in an imaging system. We analyze design choices that use these components to optimize performance, under their particular constraints, while providing illustrative examples. We then summarize a framework to assess the factors that determine an instrument's performance mathematically. Finally, we provide a validation approach by enumerating performance metrics that can be used to evaluate the capabilities of imaging systems or suitability for specific intended applications. Together, the presented concepts and examples should aid in understanding available instrument configurations, while guiding innovations in design of the next generation of IR chemical imaging spectrometers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamuna Phal
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Kevin Yeh
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Rohit Bhargava
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
- Departments of Bioengineering, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
- Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
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8
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Abstract
Advancement of discrete frequency infrared (DFIR) spectroscopic microscopes in image quality and data throughput are critical to their use for analytical measurements. Here, we report the development and characterization of a point scanning instrument with minimal aberrations and capable of diffraction-limited performance across all fingerprint region wavelengths over arbitrarily large samples. The performance of this system is compared to commercial state of the art Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging systems. We show that for large samples or smaller set of discrete frequencies, point scanning far exceeds (∼10-100 fold) comparable data acquired with FT-IR instruments. Further we show improvements in image quality using refractive lenses that show significantly improved contrast across the spatial frequency bandwidth. Finally, we introduce the ability to image two tunable frequencies simultaneously using a single detector by means of demodulation to further speed up data acquisition and reduce the impact of scattering. Together, the advancements provide significantly better spectral quality and spatial fidelity than current state of the art imaging systems while promising to make spectral scanning even faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Yeh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 4265 Beckman Institute, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Dongkwan Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 4265 Beckman Institute, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Rohit Bhargava
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Departments of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Chemistry, Cancer Center at Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 4265 Beckman Institute, 405 North Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Isensee K, Kröger-Lui N, Petrich W. Biomedical applications of mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers - a review. Analyst 2019; 143:5888-5911. [PMID: 30444222 DOI: 10.1039/c8an01306c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mid-infrared spectroscopy has been applied to research in biology and medicine for more than 20 years and conceivable applications have been identified. More recently, these applications have been shown to benefit from the use of quantum cascade lasers due to their specific properties, namely high spectral power density, small beam parameter product, narrow emission spectrum and, if needed, tuning capabilities. This review provides an overview of the achievements and illustrates some applications which benefit from the key characteristics of quantum cascade laser-based mid-infrared spectroscopy using examples such as breath analysis, the investigation of serum, non-invasive glucose monitoring in bulk tissue and the combination of spectroscopy and microscopy of tissue thin sections for rapid histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Isensee
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, Heidelberg University, INF 277, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Abstract
Until very recently, handheld spectrometers were the domain of major analytical and security instrument companies, with turnkey analyzers using spectroscopic techniques from X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for elemental analysis (metals), to Raman, mid-infrared, and near-infrared (NIR) for molecular analysis (mostly organics). However, the past few years have seen rapid changes in this landscape with the introduction of handheld laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), smartphone spectroscopy focusing on medical diagnostics for low-resource areas, commercial engines that a variety of companies can build up into products, hyphenated or dual technology instruments, low-cost visible-shortwave NIR instruments selling directly to the public, and, most recently, portable hyperspectral imaging instruments. Successful handheld instruments are designed to give answers to non-scientist operators; therefore, their developers have put extensive resources into reliable identification algorithms, spectroscopic libraries or databases, and qualitative and quantitative calibrations. As spectroscopic instruments become smaller and lower cost, "engines" have emerged, leading to the possibility of being incorporated in consumer devices and smart appliances, part of the Internet of Things (IOT). This review outlines the technologies used in portable spectroscopy, discusses their applications, both qualitative and quantitative, and how instrument developers and vendors have approached giving actionable answers to non-scientists. It outlines concerns on crowdsourced data, especially for heterogeneous samples, and finally looks towards the future in areas like IOT, emerging technologies for instruments, and portable hyphenated and hyperspectral instruments.
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