Current Analytical Chemistry - Volume 20, Issue 5, 2024

In diagnostic technologies, search for quick, accurate, and cost-efficient ways to confirm diseases has prompted the investigation of alternative methodologies to classic PCR-based tests. This article delves into the growing field of nanoparticle-based immunoassays, offering a comprehensive evaluation of their potential as viable alternatives to PCR for disease diagnostics. We discuss the basic principles of nanoparticle-based immunoassays, highlighting their distinctive ability to combine the specialized binding characteristics of antibodies with the improved detection capacities of nanoparticles. The article compares the performance attributes of nanoparticle-based immunoassays with PCR, focusing on sensitivity, specificity, and detection speed. We further delve into a novel diagnostic technology, immuno-PCR, which integrates the strengths of immunoassays and PCR techniques. Healthcare systems and stakeholders must comprehend and implement novel diagnostic procedures emphasizing accuracy and sensitivity as the diagnostic landscape advances globally. This review contributes to the advancement of diagnostics by synthesizing current research and suggesting future directions for development. It highlights the transformative potential of current and emerging methods in shaping the future of disease diagnostics.

For a long time, Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography (RPLC) was the most dominant technique for the analysis of pharmaceutical compounds, but with poor efficiency in the separation of small polar molecules. From the efforts to solve the problem of insufficient retention of these molecules, during the last decades, a mode of liquid chromatography named Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) has experienced vast expansion. It is based on the use of a highly hydrophilic stationary phase along with an aqueous mobile phase with high organic modifier content. In this review, the characteristics of stationary and mobile phases used in HILIC are described, and corresponding separation mechanisms are discussed. An overview of recently published papers dealing with the application of HILIC in analyzing pharmaceuticals in biological and non-biological samples is provided. Besides, the application of HILIC systems in the determination of the physicochemical properties of compounds is described.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a significant medical condition with rising incidence and fatality rates. According to WHO, around 422 million individuals globally have diabetes, the majority of whom live in low and middle-income economies. Diabetes is entirely responsible for 1.5 million fatalities yearly. Researchers are concentrating on plant derivatives due to the higher toxicity of conventional allopathic medicines. Antidiabetic agents and other medications, including from plants, are significant. Pyracantha crenulata is a significant plant recognized for its various therapeutic applications. It contains many phytoconstituents that give antidiabetic efficiency. In order to investigate the antidiabetic efficacy of Pyracantha crenulata phytoconstituents, a study was conducted using PDB IDs IUOK. The research was focused on the analysis of molecular docking and ADME and toxicity studies. Objective: This study aimed to propose a mechanism for the antidiabetic activity of Pyracantha crenulata phytoconstituents based on molecular docking studies. Methods: The phytoconstituents of Pyracantha crenulata were docked using the PyRx Virtual Screening software, and the ADME study was evaluated. Results: The results of molecular docking showed that many phytocosntituents of Pyracantha crenulata have higher dock scores against antidiabetic action than conventional drugs. Conclusion: Based on molecular docking study, different chemical constituents may act as potent inhibitors of diabetic proteins IUOK. By using the outcome of the research, new anti-diabetic medications could be designed.

Introduction: Crude oil is a complex blend of various hydrocarbon families, with compositions that vary depending on the source well and exploitation duration. To categorize its constituents, SARA analysis divides them into saturated, aromatic, resins, and asphaltenes. Heavy asphaltene- rich crude oils can present challenges like viscosity and pipeline blockages, which are often addressed with viscosity-reducing additives. However, a theoretical framework explaining how these additives affect crude oil is lacking, relying primarily on empirical observations. To optimize these additives, it is crucial to understand the underlying chemical and physical processes. This study hypothesizes that asphaltenic crude oils influence viscosity through colloidal properties linked to molecular interactions. Methods: The research aimed to analyze the impact of sulfur in asphaltenes and oxygen in flow improvers on the transport properties of an idealized crude oil, with the goal of predicting additive feasibility. A methodology that combined computational quantum chemistry and statistical thermodynamics was used. An idealized model of crude oil was created, consisting of non-polar alkanes and polar asphaltenes with sulfur atoms. A flow improver was simulated with an aromatic-aliphatic structure containing oxygen and hydroxyl groups, and viscosity was calculated. Results: This study assessed the transport properties of the mixture using principles of statistical thermodynamics. The theoretical insights revealed that reducing viscosity in asphaltene-rich crude oils with additives depends on several critical factors, including the formation of the dispersed phase, the reduced viscosity of the additive, and the effects of dilution. The research identified a strong link between the enhanced effectiveness of these additives and their structural and molecular properties. Conclusion: The theoretical results suggest that additives that act as viscosity reducers in asphalt crudes achieve optimal performance when they possess both higher polarity and reduced viscosity.

Background: Both Salvianolate Injection and warfarin are widely prescribed in patients with cardiovascular diseases, but the interaction between them is unknown and needs to be investigated. Objective: This research aims to study the effects and mechanism of Salvianolate Injection on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of warfarin in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected Salvianolate Injection (18 mg/kg) with or without oral administration of warfarin (0.2 mg/kg). A coagulation analyzer evaluated prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). International normalized ratio (INR) was calculated based on PT. UPLC-MS/MS combined with a chiral column was used to separate and measure the plasma concentration of R-warfarin and S-warfarin. Agilent SB-C18 column (1.8 μm, 2.1 mm × 50 mm) was used for separation, column temperature at 20°C. The isocratic mobile phase was acetonitrile-aqueous ammonium acetate (5 mM, pH 4) at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min and 11.5 min for each injection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS 2.0 software. Results: Salvianolate Injection increased PT and INR (p < 0.05), while APTT was unaffected (p > 0.05). Compared with the warfarin group, the co-administration of Salvianolate Injection and singledose warfarin enlarged PT and INR (p < 0.05). Similar increases in pharmacokinetic parameters of R-warfarin and S-warfarin, including C;max, AUC;0-t, AUC;0-∞, t;1/2, and CL/F (p < 0.05), were observed in the co-administration group. A steady-state study of warfarin indicated that PT and INR in the coadministration group are longer than those in the warfarin group (p < 0.05). On days 7^th and 8^th of warfarin treatment (two and three days after Salvianolate Injection treatment), the plasma concentration of R-warfarin increased by 47.22% and 50.16% (p < 0.05), and plasma concentration of Swarfarin increased by 32.39% and 45.99% (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion: Salvianolate Injection exhibits an anticoagulation effect in rats. Salvianolate Injection can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin by slowing metabolism and increasing the concentration of both enantiomers. These results suggest that the combination of Salvianolate Injection and warfarin should be avoided or closely monitored in case of increasing bleeding risk.

Background: A safe and long-term isolation of radionuclides is crucial for efficient waste management in the nuclear fuel cycle. Clay minerals of geological origin are considered candidate barrier materials for the sequestration of nuclear waste for geological disposal applications. Objective: The present study encompasses a systematic characterization of weathered basalt rock and the influence of its constituent clay minerals (formed mainly due to the weathering process) in the uptake of metal ions of nuclear importance, such as cesium (Cs⁺) and strontium (Sr²⁺). Methods: The structural profile of the weathered basalt has been investigated using different analytical techniques, including polarizing microscope, XRD, FTIR and EDXRF. The sorption behaviour of the rock sample for Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺ has been investigated in a comprehensive batch mode by varying the experimental conditions. The analytical findings for structure and batch sorption performance of the material have been further correlated to understand the influence of different parameters on the uptake of metal ions and the underlying mechanism. Results: Structural analyses confirmed the presence of clay minerals viz., kaolinite, illite and montmorillonite in the sample. A comprehensive sorption performance assessment carried out in batch mode at different experimental conditions revealed that the uptake of both the metal ions was rapid and dependent on initial metal ion concentration and solution pH. The uptake of Cs⁺ ions was found to be higher as compared to the Sr²⁺ ions. EDXRF analysis confirmed the loading of CsM⁺ and Sr²⁺ on the weathered basalt. Experimental batch sorption data presented a better agreement with the theoretical Freundlich isotherm pertaining to the heterogeneous nature of the sorbent. Conclusion: The studies highlight that the clay minerals formed by structural alteration of basalt rock upon intense weathering could be very useful in fixing the nuclear fission waste components such as Cs⁺ and Sr²⁺.