Aptamers have gained importance in the recent years. They can be defined as specific nucleic acid sequences that are able to bind to target molecules with high affinity and specificity. They can be synthesized using combinatorial libraries of nucleic acids in an iterative process, each cycle comprising several sequential steps (selection, partition, and amplification). Their exceptional selectivity has been exploited in different areas such as proteomics or drug discovery. Analytical chemistry has also made use of the exceptional binding capacity of aptamers for the development of more selective analytical devices. In this context, they have appeared as an alternative to antibodies, thanks to their versatility, stability, reusability, and better batch‐to‐batch reproducibility and to their in vitro synthesis. Concerning the analytical applications of aptamers, their use as recognition element in biosensors is the most reported in literature. Indeed, a specific term, aptasensors, has been coined to refer to such devices. Aptamers can be immobilized in a variety of supports, which can be coupled to different transducers in order to generate the most appropriate analytical signal. This article first presents an overview of the synthetic selection process of aptamers. Next, their advantages over antibodies are discussed. Finally, their main uses in biosensors development and fruitful combination with nanoparticles are outlined to conclude with future perspectives in the analytical context.
Dispersive solid‐phase extraction (DSPE) is a sample treatment technique focused on selectivity enhancement. It was conceived as a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe approach for the determination of pesticides in fruits and vegetables. Its applicability in this field as a standard method has been recognized by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The method involves the extraction of the analytes of interest with acetonitrile, the partitioning being promoted by the presence of salts, typically anhydrous sodium sulfate and sodium chloride. After centrifugation, a reduced amount of dispersive sorbent (in the milligram range) is added. The sorbent is selected to preferably interact with the endogenous matrix components rather than with the analytes of interest. In this way, the organic extract is cleaned up, retaining the target compounds in the liquid phase. Instrumental analysis can be done using the organic phase with or without conditioning. Since its publication, several modifications have been introduced in order to extend its applicability to a wide range of sample–analyte binomials. Recently, a miniaturized version of the DSPE technique has been proposed for analytes preconcentration, the compounds being analyzed after their transference to the organic solvent.
Evaporative‐based detectors are a new generation of instruments, which provide a universal response for a wide variety of compounds or their families whose determination by other conventional detection systems is limited by different reasons. Both evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) and corona‐charged aerosol detector (C‐CAD) have been recognized as global response detectors in liquid and supercritical chromatographies. Their advantage over optical or electrochemical detectors is that they do not require from the analytes to present special physicochemical properties. The evaporative‐based detectors nebulized the mobile‐phase/liquid stream effluent, producing analyte particles that are optically detected through the scattered light in the case of ELSD or by charge transfer in the case of the C‐CAD. The foundation of the detection and the main applications of these detectors will be deeply commented in this article. Moreover, a comparison with conventional detectors (ultraviolet/visible (UV/VIS), refractive index (RI), and mass spectrometers (MSs)) is included. In the light of the bibliography available on this topic, future applications of and perspectives on the use of these detectors can also be anticipated.
Conical carbon nanoparticles are a particular form of open carbon nanomaterials. Their typical structure follows from the presence of pentagonal disclinations within a seamless graphene sheet. As a result, two main carbon nanostructures are obtained: carbon nanocones and carbon nanohorns. They were discovered after fullerenes and carbon nanotubes and since then, they have been extensively studied, although their analytical applications are still to be exploited. This contribution compiles the main aspects of conical carbon nanoparticles, including their synthesis and properties as well as the functionalization procedures, which are different from those proposed for other carbon nanoparticles. Finally, the most relevant applications developed up to date are commented on.
ResumenLa enseñanza en la Universidad pretende desarrollar capacidades de autoaprendizaje, de iniciativa y capacidad de visualización de los problemas planteados en cualquiera de sus ámbitos profesionales, así como la habilidad de adoptar soluciones que permitan resolver los problemas que la sociedad les plantee. Por otra parte, la innovación es un concepto que debe ir incorporándose transversalmente a la docencia, es por ello que cada vez más habitualmente se están usando herramientas que estimulan la participación activa de los alumnos. Por ello, los Personal Response Systems (PRS) permiten al alumno establecer un feedback con el docente mediante un dispositivo electrónico donde se realiza una serie de preguntas y los resultados se obtienen e interpretan en tiempo real. Se ha pretendido con este artículo de innovación docente disponer de una herramienta que permita conocer en tiempo real y de una forma simple si el alumno es capaz de responder a cuestiones sencillas, con un marcado carácter aplicado para evaluar el grado de comprensión de la materia. Este artículo se ha basado en la realización de una serie de actividades englobadas en una actividad central basada en el estudio de casos reales relacionados con diferentes temáticas El cuestionario se aplicó en asignaturas del Grado de Química y Bioquímica en las preguntas se realizaron sobre aspectos teóricos y prácticos de las mismas, así como sobre exposiciones preparadas por los alumnos. También se introdujo el idioma en el que se impartían (castellano e inglés) como variable adicional para la evaluación de los resultados obtenidos en los diferentes grupos de docencia. Palabras clave: Personal Response System (PRS), Kahoot AbstractNowadays the teaching context is undergoing changes in the teaching-learning binomial that require a more active participation by the students for a better assimilation of knowledge, skills and competences. On the other hand, it is also necessary that the student knows how to apply this knowledge to practical cases, for which it is necessary to adapt the conventional methodologies so that custom work by students is encouraged.It is intended with this teaching innovation investigation to use Personal Response Systems (PRS) as a tool that allows to know in real time and in a simple way if the students are able to answer simple questions, with a marked applied character, to evaluate the degree of understanding of the subject. In this sense, the use of new technologies, specifically the mobile applications, seems to be a friendly environment for the students that will predispose them favorably to the development of this activity. Since it is also a question of facilitating the teaching initiation of the four young teachers who make up this proposal, they will be in charge of the design of this teaching material and its subsequent evaluation supervised by the tutors of the group. The introduction of PRS in a subject can imply a new approach with very positive connotations for both the students and the teachers. The teaching innovation w...
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