Analytical chemistry articles from across Nature Portfolio

The unique electronic, mechanical and chemical properties of functionalized carbon nanotubes make them promising candidates for chemical sensors. In this Primer, Luo and Swager outline the material selection, device architecture and fabrication of carbon nanotube-based chemiresistive sensors and best practices for sensor testing.

A reagentless, wireless, wearable aptamer nanobiosensor interfaced with a gold nanoparticle-MXene-based electrode enables the selective, automatic and non-invasive analysis of the female hormone oestradiol in sweat during menstrual cycles with subpicomolar sensitivity.

A modified nanopore enables enzyme-free threading of single polypeptides to detect post-translational modifications

Although light-driven conversion of carbon dioxide receives widespread attention, it is also criticized due to the challenge of discerning true product formation from that of impurities. Now, significantly advanced guidelines for proper product identification have been developed, so we can better trust in what we see.

Near-infrared spectroscopy combined with machine learning can predict the publication years of paper books from 1851 to 2000 with an unprecedented accuracy of 2 years.

We developed exponentially amplified rolling circle amplification with CRISPR–Cas12a as a one-pot, isothermal assay for microRNA detection. This method has single-digit femtomolar sensitivity and single-nucleotide specificity, and can be deployed for point-of-care testing. The assay has been adapted for the microRNA profiling of extracellular vesicles, which is used in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

The Spark M-20 is a nanotechnology-based, handheld device that detects toxic methanol in beverages and sanitizers, which may soon also be applied for intoxication screening in human breath. Here, we share our pathway and experiences during the translation of this university-originated innovation into a commercial product that today is serving customers in 23 countries on 6 continents.