Best of the Week: EAS Conference Coverage, IR Spectroscopy, Microplastics

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles touch upon several important application areas such as environmental analysis and biological imaging, and several key techniques are highlighted, including near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

EAS 2024: An Interview with Rachel Martin, Winner of the EAS Award for Outstanding Achievements in Magnetic Resonance

At the Eastern Analytical Symposium in Plainsboro, New Jersey, Spectroscopy assistant editor Aaron Acevedo sat down with Rachel Martin, a chemistry professor at the University of California, Irvine, to discuss her research and the future of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Martin was this year’s winner of the EAS Award for Outstanding Achievements in Magnetic Resonance (1).

A Review of Spectroscopic Techniques used for the Quantification and Classification of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging contaminants requiring robust analytical techniques for identification and quantification in diverse environmental and biological matrices. This review highlights various spectroscopy methods, such as Raman, Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR), NIR, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), fluorescence, X-ray, and NMR detailing their methodologies, sample handling, and applications for characterizing MPs and NPs (2).

Exploring Hyperspectral Techniques and Biological Imaging Innovations at EAS

The Eastern Analytical Symposium (EAS), held in Plainsboro, NJ, featured advanced techniques in analytical science, including hyperspectral imaging (HSI), infrared spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). Highlights included Frank Weston’s discussion of nanoscale IR spectroscopy advancements, enabling high-resolution imaging of biological materials (3). Samuel Gourion-Arsiquaud showcased imaging methods like FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy for cosmetic analysis, examining active ingredient penetration and hair care impacts (3). Drew Jones presented MSI and machine learning for predicting cancer recurrence, offering high-parameter molecular imaging and clinical insights (3).

New Fluorescent Raman Technique Enhances Detection of Microplastics in Seawater

Microplastics, tiny particles pervasive in marine environments, pose threats by absorbing toxins and entering food chains. To address detection challenges, researchers from the Ocean University of China developed a novel system combining fluorescence labeling with confocal Raman spectroscopy (4). This approach was published in Spectrochimica Acta Part A, and it is designed to enable faster, precise detection of microplastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene as small as 60 μm (4). Using Nile Red dye for fluorescence labeling and advanced Raman techniques to reduce interference, the method ensures efficient, non-destructive analysis. This innovation aids pollution monitoring, offering critical insights for protecting marine ecosystems and mitigating human impacts on coastal waters (4).

Infrared Spectroscopy Market to Grow 5% to $2 Billion by 2032, New Report Finds

The IR spectroscopy market is projected to grow 5% annually, reaching $2 billion by 2032 from $1.3 billion in 2023, driven by expanding applications in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and food safety (5). FT-IR spectroscopy dominates with a 30% market share. North America leads, but China and Japan are emerging as key players. Japan advances IR use in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D), while China's focus on environmental and food safety boosts demand (5). Innovations like portable spectrometers, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven data analysis, and integrations with techniques like mass spectrometry enhance efficiency and accessibility, enabling faster, more comprehensive analyses (5). These trends make IR spectroscopy indispensable across diverse industries.

References

1. Acevedo, A. EAS 2024: An Interview with Rachel Martin, Winner of the EAS Award for Outstanding Achievements in Magnetic Resonance. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/eas-2024-an-interview-with-rachel-martin-winner-of-the-eas-award-for-outstanding-achievements-in-magnetic-resonance (accessed 2024-11-21).
2. Workman, Jr., J. A Review of Spectroscopic Techniques used for the Quantification and Classification of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/a-review-of-spectroscopic-techniques-used-for-the-quantification-and-classification-of-microplastics-and-nanoplastics-in-the-environment (accessed 2024-11-21).
3. Hroncich, C. Exploring Hyperspectral Techniques and Biological Imaging Innovations at EAS. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/exploring-hyperspectral-techniques-and-biological-imaging-innovations-at-eas (accessed 2024-11-21).
4. Workman, Jr., J. New Fluorescent Raman Technique Enhances Detection of Microplastics in Seawater. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-fluorescent-raman-technique-enhances-detection-of-microplastics-in-seawater (accessed 2024-11-21).
5. Wetzel, W. Infrared Spectroscopy Market to Grow 5% to $2 Billion by 2032, New Report Finds. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/infrared-spectroscopy-market-to-grow-5-to-2-billion-by-2032-new-report-finds (accessed 2024-11-21).