Best of the Week: Top 10 Applications of NIR Spectroscopy in Biopharmaceutical Analysis, Trends in Spectroscopy

This week, Spectroscopy published a variety of articles highlighting recent studies in several application areas. Key techniques and application areas highlighted in these articles include near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Happy reading!

The Top 10 Most Influential Applications of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Biopharmaceutical Analysis (2025)

In this article, associate editorial director Jerome Workman Jr. reviews how NIR spectroscopy has evolved in 2025 from a well-established analytical method into a digitally integrated sensor platform central to biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Drawing on ten influential peer-reviewed studies, Workman highlights advances in miniaturized instrumentation, chemometrics, artificial intelligence, hybrid spectroscopy, and real-time process control.¹ The reviewed work demonstrates NIR’s expanding role across upstream fermentation, downstream processing, raw material characterization, and continuous manufacturing.¹ Collectively, these studies show how NIR spectroscopy now supports quality by design, process analytical technology, and real-time release testing, positioning it as a cornerstone of intelligent, data-driven biopharmaceutical production.¹

Top 10 Most Influential Articles on FT-IR Spectroscopy in Biopharmaceutical Applications during 2024–2025

This article reviews the rapid evolution of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in biopharmaceutical analysis from 2023 to 2026. Drawing on ten influential publications, associate editorial director Jerome Workman Jr. explains how FT-IR has progressed from a largely confirmatory technique to a quantitative, predictive, and process-integrated tool.² Advances in instrumentation, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) platforms, chemometrics, machine learning (ML), and hyphenated methods have expanded its applications across solid-state engineering, formulation design, bioprocess monitoring, nanotechnology, clinical analysis, and quality control.² Collectively, the reviewed studies position FT-IR as a core analytical technology supporting data-driven decision-making throughout the biopharmaceutical lifecycle.²

What Should Spectroscopists Be Paying Attention to in 2026?

This dynamic video captures expert perspectives on the evolving landscape of spectroscopy in 2026, drawing on discussions held at the 2026 Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry in Tucson, Arizona. Against a backdrop of rapid technological innovation and economic pressures, the video highlights how changes in analytical methods, laboratory practices, and industry expectations are shaping priorities for spectroscopists.³ Insights from leading researchers and industry professionals address advances in plasma-based techniques, elemental and chemical imaging, clinical and biological analysis, and instrumentation development.³ Collectively, the commentary underscores a year of transition, with spectroscopy adapting to new scientific demands, efficiency constraints, and application-driven innovation.

Hybrid QCL–Silicon Platforms Advancing Mid-Infrared Photonics

In this interview with Alexis Hobl of CEA-Leti, he recaps some of the important insights from the 2026 SPIE Photonics West Conference. Hobl also explores recent progress in integrating quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) with silicon photonic platforms.⁴ This interview addresses how hybrid III–V/Si architectures, including DFB, DBR, and ultra-compact photonic crystal and micro-ring designs, are advancing mid-infrared (MIR) photonics toward compact, CMOS-compatible systems. He discusses technical challenges such as optical coupling, thermal management, and scalability, and outlines how silicon photonics enables system-level integration.⁴ These developments could significantly expand MIR spectroscopy and sensing across environmental, biomedical, and defense applications.

Light-Metal Sorting and Rugged Engineering in Handheld XRF Instrumentation

This video interview with John Margeson of Thermo Fisher Scientific examines current trends in handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrumentation and the drivers behind recent design innovations. Margeson discusses how miniaturization and evolving customer demands are pushing XRF analysis closer to the point of need.⁵ He highlights the Niton™ XL5e Handheld XRF Analyzer, focusing on its optimization for high-volume scrap recycling. Key features include the Light Metals Quick Sort (LMQS) mode, which enables rapid aluminum grade identification, and rugged hardware enhancements that support reliable, continuous operation in demanding industrial environments.⁵

References

1. Workman, Jr., J. The Top 10 Most Influential Applications of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Biopharmaceutical Analysis (2025). Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-top-10-most-influential-applications-of-near-infrared-spectroscopy-in-biopharmaceutical-analysis-2025- (accessed 2026-02-12).
2. Workman, Jr., J. Top 10 Most Influential Articles on FT-IR Spectroscopy in Biopharmaceutical Applications during 2024–2025. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/top-10-most-influential-articles-on-ft-ir-spectroscopy-in-biopharmaceutical-applications-during-2024-2025 (accessed 2026-02-12).
3. Gamez, G.; Marcus, R. K.; Resano, M. et al. What Should Spectroscopists Be Paying Attention to in 2026? Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/what-should-spectroscopists-be-paying-attention-to-in-2026- (accessed 2026-02-12)
4. Hobl, A.; Wetzel, W. Hybrid QCL–Silicon Platforms Advancing Mid-Infrared Photonics. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/hybrid-qcl-silicon-platforms-advancing-mid-infrared-photonics (accessed 2026-02-12).
5. Margeson, J.; Wetzel, W. Light-Metal Sorting and Rugged Engineering in Handheld XRF Instrumentation. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/light-metal-sorting-and-rugged-engineering-in-handheld-xrf-instrumentation (accessed 2026-02-12).