Open research questions in Analytical chemistry methods development

What the literature leaves open

• The method has a relatively low LOD of 5.1 µg L⁻¹, which may not be sufficient for ultra-trace level detection. The selectivity is limited due to its dependence on UV-Vis spectroscopy. Methanol serves as an excellent diluting solvent, but its toxicity and volatility pose minor problems.

  Green Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Using an Octanol-Menthol-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent for Sensitive UV–Vis Determination of Rhodamine B in Food and Water Samples · 2026 · DOI

• The study aims to address the lack of efficient and accurate methods for trace metal analysis in water samples.

  Optimization of Solid Phase Extraction Using Chelating Disk for Cr(III) and Fe(III) Concentration in Water Samples by ICP-AES Analysis · 2026 · DOI

• There is a need for sensitive analytical methods for the determination of cobalt ions at low concentrations. The use of natural materials as adsorbents in MSPE has not been fully explored.

  Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces: Evaluation of use in a Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction System for Cobalt Ions Preconcentration · 2026 · DOI

• There is a need for green and sustainable sample preparation methods. The current methods for the extraction of sulfonamides in tomato juice have limitations.

  Supramolecular Solvent Microextraction of Sulfonamides in Tomato Juice Before HPLC-DAD Determination: Method Validation and Greenness Assessment · 2026 · DOI

• Nanomaterial stability and reproducibility are persistent challenges in nano-enabled sensing. Sensor stability and inter-batch reproducibility can be compromised by aggregation of nanoparticles. Long-term shelf stability under field conditions remains inadequately addressed in most published studies. Regulatory acceptance and standardization of nano-enabled sensors are needed for widespread adoption.

  INNOVATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: TRANSITION FROM CONVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES TO NANO-ENABLED SENSING TECHNOLOGIES · 2026 · DOI

• There is a need for a reliable method for determining copper and lead in food products. Prior methods have limitations in terms of sensitivity and accuracy.

  ATOMIC ABSORPTION DETERMINATION OF COPPER AND LEAD IN FOOD PRODUCTS USING ULTRASOUND · 2026 · DOI

• Further studies can investigate the effects of different analyte properties on particle size and morphology. Future research can focus on improving the design and operation of ELSDs based on the study's findings.

  Size distribution and particle morphology of analytes dried through the evaporative light scattering detector – Part 1 · 2026 · DOI

• The underlying physics of the ELSD operation remain poorly characterised. There is a lack of detailed data on particle transport, from atomisation through to detection.

  Size distribution and particle morphology of analytes dried through the evaporative light scattering detector – Part 1 · 2026 · DOI

• The development of more sensitive and selective sensors for toxic metal-ion detection is a future research direction. The integration of electrochemical platforms with miniaturized devices is a future research direction. The exploration of new materials and techniques for ion-imprinted polymer-based sensing is a future research direction.

  Ion-imprinted polymer-based sensors for toxic metal-ion detection in water: coordination chemistry, transduction strategies, and environmental applications · 2026 · DOI

• The lack of effective monitoring strategies for water safety management and regulatory oversight is a significant gap. The need for low-cost, reusable, and sensitive sensors for toxic metal-ion detection is a gap. The development of ion-imprinted polymers with high selectivity and chemical stability is a gap.

  Ion-imprinted polymer-based sensors for toxic metal-ion detection in water: coordination chemistry, transduction strategies, and environmental applications · 2026 · DOI

• The existing methods for analyzing formaldehyde have limitations, and there is a need for a more sensitive and effective method. The analysis of formaldehyde is important due to its strong toxicity to various living organisms and carcinogenic activity.

  Preconcentration and Derivatization of Gaseous Formaldehyde with Polyimide Fiber-Packed Needle Designed for Subsequent Determination in Gas Chromatography · 2026 · DOI

• The study did not investigate the effects of other parameters that may influence the adsorption efficiency. The nano-sorbent's reusability is limited to three times. The study only examined the extraction of Cd (II) ions.

  Synthesis of CBIMMT-modified SBA-15 as a novel nano-sorbent to preconcentrate, extraction and determination of trace amounts of Cd (II) ions in wastewater and natural water samples · 2026 · DOI

• Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of other parameters on the adsorption efficiency. The development of more efficient and reusable nano-sorbents is necessary. The application of SBA-15/CBIMMT nano-sorbent for the extraction of other heavy metal ions should be explored.

  Synthesis of CBIMMT-modified SBA-15 as a novel nano-sorbent to preconcentrate, extraction and determination of trace amounts of Cd (II) ions in wastewater and natural water samples · 2026 · DOI

• To explore the application of the method to other toxic and carcinogenic synthetic dyes. To develop new deep eutectic solvents with improved properties.

  Green Dispersive Liquid–Liquid Microextraction Using an Octanol-Menthol-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent for Sensitive UV–Vis Determination of Rhodamine B in Food and Water Samples · 2026 · DOI

• Produced in large quantities for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, and munitions, these compounds require accurate monitoring and control. Recent advances in Implement standardized monitoring protocols for nitroaromatic explosives in water. Establish regulatory limits for industrial and agricultural sources. Promote environmentally friendly analytical practices to minimize chemical waste.

  Current Trends in Analytical Methods for Determination of Explosives in Water · 2026 · DOI

• The template molecule can be changed to prepare MIP-modified electrodes for different analytes.

  Bromhexine screening using molecularly imprinted polymers for electrochemiluminescence detection and molecular recognition · 2026 · DOI

• Development of biodegradable, paper-based, or carbon-QD sensor platforms to address ecotoxicological concerns. Standardization of nanomaterial synthesis protocols, sensor fabrication procedures, and performance validation criteria.

  INNOVATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY: TRANSITION FROM CONVENTIONAL TECHNIQUES TO NANO-ENABLED SENSING TECHNOLOGIES · 2026 · DOI

• The future of Extractomics is expected to be characterized by increasing automation, predictive modelling, and digital integration. Advances in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, high-throughput screening, and autonomous analytical systems will likely transform extractable investigations into continuously evolving knowledge platforms.

  EXTRACTOMICS: AN INTEGRATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF EXTRACTABLE SPECIES · 2026 · DOI

• The study of microplastics is a new area of research that requires understanding how to quantify them in environmental samples. The detection of microplastics is crucial for understanding their impacts on ecosystems and human health.

  Microplastics: a complex research field for analytical chemistry? · 2026 · DOI

• The method requires a homogenizer and an ion mobility spectrometer, which may not be widely available. The method is optimized for a specific type of sample, and its applicability to other samples may be limited.

  Homogenizer-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by ion mobility spectrometry for the fluconazole determination in real samples · 2026 · DOI

• Further systematic studies should be conducted to confirm the reason for the phenomenon of the peak area of the derivative decreasing for both longer and shorter heating times. The method can be further optimized for the analysis of formaldehyde in various types of samples.

  Preconcentration and Derivatization of Gaseous Formaldehyde with Polyimide Fiber-Packed Needle Designed for Subsequent Determination in Gas Chromatography · 2026 · DOI

• Further study on the application of Fe3O4@MIPs for environmental samples. Exploration of the semi-covalent imprinting strategy for other harmful chemicals.

  Fabrication of magnetic surface molecularly imprinted polymers via semi-covalent imprinting strategy for selective recognition of bisphenol A · 2026 · DOI

• Further evaluation of the method's accuracy and precision in different types of aqueous samples. Exploration of the use of other natural materials as adsorbents in MSPE. Development of methods for the determination of other metal ions using MSPE and magnetized natural materials.

  Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces: Evaluation of use in a Magnetic Solid Phase Extraction System for Cobalt Ions Preconcentration · 2026 · DOI

• Further research could investigate the application of the MSLDS-SULLME-GC-MS method to other sugar-rich matrices, - The development of methods to improve phase recovery and reduce the risk of organic phase…

  A metal sieve-linked double-syringe sugaring-out liquid–liquid microextraction as a new analytical system for the accurate and sensitive determination of pyrimethanil in GC-MS · 2026 · DOI

• To apply the method to other types of samples, such as pharmaceutical formulations and food samples. To develop new antifungal drugs using the method. To study the pharmacokinetics of fluconazole using the method.

  Homogenizer-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction followed by ion mobility spectrometry for the fluconazole determination in real samples · 2026 · DOI

Most-cited papers in Analytical chemistry methods development

• Molecular Imprinting: Green Perspectives and Strategies · Advanced Materials · 2021 · 765 citations
• The ten principles of green sample preparation · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · 2022 · 665 citations
• Recent developments in sample preparation techniques combined with high-performance liquid chromatography: A critical review · Journal of Chromatography A · 2021 · 253 citations
• Occurrence, toxicity and adsorptive removal of the chloramphenicol antibiotic in water: a review · Environmental Chemistry Letters · 2022 · 248 citations
• A brief overview of molecularly imprinted polymers: Highlighting computational design, nano and photo-responsive imprinting · Talanta Open · 2021 · 248 citations
• Recent advances in molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical sensors · Biosensors and Bioelectronics · 2024 · 247 citations
• Factors Affecting Preparation of Molecularly Imprinted Polymer and Methods on Finding Template-Monomer Interaction as the Key of Selective Properties of the Materials · Molecules · 2021 · 229 citations
• Structural characterization of dissolved organic matter: a review of current techniques for isolation and analysis · Environmental Science Processes & Impacts · 2014 · 213 citations
• Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based chemosensors/biosensors for analysis of food contaminants · Trends in Food Science & Technology · 2021 · 209 citations
• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES): a Powerful Analytical Technique for Elemental Analysis · Food Analytical Methods · 2021 · 196 citations

Most recent work

• Novel hapten design and highly sensitive monoclonal antibody–based immunochromatographic assay for benzo[a]pyrene in edible oil · Food Chemistry · 2026
• Molecularly imprinted polymers: applications, computational approaches, and the transformative role of artificial intelligence · Coordination Chemistry Reviews · 2026
• Advancements of multiple template-based molecularly imprinted polymers (mt-MIPs) in deep eutectic solvents (DESs): Towards greener imprinting approaches · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · 2026
• Ratiometric fluorescence signals-driven MIP sensors: Advances in construction strategies and applications in food safety hazard factors · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · 2026
• Polysaccharide-based molecularly imprinted polymers: Design, synthesis, sustainability, characterization, and applications · Carbohydrate Polymers · 2026
• Deep eutectic solvents in the analytical extraction, detection and quantification of IARC-classified food carcinogens: performance, mechanisms, and future perspectives · Talanta · 2026
• Natural deep eutectic solvents as a sustainable alternative for multi-class pesticide extraction in food safety analysis · npj Science of Food · 2026
• Reduction of non-specific binding in molecularly imprinted polymers via covalent surface functionalization: Smartphone-assisted colorimetric biosensor for sulfamethoxazole detection as case study · Biosensors and Bioelectronics · 2026
• Ambient mass spectrometric analysis of perfluorosulfonic acids with a covalently immobilized irreversible trifluoromethyl-functionalized COF solid-phase microextraction probe · Talanta · 2026
• Synergistic molecular imprinting in covalent organic frameworks boosts contaminant detection accuracy in complex matrices · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · 2026

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