Open research questions in Analytical chemistry methods development
45 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 278 Analytical chemistry methods development papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.
What the literature leaves open
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 · DOITo 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 · DOIFurther 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 · DOIThe 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 · DOIThe selectivity analysis only tested two structural analogs (BIP and BP); testing against a broader range of structurally similar compounds or potential interferents would strengthen selectivity claims.
Fabrication of magnetic surface molecularly imprinted polymers via semi-covalent imprinting strategy for selective recognition of bisphenol A · 2026 · DOIThe method's applicability has only been demonstrated in food and water matrices; extension to other complex sample matrices such as cosmetics, industrial wastewater, or biological samples with different interfering substances and composition patterns requires additional method validation.
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 · DOIThe DLLME-OCT-MEN-DES method demonstrated a relatively lower precision (RSD 7.3%) and enrichment factor (PF 10) compared to specialized detection techniques like DES-VALLME with luminescence and UA-HDES-ME; optimization strategies to improve these figures of merit without sacrificing the extraction time advantage should be explored.
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 · DOILow concentrations of explosives in water, - Complex environmental matrices, - Limited selectivity and sensitivity of traditional extraction techniques
Reliable determination of nitro-explosives in water remains challenging. There is a need for developing sensitive, selective, and sustainable extraction strategies for accurate monitoring of nitro-explosives in aquatic environments.
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 · DOIThe study identifies a gap in the optimization of solid phase extraction methods for Cr(III) and Fe(III) concentration in water samples. The study aims to address the lack of efficient and accurate methods for trace metal analysis in water samples.
<b>Optimization of Solid Phase Extraction Using Chelating Disk for Cr(III) and Fe(III) Concentration in Water Samples by ICP-AES Analysis</b> · 2026 · DOIFurther 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 · DOIThere 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 · DOIThere 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 · DOINanomaterial 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 · DOIIntegration of nano-enabled sensors with microfluidic channels and artificial intelligence-assisted signal processing. 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 · DOITraditional extractables investigations have largely relied on targeted analytical methodologies, often failing to capture the full extent of chemical complexity. Emerging evidence suggests that numerous low-abundance, structurally obscure compounds remain undetected due to analytical blind spots and limitations in spectral databases.
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. Digital www.wjpr.net │ Vol 15, Issue 13, 2026. │ ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Journal │ 313 Mandal et al. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research twins of material systems may eventually enable prediction of extractable profiles before product manufacture, reducing development timelines and enhancing safety assurance. The establishment of standardized databases, harmonized analytical protocols, and international regulatory frameworks will further accelerate adoption of Extractomics methodologies. As analytical technologies continue to evolve, the discipline is poised to become a foundational component of next-generation material safety assessment. 8. CONCLUSION Extractomics represents a transformative scientific framework that redefines the investigation of extractable species through the integration of advanced analytical chemistry, computational intelligence, toxicological science, and regulatory assessment. By embracing a systems-level perspective, Extractomics enables comprehensive characterization of chemical complexity associated with modern material systems. The framework addresses critical limitations of traditional methodologies while providing new opportunities for predictive risk assessment, material innovation, and product safety. As technological capabilities continue to expand, Extractomics is expected to emerge as a central discipline within pharmaceutical, biomedical, environmental, and industrial research, facilitating a deeper understanding of chemical migration phenomena and supporting the development of safer, more sustainable materials.
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.
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.
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 · DOIThe 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 · DOIThe 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 · DOIThe 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 · DOIMulti-layer sorbent should be further investigated to elucidate the possible reason for the poor extraction of some compounds, as development of a balanced extraction for a wider range of contaminants with different polarities, especially for non-target analysis of chemical residues, is required in order to capture the occurrence of the full profile of micropollutants.
Solid-phase extraction as promising sample preparation method for compound of emerging concerns analysis · 2023 · DOI
Most-cited papers in Analytical chemistry methods development
- Recent advances in molecularly imprinted polymer-based electrochemical sensors · Biosensors and Bioelectronics · 2024 · 247 citations
- Rigorous recognition mode analysis of molecularly imprinted polymers—Rational design, challenges, and opportunities · Progress in Polymer Science · 2024 · 173 citations
- Preparation of dual recognition adsorbents based on molecularly imprinted polymers and aptamer for highly sensitive recognition and enrichment of ochratoxin A · Journal of Hazardous Materials · 2024 · 91 citations
- Molecularly imprinted solid phase extraction – recent strategies, future prospects and forthcoming challenges in complex sample pretreatment process · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · 2024 · 82 citations
- AGREEMIP: The Analytical Greenness Assessment Tool for Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Synthesis · ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering · 2024 · 80 citations
- The metal- and covalent-organic frameworks-based molecularly imprinted polymer composites for sample pretreatment · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · 2024 · 66 citations
- Recent advances and applications of novel advanced materials in solid-phase microextraction for natural products · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · 2024 · 56 citations
- Critical review of fluorescence and absorbance measurements as surrogates for the molecular weight and aromaticity of dissolved organic matter · Environmental Science Processes & Impacts · 2024 · 54 citations
- Fumed-Si-Pr-Ald-Barb as a Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Hg2+ Detection and Cr2O72− Ions: A Combined Experimental and Computational Perspective · Molecules · 2024 · 53 citations
- Leaching from a 3D-printed aligner resin · European Journal of Orthodontics · 2022 · 51 citations
Most recent work
- IsotopeTrack: a fast and flexible application for the analysis of SP-ICP-TOF-MS datasets · Environmental Chemistry · 2026
- Sustainable sorbents for dispersive solid-phase extraction in environmental analysis · TrAC Trends in Analytical Chemistry · 2026
- Total Iron Determination of Taharoa Sand Iron by Microfluidic Titration Utilizing Cross-shaped Microchannel · Tetsu-to-Hagane · 2026
- Fabrication of magnetic surface molecularly imprinted polymers via semi-covalent imprinting strategy for selective recognition of bisphenol A · Arabian Journal of Chemistry · 2026
- 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 · Water Air & Soil Pollution · 2026
- Ion pair–dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction prior to UV-Vis spectrophotometry for determination of trace amounts of total antimony · Environmental Chemistry · 2026
- Development of electromembrane extraction using deep eutectic solvents for 22 representative veterinary drug residues in honey, milk, and eggs · Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry · 2026
- Eco-friendly approach for spectrofluorimetric determination of moxifloxacin in pharmaceutical formulations and biological samples using deep eutectic solvents · BMC Chemistry · 2026
- Liquid-filled stick microextraction with a built-in acidifier enabling pH-adjustment-free analysis of illegal NSAIDs in herbal extracts · Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry · 2026
- 3D-printed electrodes and electrochemical cell for sulfamethoxazole quantification · Materials Science and Engineering: B · 2026
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