This Week’s Spectroscopy News
Plant-based beef flavor achieved; directly detecting molecular chirality; and a portable system to assess stroke risk
James Strachan | | 2 min read | News
Essential Reading
Michelin Star Spectroscopy
Researchers from Yonsei University, Republic of Korea, have developed a switchable flavor compound (SFC) loaded on a hydrogel matrix, creating a new type of enhanced cultured meat. The team employed a variety of spectroscopic techniques, including Raman, NMR and UV-Vis, to design and assess SFC’s chemical structure, thermal responsivity, as well as flavor stability. This led the team to introduce two sulfur compounds – 2-methyl-3-furanthiol and 3-mercapto-2-pentanone – known to contribute to the savory and umami flavors of cooked beef. Ultimately, the researchers were then able to achieve a flavor profile almost identical to that of traditional beef. Read the full writeup!
Direct Detection of Molecular Chirality
A new nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technique allows for the direct detection of molecular chirality, eliminating the need for additional chiral agents. The study presents a method that uses both electric and magnetic dipoles to differentiate between enantiomers. This innovation could streamline applications in drug development and materials science where chirality plays a critical role. Read the full writeup!
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Also in the news…
NMR-based molecular-level characterization allows researchers to understand how siRNA is distributed within its lipid nanoparticle (LNP) core – crucial for optimizing LNP formulations. Link
Portable spectroscopy system that consists of a laser diode and a CMOS-based camera can be placed on the head to non-invasively monitor changes in brain blood flow and volume to assess stroke risk. Link
Depixus launches MAGNA One, a magnetic force spectroscopy instrument, which the company says is “the world’s first consumer laboratory instrument for exploring individual biomolecular interactions at scale.” Link
Research reveals the forensic importance of decay-induced spectral alterations in ante-mortem and post-mortem injuries using ATR-FTIR. Link
Researchers use Raman spectroscopy combined with machine learning and chemometrics to identify atherosclerotic carotid stenosis from serum. Link
In a similar vein… Researchers combine Raman spectroscopy and machine learning for the identification of breast cancer. Link
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