Quo vadis high-resolution continuum source atomic/molecular absorption spectrometry?

After more than a decade since its commercial introduction, high-resolution continuum source atomic/molecular absorption spectrometry may be facing a mid-life crisis. Certainly, it is no longer a novel technique full of unknown potential, so it would already be time to establish the fields for which it is most suitable. This is, however, not so simple for a number of reasons. In the first place, more than a technique what we are discussing herein is a type of instrumentation with the potential to use two different techniques (atomic or molecular absorption), making it somewhat unique. Furthermore, the two techniques have not been explored equally, and more research on the mechanisms of formation of diatomic molecules is clearly needed. In the second place, new possibilities have recently appeared in the literature that need to be weighed as well. And there is the still unfulfilled, but nowadays more technically feasible than ever, promise to significantly increase the multi-elemental capabilities. This review critically examines the main research areas currently explored (namely, (i) direct analysis of solids and complex liquid materials, and (ii) determination of non-metals at trace levels via monitoring of molecular species) as well as the new venues (specifically, (i) isotopic analysis via monitoring of molecular species, and (ii) selective detection, quantification and sizing of nanoparticles) while also considering new instrumental developments, in an attempt to properly place high-resolution continuum source atomic/molecular absorption spectrometry in the field of trace element and isotopic analysis

Dried matrix spots and clinical elemental analysis. Current status, difficulties, and opportunities

This article examines the increasing importance of dried matrix spots (DMS), such as dried blood spots, dried urine spots, etc., in biomedical research, the challenges associated with their analysis when quantitative elemental information is aimed at, as well as the benefits deriving from the further usage of these types of samples. The article briefly reviews the historical evolution of this sampling approach in elemental clinical analysis, stressing prospective areas of applications (e.g., newborns or prosthesis control), the methodologies most recently developed to produce DMS of known volume, as well as novel strategies proposed to analyze them, often related to direct solid sampling techniques or fast lixiviation methods. Finally, the article discusses the type of information that could be obtained after isotopic analysis of DMS when targeting non-traditional stable isotopes (e.g., Cu, Fe or Zn), which can significantly help in the early diagnosis of some medical conditions (e.g. Wilson's disease)