Analytical Chemistry: Fundamentals, Current and Future Applications

A special issue of AppliedChem (ISSN 2673-9623).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2026 | Viewed by 12559

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Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15771 Athens, Greece
Interests: analytical chemistry; method validation; antioxidants; natural products
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Dear Colleagues,

Analytical chemistry plays an important role in the quality of modern life, contributing to fields as diverse as the environment, health, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, (nano-)materials, foresincs, and agriculture. As a consequence of the importance of analytical chemistry in modern life, a plethora of original scientific research is currently being undertaken and published in scientific journals worldwide.

The scope of the Special Issue is to promote original research mainly, but not exclusively, in the following scientific areas:

  • Classical and modified fundamentals of analytical chemistry;
  • New methods and new techniques of analytical chemistry;
  • Quality control, quality assurance, accreditation, artificial intelligence, and applications;
  • Green extraction, environmentally friendly methods, circular economy, and applications;
  • Applicability of real samples with emphasis on areas of modern life, such as foodomics, emerging contaminants, wastewater-based epidemiology, and food quality.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in Applied Sciences.

Prof. Dr. Antony C. Calokerinos
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • analytical chemistry
  • analytical methods
  • analytical techniques
  • green metods
  • circular economy
  • quality control
  • applications

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 2079 KB  
Article
In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and In Silico Molecular Docking Analysis of Phenolic Compounds Identified in Peels from Algerian Potato Varieties
by Tassadit Sahki, Fatiha Brahmi, Rachida Amokrane-Aidat, Ilyas Yildiz, Fatima Djenad, Yasmine Achat, Lila Boulekbache-Makhlouf and Inmaculada Mateos-Aparicio
AppliedChem 2026, 6(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6030047 - 9 Jul 2026
Viewed by 452
Abstract
This investigation assessed the phenolic composition, and the in vitro and in silico antioxidant potential of peels from six potato varieties (Arizona, Spunta, Fabula, Manito, Argos, and Touareg) cultivated in Algeria. 80% ethanol was applied to macerate potato peels, and standard procedures were [...] Read more.
This investigation assessed the phenolic composition, and the in vitro and in silico antioxidant potential of peels from six potato varieties (Arizona, Spunta, Fabula, Manito, Argos, and Touareg) cultivated in Algeria. 80% ethanol was applied to macerate potato peels, and standard procedures were followed for phytochemical analyses. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was evaluated by the scavenging methods of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil) and ABTS ((2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) radicals. AutoDock Vina was employed to perform molecular docking analyses. LC–MS/MS analyses revealed significant variability in phenolic compounds among the varieties, with chlorogenic acid being the predominant compound, reaching the highest concentration in Touareg peels (51.28 µg/g). The Manito variety exhibited the highest total phenolic and flavonoids contents of 643.53 ± 2.59 mg GAE/100 g DW and 144.42 ± 2.40 mg QE/100 g DW, respectively and the strongest ABTS radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 473.81 ± 1.35 µg/mL). Molecular docking analysis suggested potential interactions of catechin and chlorogenic acid with oxidative stress-related enzymes namely myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and 5-lipoxygenase, providing complementary insights into their possible biological relevance. The integration of in vitro and in silico results demonstrates that the Manito variety is the most promising candidate for the sustainable valorization of potato peels as a natural source of antioxidants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Chemistry: Fundamentals, Current and Future Applications)
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22 pages, 8640 KB  
Article
Chemical Composition, Thermal Behavior, and Structural Characteristics of Lupinus mutabilis Sweet Flours from the Southern Peruvian Andes
by Fredy Taipe-Pardo, Jhoel Flores Alvarez, Yasmine Diaz Barrera, Dannya Arone Palomino, Yesica Quispe Fuentes and Mirian E. Obregón-Yupanqui
AppliedChem 2026, 6(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6030044 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 423
Abstract
Andean crops can be efficiently incorporated into food industrialization after the characterization of their components. This study evaluated tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) flours from three ecotypes: PNTF (punto negro), WTF (white), and MTF (moro), with a particle size of 125 µm, analyzing [...] Read more.
Andean crops can be efficiently incorporated into food industrialization after the characterization of their components. This study evaluated tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) flours from three ecotypes: PNTF (punto negro), WTF (white), and MTF (moro), with a particle size of 125 µm, analyzing their color, proximate composition, amino acid profile, bioactive compounds, and spectroscopic, thermal, and microstructural properties. Significant differences among ecotypes were determined at p < 0.05. The white ecotype showed greater accumulation in Dx (50), while black point exhibited the highest Dx (90), indicating a higher proportion of large particles. Regarding color, WTF presented the highest lightness and whiteness index, PNTF intermediate values, and MTF the darkest coloration, with greenish tones in black point and reddish tones in moro. The MTF ecotype showed the highest protein content (56.28%) and higher levels of essential amino acids, with methionine being the limiting amino acid. It also contained phenolic compounds ranging from 29.97 to 35.49 mg GAE/100 g, flavonoids from 9.36 to 10.8 mg quercetin/100 g, and antioxidant capacity measured by DPPH ranging from 25.79 to 55.30 mg TE/100 g, particularly notable in MTF. PNTF stood out for its dietary fiber (5.93%) and carbohydrate (17.22%) content. Infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed a similar macromolecular fingerprint among the samples. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) indicated greater thermal stability in MTF. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed greater compaction of irregular particles in MTF and greater dispersion in PNTF. These results support the differentiated valorization of tarwi ecotypes as complementary raw materials for the development of high-value-added foods in the current food industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Chemistry: Fundamentals, Current and Future Applications)
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12 pages, 1148 KB  
Article
Analytical and Organoleptic Evaluation of Caffeinated Grape Must
by Rita Székelyhidi and Beatrix Sik
AppliedChem 2026, 6(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6020041 - 18 Jun 2026
Viewed by 508
Abstract
This study aimed to produce, analyze, and evaluate the consumer acceptance of caffeine-enriched (15, 30, 60, and 90 mg/100 mL) grape must, which does not contain any added sweeteners or preservatives, to meet today’s popular health-conscious consumer trends. Regarding acid composition, the musts [...] Read more.
This study aimed to produce, analyze, and evaluate the consumer acceptance of caffeine-enriched (15, 30, 60, and 90 mg/100 mL) grape must, which does not contain any added sweeteners or preservatives, to meet today’s popular health-conscious consumer trends. Regarding acid composition, the musts contained malic acid (426.96–491.58 mg/100 mL) and succinic acid (74.53–84.79 mg/100 mL). Musts are regarded as water-soluble sugars, containing only glucose (6158.81–9417.09 mg/100 mL) and fructose (6798.37–10,482.53 mg/100 mL), which are typical in fruits. The must’s TPC and TAC contents were determined to be between 11.42 and 14.14 mg GAE/100 mL, and 8.14 and 11.80 mg AAE/100 mL, respectively. During the analysis of caffeine content, recovery values of 93.89–96.98% were determined. The must samples containing 60 and 90 mg/100 mL caffeine had too intense a bitter flavor; thus, the enjoyment value of the products was reduced based on consumer feedback. The must containing 15 mg/100 mL of caffeine had the most favorable organoleptic properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Chemistry: Fundamentals, Current and Future Applications)
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14 pages, 898 KB  
Article
Determination of Polyphenols in Honey Using Liquid–Liquid Extraction and HPLC-PDA with MS Confirmation
by Daniel-Florin Pîrvan, Aglaia Popa and Florentina Israel-Roming
AppliedChem 2026, 6(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6020034 - 27 May 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 943
Abstract
Polyphenols are present in honey due to the collection of nectar and pollen. These bioactive compounds may be used for assessing honey’s composition, antioxidant capacity and overall quality. This study presents the development and validation of an optimized liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode [...] Read more.
Polyphenols are present in honey due to the collection of nectar and pollen. These bioactive compounds may be used for assessing honey’s composition, antioxidant capacity and overall quality. This study presents the development and validation of an optimized liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array detection with mass spectrometry confirmation (HPLC-PDA-MS) method for the determination of eight phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, and gallic acid) and four flavones (apigenin, rutin, luteolin, and quercetin) in diverse honey matrices. Method optimization focuses on improving chromatographic resolution, ionization efficiency and sensitivity through fine-tuning of mobile phase composition, gradient profile, and MS parameters. Validation followed international guidelines, evaluating linearity, accuracy, precision, limits of detection (LOD), limits of quantification (LOQ), recovery, and matrix effects. The method demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.998), precision below 5%, and recoveries ranging from 85% to 110% across all the tested polyphenols. Repeatability test, assessed by injecting mixed standard solution six times in a row, resulted in RSD values below 3%. The LOD and LOQ values were in the low ng/g range, confirming the method’s high sensitivity. The optimized method was tested on four honey samples with different botanical origins. For sample preparation, a liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) protocol was followed, and the obtained chromatograms showed differences in phenolic composition. Overall, the validated HPLC-PDA-MS method provides a robust, sensitive, and reproducible analytical tool for the reliable quantification of polyphenols in honey. Its applicability across multiple honey types supports its use in routine quality control, authenticity verification, and research on honey’s bioactive profile. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Chemistry: Fundamentals, Current and Future Applications)
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32 pages, 5000 KB  
Article
Optimized Folin–Ciocalteu Method for Determination of Total Polyphenols in Medicinal Plants of the Peruvian Amazon: Validation and Application to Twelve Species
by Liliana Ruiz-Vasquez, Lastenia Ruiz Mesia, Martha M. Maco, Jeef A. Zapata, Hivelli Ricopa Cotrina, Marianela Cobos, Viviana Pinedo-Cancino, Fernando Tello and Juan C. Castro
AppliedChem 2026, 6(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6010017 - 2 Mar 2026
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6742
Abstract
The Folin–Ciocalteu method remains the standard approach for quantifying total phenolics in plant extracts; however, matrix-specific optimization is essential for obtaining accurate results for chemically complex botanical materials. The Peruvian Amazon harbors extensive botanical biodiversity, including numerous medicinal species with uncharacterized phenolic profiles. [...] Read more.
The Folin–Ciocalteu method remains the standard approach for quantifying total phenolics in plant extracts; however, matrix-specific optimization is essential for obtaining accurate results for chemically complex botanical materials. The Peruvian Amazon harbors extensive botanical biodiversity, including numerous medicinal species with uncharacterized phenolic profiles. This study developed and validated a Folin–Ciocalteu method specifically optimized for twelve ethnomedicinal plants representing eleven families from the Peruvian Amazon, following ICH Q2(R2) guidelines. Method optimization established optimal analytical conditions: 765 nm wavelength, 60 min reaction time, 14.05% sodium carbonate, and gallic acid as the reference standard. Comprehensive validation demonstrated excellent linearity (R2 = 0.995–1.000), specificity confirmed through parallel standard addition curves (slope differences < 3%), precision with relative standard deviations below 2.63% for both repeatability and intermediate precision, and accuracy with recovery of 89.43 ± 2.76% meeting AOAC guidelines for complex matrices (80–120%). Robustness testing via response surface methodology confirmed method stability across variations in sodium carbonate concentration (7.50–14.05%), Folin–Ciocalteu reagent dilution (50–100%), and reaction time (30–90 min). Limits of detection and quantification were 4.43 and 13.44 μg/mL, respectively. Application to the twelve species revealed 10-fold variation in total phenolic content (24.6 ± 2.1 to 256.8 ± 4.3 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry extract), with Aspidosperma schultesii leaves exhibiting the highest concentration. This validated methodology provides a reliable analytical framework for the quality control and standardization of Amazonian medicinal plants, supporting bioprospecting efforts and therapeutic development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Chemistry: Fundamentals, Current and Future Applications)
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19 pages, 4720 KB  
Article
Enhanced Decolorization and Mineralization of Acid Violet 19 Dye by Potassium Ferrate (VI)
by Bimo Tri Goutomo, Seong Yeop Han, Dian Majid and Il-Kyu Kim
AppliedChem 2026, 6(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem6010009 - 2 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1328
Abstract
Acid violet 19 (AV19) dye is used in many fields, including photographic film, inks, leather, and textiles. Potassium ferrate (VI) (Fe(VI)) represents a novel oxidant, notable for its strong oxidative capabilities, stability, and environmental sustainability. This research investigates the decolorization and mineralization of [...] Read more.
Acid violet 19 (AV19) dye is used in many fields, including photographic film, inks, leather, and textiles. Potassium ferrate (VI) (Fe(VI)) represents a novel oxidant, notable for its strong oxidative capabilities, stability, and environmental sustainability. This research investigates the decolorization and mineralization of AV19 through the application of Fe(VI), with a particular emphasis on essential parameters, including pH, molar ratios, and temperature variations. The study ascertained that the optimal conditions for AV19 oxidation are a pH of 7.0, a molar ratio of AV19: Fe(VI) of 1:5, and a temperature of 45 °C with a reaction time of 12 min. The decolorization efficiency achieved was approximately 98%, and the mineralization was 31%. The degradation process yielded intermediates, such as sulfonic acid derivatives, benzoic acid, benzene, and cyclohexane compounds, which were further oxidized into acetic acid, carbon dioxide, and water. Comprehensive computational toxicity evaluations confirmed that both the intermediates and the final products are non-toxic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Chemistry: Fundamentals, Current and Future Applications)
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