Aims and scope
Microchimica Acta (MCA) publishes articles on truly novel methods of modern chemical, biochemical and biological analysis based on the use of advanced (non-routine) micro/nano-materials. This includes all kinds of micro- and nano-shaped particles, upconversion particles, quantum dots, micro/nano-wires, molecular frameworks, meso- and nanoporous materials, nano-sized/structured imprints, thin films, hybrid materials, related nanosized matter. Coverage extends to novel analytical methods and devices that provide expedient solutions to the most contemporary demands in (bio)chemical sensing, such as point-of-care and on-site applications, wearable (bio)sensors, in-vivo-monitoring, tissue-embedded sensor-based diagnostics, or alarm systems, (bio)sensing applications using micro/nanomotors, sensing materials based on synthetic biology, and biomedical imaging and targeting. Coverage also includes methods for modification and (bio)functionalization of respective surfaces, and the characterization of the materials used. It is essential, though, that (bio)analytical applicability is being demonstrated.
Besides Original Papers and Short Communications, Microchimica Acta publishes invited Review Articles that provide a critical assessment of research progress in the scientific fields covered by the journal. The journal welcomes proposals for Topical Collections on any emerging topic of paramount interest in the field of analytical sciences based on micro and nanomaterials.
Key points considered in the evaluation of the submitted works are summarized in the following comments:
1. When the target analyte is undoubtedly present in the sample (for example, glucose in the blood, creatinine in urea, etc.) the data should demonstrate that the method enables the determination of the target analyte in unspiked samples. A method that is not able to determine a naturally occurring compound in a specific sample is of limited impact.
2. When spiking is necessary a) to demonstrate the applicability of the method (for example, a cancer biomarker in a biological sample) or b) to study the recovery of the method, spiking should be conducted at the beginning of the whole analytical process. The target analyte should be added to the undiluted samples while the choice of the spiked concentrations of the analyte should be justified by providing correct references using a source of information (e.g., results of clinical studies) or normative documentation (e.g., from World Health Organization).
3. The interference study should include those compounds frequently present in the examined sample. Indeed, the interference effect of the examined compounds should be evaluated at a concentration level that reflects the concentration ratio (interference compound/target analyte) in the analyzed sample.
4. Synthetic protocols of new materials should be concisely described but without unnecessary details. Experimental procedures (quantities, reaction times, work-up, purification steps, etc.) should be specified so other people can reproduce the proposed synthetic work.
5. The assay procedure should be described in detail. A protocol on how to perform the assay with a sample (amount of the sample, how the sample is treated, addition of reagents, dilution ratio, how analytical data are generated etc.) is necessary for any method to be used by others.