A dried blood spot is a small sample of capillary blood collected on filter paper, dried, and analyzed. Later, it evolved into the broader approach known as dried matrix spot (DMS), where various biological samples are blotted. In this review, an overview of DMS and their application in biological analysis is provided. The review explores the history and various biological matrices suitable for dried sampling, highlighting different types of collection cards, storage requirements and stability. The subsequent section addresses conventional and modern techniques of sample preparation, including microwave-assisted extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction. The paper evaluates the efficiency and scalability of these techniques for high-throughput applications in analytical laboratories, considering their potential to enhance eco-friendliness. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of DMS, offering valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in the fields of analytical chemistry and bioanalysis.
With the rapid development of science and technology and the rapid urbanization and industrialization, a large amount of wastewater containing heavy metal ions and other pollutants are released without treatment into the water bodies. As a result, the elimination of such environmental pollutants has become a global concern. MXene-based membranes are one of the most competitive and promising strategies for wastewater treatment due to their unique characteristics such as high surface area, tunable surface functional groups and hydrophilicity. Recent research has shown that MXene-based membranes have demonstrated outstanding performance with a removal efficiency of 90-99% for various analytes, as well as high water permeability and selectivity. To successfully apply this technology for practical applications, it is important to understand the removal mechanisms, interaction pathways and membrane fabrication parameters. This review offers a detailed discussion on the preparation, characteristics, and efficiency of MXene nanocomposites membranes for the removal of pollutants from waters. It also presents the prime removal mechanism, the effects of water quality parameters and the combination of MXene membranes with conventional water treatment technologies. Moreover, the review also discusses applications, challenges, cost and regeneration potential of modified MXene-based membranes for the removal of emerging pollutants from water bodies.
