Issue 58, 2016

On the outside looking in: redefining the role of analytical chemistry in the biosciences

Abstract

Biomedical research has moved on from the study of the structure of organs, cells and organelles. Today, the key questions that must be addressed to understand the body in health and disease are related to fundamental biochemistry: the distribution and speciation of chemicals, the regulation of chemical reactions, and the control of chemical environments. To see advances in this field, it is essential for analytical chemists to actively engage in this process, from beginning to end. In this Feature Article, we review the progress that has been made towards gaining an understanding of the chemistry of the body, while commenting on the intrinsic disconnect between new innovations in the field of analytical chemistry and practical application within the biosciences. We identify the challenges that prevent chemists from making a greater impact in this field, and highlight key steps for moving forward.

Graphical abstract: On the outside looking in: redefining the role of analytical chemistry in the biosciences

Article information

Article type
Feature Article
Submitted
06 1 2016
Accepted
16 2 2016
First published
22 2 2016
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Chem. Commun., 2016,52, 8918-8934

On the outside looking in: redefining the role of analytical chemistry in the biosciences

D. J. Hare and E. J. New, Chem. Commun., 2016, 52, 8918 DOI: 10.1039/C6CC00128A

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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