Analytical Chemistry: Current Trends in Light of the Historic Beginnings

Selected current trends in analytical chemistry are discussed and traced back to original work published more than a hundred years ago in the same field. Gravimetric microanalysis has been transformed into a mass-sensitive sensor technology. New developments in molecular spectroscopy are seen in Raman spectroscopy. In the area of chemical sensors, paper-based devices with visual readout (dipsticks, microfluidic pads) celebrate a revival. In “green” applications, the separation of analytes from complicated matrices is often the key to successful analysis. Continuous separation techniques are essential for the 24/7 production of goods with certified quality. Finally, micro- and nanoscale techniques rely on highly selective receptors, and their development is based on detailed understanding of the structure of ligand–receptor complexes.