The violet innovation grade index (VIGI) is a pioneering metric designed to evaluate the degree of innovation in analytical methods. This study introduces the VIGI tool (https://bit.ly/VIGItool) and demonstrates its application in assessing the innovative potential of various analytical techniques. VIGI integrates ten distinct criteria─sample preparation and instrumentation, data processing and software, white analytical chemistry and its derivatives, regulatory compliance, materials and reagents, miniaturization, automation, interdisciplinarity, sensitivity, and approach─providing a comprehensive evaluation that complements existing green, blue, and red metrics. Each method is assessed using a survey-based approach, resulting in a star-shaped decagon pictogram that visually represents its innovation score. The VIGI metric was successfully applied to five case studies, revealing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of each method in terms of innovation. Methods incorporating advanced materials, miniaturized devices, and automation scored highly, reflecting their cutting-edge contributions to analytical chemistry. Conversely, methods lacking advanced data processing or interdisciplinary applications scored lower, highlighting areas for potential improvement. This work underscores the importance of prioritizing innovative metrics like VIGI in the development and evaluation of analytical methods to ensure that analytical chemistry remains at the forefront of scientific advancement through more effective and sustainable practices.

The application of synthetic iron chelates to overcome iron deficiency in crops is leading to a high impact on the environment, making it necessary to find more friendly fertilizers. A promising alternative is the application of biodegradable iron chelates, such as those based on siderophores. In the present work, seven bacterial strains of the genus Pseudomonas were selected for their ability to secrete pyoverdine, a siderophore with a high affinity for iron, which could be used as a biofertilizer. The concentration of siderophores secreted by each bacterium expressed as desferrioxamine B equivalents, and the pyoverdine concentration was determined. Their potential as Fe biofertilizers was determined based on their capacity to complex Fe, determining the maximum iron complexation capacity at alkaline pH and selecting the RMC4 strain. The biostimulant capacity of the RMC4 strain was evaluated through the secretion of organic acids such as the hormone Indol-3-acetic acid or glutamic acid, among others, in a kinetic assay. Finally, the genome of RMC4 was determined, and the strain was identified as Pseudomonas monsensis. The annotated genome was screened for genes and gene clusters implicated in biofertilization and plant growth promotion. Besides iron mobilization, genes related to phosphorus solubilization, production of phytohormones and biological control, among others, were observed, indicating the suitability of RMC4 as an inoculant. In conclusion, RMC4 and its siderophores are promising sources for Fe biofertilization in agriculture.

GLANCE (Graphical Layout Tool for Analytical Chemistry Evaluation) is an innovative and adaptable free, editable template specifically designed to help researchers visually summarize their analytical chemistry methods in a structured and clear manner. It provides an accessible solution to the challenge of presenting complex scientific data, offering a significant advantage over traditional reporting methods, which often lack visual clarity. This is crucial because no previous tool has been developed to summarize analytical methods in such a comprehensive and concise visual format, significantly enhancing the process of gathering and presenting key information, particularly in review articles. The GLANCE template (bit.ly/409cwDd) is composed of twelve distinct attributes, each targeting critical aspects of method development (novelty, analytes, sample preparation, reagents, instrumentation, method validation, matrix effects and recoveries, application to real samples, analytical metrics, main results, limitations, and additional information). By filling out each block with keywords or short phrases, authors can provide a concise yet thorough overview of their method. Once completed, the template can be easily downloaded and included in scientific articles. This straightforward integration enhances both the clarity and accessibility of publications, providing the scientific community with a quick snapshot of the principal features of research.

A novel method has been proposed to determine nine plasticizers in honey samples by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. An efficient sample treatment was proposed (average analyte recoveries between 77% and 118%) involving a double solvent extraction with ethyl acetate, followed by a clean-up step with florisil. Chromatographic analysis (< 21 min) was performed in an Agilent HP-5MS column under programmed temperature conditions. The greenness of the method was assessed with different tools that classified it as environmentally friendly. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, limits of detection (0.1-3.1 μg kg^-1) and quantification (0.2-10.3 μg kg^-1), linearity, matrix effect, trueness, and precision (relative standard deviation <9%). An analysis of thirty samples from different sources (commercial or experimental apiaries) revealed the presence of residues of five plasticizers in most of the samples. Finally, health risk assessment was evaluated, and the results indicated no associated health risks for consumers.

The deficiencies of iron, manganese, zinc, and copper in calcareous soils are a worldwide problem affecting plant growth and fruit quality, usually minimized by the application of recalcitrant synthetic metal chelates. Biodegradable ligand [S,S]-EDDS is an eco-friendly substitute. This study investigates the capacity of [S,S]-EDDS to mobilize micronutrients from agronomic soils and improve plant nutrition. A batch and a plant experiment (Phaseolus vulgaris cv. Black Pole) with three agronomic soils was conducted to monitor the micronutrients solubilized by [S,S]-EDDS, the ligand degradation, and plant uptake. The results demonstrated the high capacity of [S,S]-EDDS to solubilize Fe and other micronutrients related to its chemical behavior and the enhancement of plant nutrition. The best results were shown in sandy-clay soil with low Fe, typically found in the Mediterranean areas. The results support the direct application of the ligand to soils and a possible biotechnological application of the ligand-producer bacteria.

Introduction: A sustainable agriculture and the great increase in consumers of organic products in the last years make the use of natural products one of the main challenges of modern agriculture. This is the reason that the use of products based on seaweed extracts has increased exponentially, specifically brown seaweeds, including Ascophyllum nodosum and Ecklonia maxima.Methods: In this study, the chemical composition of 20 commercial seaweed extract products used as biostimulants and their antifungal activity against two common postharvest pathogens (Botrytis cinerea and Penicillium digitatum) from fruits were evaluated. Data were processed using chemometric techniques based on linear and non-linear models.Results and discussion: The results showed that the algae species and the percentage of seaweed had a significant effect on the final composition of the products. In addition, great disparity was observed between formulations with similar labeling and antifungal effect of most of the analyzed products against some of the tested pathogens. These findings indicate the need for further research.