Topic

Articles

Because cells are heterogeneous materials appearing in many sizes and containing many different elements depending on the model, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is often used to conduct element analysis of single cells. Maria Montes-Bayón of the Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Oviedo (Asturias, Spain) has been working with single cell ICP-MS (sc-ICP-MS) to study the uptake and apoptotic status of nanoplatinum (IV) treated cells, specifically selenized yeast. Montes-Bayón recently spoke to Spectroscopy about this work.

Toward Normalization of Quantitative Single Cell ICP-MS Experiments

Robert Thomas has more than 30 years of experience in trace element analysis. He is the principal of his own freelance writing and scientific consulting company, Scientific Solutions, based in Gaithersburg, MD.

The use of ICP-MS is constantly expanding into an ever-wider variety of applications. We assess the current landscape and where the technique is going in the future.

40 Years Old and Still Solving Problems: Evolution of the ICP-MS Application Landscape

Recently, at the 2022 SciX conference in Covington, Kentucky, Beatriz Fernandez, who is an Associate Professor at the University of Oviedo in Spain, presented, as part of the Technical Program, a discussion regarding the determination of proteins in single cells by ICP-MS using metal nanoclusters as labels of specific recognition reactions. Fernandez spoke to Spectroscopy about her presentation. 

Determination of Proteins in Single Cells by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry Using Metal Nanoclusters as Labels of Specific-Recognition Reactions

By using green synthesized AgNPs modified by chitosan and organic acid, a simple, cost-effective, and highly selective onsite colorimetric detection method for Pd2+ and Hg2+ ions was developed.

Colorimetric Discrimination of Pd2+ and Hg2+ Ions in Solvent and Solid-Film State Using Organic Acid-Assisted Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

While the tracing product origin by the analysis of their multi-element composition has been successfully applied in several commodities, the potential for doing the same with timber has not yet been determined. Laura Boeschoten and her team studied the reactive soil element pools and the multi-elemental composition in sapwood and heartwood for 37 Azobé (Lophira alata) trees at two forest sites in Cameroon, measuring 46 elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and conducted the first study relating wood multi-elemental composition of forest trees to soil chemical and physical properties in an effort to combat the illegal trade of timber. Laura spoke to Spectroscopy about this study and the technique’s potential.

Clay and Soil Organic Matter Drive Wood Multi-Elemental Composition of a Tropical Tree Species: Implications for Timber Tracing

Some macrofungal species are known for their ability to accumulate high concentrations of mercury in their fruit bodies. A recent paper by Simone Braeuer and colleagues of the University of Graz (Austria) and Ghent University (Belgium) discusses an efficient method developed for quantitative mapping of mercury and selenium in mushroom fruit bodies via laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry with excellent limits of detection and high spatial resolution (down to 5 µm). Braeuer spoke to Spectroscopy about this paper. 

Quantitative Mapping of Mercury and Selenium in Mushroom Fruit Bodies with Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry  

Lithium-based batteries are key for moving away from the combustion of fossil fuels at the point of use. ICP-OES and ICP-MS methods can measure trace-element impurities that may affect battery performance.

Analysis of Trace Elements as Impurities in Materials Used for Lithium-Ion Battery Production

ICP-MS is increasingly being used to analyze complex matrices,
but an ICP-MS instrument optimized for the highest sensitivity may
not have the sufficient matrix tolerance to analyze high-salt samples. We describe a method to optimize plasma robustness and interference control for accurate, routine analysis of critical trace elements in undiluted seawater.

ICP-MS Configuration and Optimization for Successful Routine Analysis of Undiluted Seawater

This tutorial explains the most critical components of the sample introduction system of modern ICP-optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and ICP-mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, providing analysts with a guide for initial configuration settings and recommended maintenance intervals for reliable daily operation.

Understanding the Fundamental Components of Sample Introduction for ICP-OES and ICP-MS

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments can perform low-level elemental analysis in a wide range of sample types, from high-purity chemicals to high matrix digests. But achieving consistently low detection limits requires good control of elemental contamination, as well as spectral interferences. A clean working area, careful selection of reagents, and good sample handling techniques are key to successful trace and ultratrace elemental analysis. In this article, we provide five practical tips for controlling contaminants and minimizing detection limits. 