April 17th 2024
A recent study led by Detlef Gunther examined using laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOF-MS) in quantifying elements in biotissues of plants.
Single Particle ICP-MS: From Engineered Nanoparticles to Natural Nanoparticles
July 1st 2020Single-particle inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) is becoming widely used to measure the number of nanoparticles (or other submicrometer– sized particles) per mL with a particular elemental chemical composition and the average particle size (diameter) or particle size distribution.
Analysis of the compositional variation in living cells is essential for understanding biological processes. Single-cell elemental analysis by triple-quadrupole ICP-MS is emerging as a selective, highly sensitive, and potentially high-throughput technique for the study of constitutive elements, and uptake of metallodrugs (or metal-containing nanomaterials) in single cells.
XRF in Agronomy Applications—Analysis of Plant Tissues and Fertilizers
November 1st 2019New excitation developments and advanced detector technology enable the use of EDXRF for multielement analysis of plant material and fertilizers, with improved detection limits and reduced measurement time. These features are combined with easy sample preparation and low cost of investment.
Strategies for Achieving the Lowest Possible Detection Limits in ICP-MS
October 1st 2019A laminar flow box for sampling is combined with a positive voltage on the skimmer cone to reduce detection limits to pg/L concentrations in ICP-MS. These improvements reduce the risk of contamination and increase the efficiency of ion sampling and focusing.
Method Development with ICP-MS/MS: Tools and Techniques to Ensure Accurate Results in Reaction Mode
September 1st 2019Method setup and optimization steps are explored to illustrate how an ICP-MS/MS method can be defined and tested to ensure consistent performance. Users can benefit from improved interference removal performance without the complex method development inherent in the use of ion-molecule reaction chemistry
Rapid Multielement Nanoparticle Analysis Using Single-Particle ICP-MS/MS
May 1st 2019Complex isobaric and polyatomic spectral interferences can be mitigated using triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-MS/MS) with a collision–reaction cell (CRC). This configuration allows for the multielement characterization and detection of smaller nanoparticle sizes.
Not All Nanoparticle Analysis Challenges are Created Equal
September 10th 2018The detection, quantitation, and characterization of nanoparticles using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and in particular using single-particle ICP-MS (SP-ICP-MS), has developed significantly in recent years. However, the difficulties involved in this type of analysis vary, depending on the composition of the nanoparticles. Martín Resano of the University of Zaragoza, together with colleagues from Ghent University, has recently developed a method for characterizing nanoparticles made from silicon dioxide (Si02), which are much more challenging to detect than those made from silver or gold. He recently spoke to us about this work.
Meeting the USP and Guidelines with ICP-OES
September 1st 2018With its advantages-compared to ICP-MS-in matrix tolerance, robustness, simplicity, and cost, ICP-OES may be the technique of choice for the analysis of medications with low daily doses. For such analyses, the use of high-pressure, high-temperature microwave digestion in sealed containers simplifies sample preparation and prevents the loss of volatile elements.
ICP-MS Analysis of Noble Metals at Low Levels in Geological Reference Materials and Ores
September 1st 2018This study reveals the potential of triple-quadrupole ICP-MS for reliable quantification of noble metals at ultratrace levels even in difficult matrices.The effective use of reactive gases for interference removal and a thorough and effective protocol for sample preparation and handling are essential.
Using Double Mass Selection and Reaction Cell Gases to Resolve Isobaric Spectral Overlaps in ICP-MS
September 1st 2018When using a triple-quadrupole ICP-MS system, the increased abundance sensitivity of MS/MS mode makes it possible to measure trace elements using isotopes that would otherwise be affected by peak tailing from an adjacent major element. This approach is illustrated using the example of ultratrace 237Np analysis in the presence of 10 ppm U.
Investigating Nanoparticles in the Environment with SP-ICP-MS
September 8th 2017There is growing concern about the unknown effects that nanoparticles may have on the environment, especially in drinking water and plants. Single-particle inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is emerging as a useful technique for analyzing nanoparticles and their presence in environmental and biological systems. Honglan Shi, a chemistry professor at Missouri University of Science and Technology, and her research group have been using SP-ICP-MS to investigate nanoparticles in drinking water and plant uptake. She recently spoke to Spectroscopy about this work.
Optimized ICP-MS Analysis of Elemental Impurities in Semiconductor-Grade Hydrochloric Acid
September 1st 2017A closer look at the use of a cell-based ICP-MS approach that utilizes ion–molecule chemistry to reduce many of the traditional spectral interferences seen in the analysis of high-purity hydrochloric acid used in manufacturing integrated circuits and semiconductor devices
Single-Particle ICP-MS: A Key Analytical Technique for Characterizing Nanoparticles
March 1st 2017The National Nanotechnology Initiative defines engineered nanomaterials (ENM) as those with dimensions of 1–100 nm, where their unique characteristics enable novel applications to be carried out. ENMs often possess different properties than their bulk counterparts of the same composition, making them of great interest for a broad spectrum of industrial, commercial, and health care uses. However, the widespread application of ENMs will inevitably lead to their release into the environment, which raises concerns about their potential adverse effects on the ecosystems and their impact on human health.
Micronutrient Analysis from Soil to Food: Determination by ICP-OES
November 1st 2016The nutritional value of food depends on many components, including vitamins and minerals. While both of these occur naturally, they are also commonly added during processing to increase the nutritional content. Naturally occurring nutrients enter plants (and ultimately animals who consume plants) from the soils in which they grow, so it is equally important to monitor the nutrient content of both soil and final food products. Since the number of elemental nutrients is limited and they are present at relatively high concentrations, ICP-OES is an ideal technique for their measurement in soil and food. This work will focus on the elemental nutrient analysis of soils and two categories of food products: milk and fruit juice, whose nutritional content is particularly important as they are commonly consumed by young children.