Strategies to enhance figures of merit in ICP-ToF-MS

文献情報

出版日 2023-11-30

DOI 10.1039/D3JA00288H

インパクトファクター 4.023

著者

T. E. Lockwood, R. Gonzalez de Vega, Z. Du, L. Schlatt, X. Xu, D. Clases

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要旨

Inductively coupled plasma with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ICP-ToF-MS) is currently setting new benchmarks for the analysis of single particles (SP) and elemental mapping using laser ablation (LA). The rapid collection of full elemental mass spectra promotes non-target approaches, fast imaging as well as inquiries of particle composition. However, one shortcoming often associated with ICP-ToF-MS is a lack of detection power due to lower duty cycles relative to sequentially operating mass analysers targeting only a limited number of elements. The sensitivity of ICP-ToF-MS can be increased using two strategies, which are detailed in this study. First, instead of analysing full mass spectra, elements in the low and high mass ranges were excluded from analysis using a Bradbury–Nielsen gate. The resulting restricted mass range was acquired up to 5 times faster increasing duty cycles and sensitivity accordingly. Second, isotopes of polyisotopic elements recorded simultaneously were accumulated to increase signal to noise ratios. In a proof of concept, we applied SP ICP-ToF-MS for the first time to characterise upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) that contained Gd and Yb. Both signal amplification strategies were combined and the consequences for detection limits and signal to noise ratios were considered and compared to a standard method. Sensitivities were increased up to factor 27 when accumulating all Gd and Yb isotopes at 177 kHz, and size detection limits decreased by a factor of approximately 3. Improved figures of merit promoted more accurate investigations of UCNPs, which were characterised regarding size distributions and composition. As a second application, we demonstrated the utility of the described strategies in LA-ICP-ToF-MS. Mo and Se were targeted as relatively rare elements in rat brain tissue. Increased acquisition frequencies of 180 kHz and isotope accumulation resulted in drastically improved signal to noise ratios and enabled the mapping of both elements while still considering relevant neuroanatomical elements such as Fe and Zn.

掲載誌

Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry

CiteScore: 6.2

自己引用率: 25.8%

年間論文数: 254

The Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry (JAAS) is the central journal for publishing innovative research on fundamentals, instrumentation, and methods in the determination, speciation and isotopic analysis of (trace) elements within all fields of application. This includes, but is not restricted to, the most recent progress, developments and achievements in all forms of atomic and elemental detection, isotope ratio determination, molecular analysis, plasma-based analysis and X-ray techniques. The journal welcomes full papers, communications, technical notes, critical and tutorial review articles, editorials, and comments, in addition to the Atomic Spectrometry Updates (ASU) literature reviews that are prepared by an expert panel. Submissions are welcome in the following areas, but note this list reflects the current scope and authors are strongly encouraged to contact the Editorial team if they believe that their work offers potentially new and emerging research relevant to the journal remit: Fundamental studies in the following. New and existing sources for atomic emission, absorption, fluorescence and mass spectrometry and those that provide both atomic and molecular information Sample introduction techniques for solids, liquids, gases Improvements in sensitivity, selectivity, precision, accuracy and/or robustness Isotope ratio measurements, including techniques for improving precision and mass bias correction Single channel and multichannel simultaneous detection systems Chemometrics, statistics, calibration techniques and internal standardisation Theoretical and numerical modelling of fundamental processes related to all of the above methodologies Novel or improved methodologies in areas of application including, but not limited to the following. Biosciences, including elemental, speciation and isotopic analysis in biological systems, immunoassays based on metal-labeled antibodies, bio-imaging, and nanoparticle toxicology Geochemistry Environmental science Materials science, including engineered nanoparticles and quantum dots Metrology, including reference materials Forensic analysis Food and agricultural sciences Energy Archaeometry Molecular analysis. Molecular sources for elemental and isotopic analysis Atomic sources for molecular analysis Atomic and molecular techniques simultaneously used for complementary chemical information All contributions are judged on originality and quality of scientific content, and appropriateness of length to content of new science.