ICP-MS Metal Analysis Service

ICP-MS metal analysis is a technique that uses inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to detect and quantify trace metals and elements in various samples. The process involves sample preparation, ionization in high-temperature plasma, mass-to-charge ratio separation, and data interpretation to provide detailed elemental information.  

 



Figure 1. The Workflow of ICP-MS Metal Analysis

 

ICP-MS Metal Analysis allows for precise quantification of metals in complex matrices. It addresses challenges such as detecting ultra-trace metals, identifying contaminants, and ensuring accurate analysis in fields like environmental monitoring, food safety, and biomedical research.  

 

Services at MtoZ Biolabs

MtoZ Biolabs, an integrated chromatography and mass spectrometry (MS) services provider, provides advanced proteomics, metabolomics, and biopharmaceutical analysis services to researchers in biochemistry, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical fields. MtoZ Biolabs offers advanced ICP-MS metal analysis service powered by state-of-the-art ICP-MS technology, high-sensitivity detection instruments, and optimized analytical workflows. Managed by an experienced research team, our service provides comprehensive one-stop solutions, from sample preparation to data interpretation, ensuring accurate and reliable trace metal detection in complex matrices. With extensive project experience and exceptional technical expertise, MtoZ Biolabs offers robust support for environmental monitoring, food safety, and biomedical research.

 

Service Advantages

1. High Precision and Traceability  

MtoZ Biolabs' ICP-MS metal analysis service incorporates isotope dilution techniques to achieve highly accurate quantification of metalloproteins. By utilizing high-purity isotopically labeled standards, the service ensures exceptional accuracy and traceability, making it particularly suitable for complex samples in clinical and biomedical fields.  

 

2. Reliable Detection in Complex Matrices  

Our ICP-MS metal analysis service, through the combination of liquid chromatography and ICP-MS, enables direct analysis of key metalloproteins (such as hemoglobin, transferrin, and ceruloplasmin) in complex matrices, meeting client requirements for low detection limits and high sensitivity.  

 

3. Advanced Technology Platform for High-Sensitivity Detection  

ICP-MS metal analysis service provided by MtoZ Biolabs utilizes a cutting-edge ICP-MS platform with high resolution and low background noise, enabling precise detection of trace metal elements and providing reliable support for complex sample analysis.  

 

4. Multi-Element Analysis and High Throughput  

Our ICP-MS metal analysis service offers simultaneous multi-element analysis and optimized workflows for enhanced high-throughput capabilities, making it suitable for metal element detection across diverse fields such as environmental monitoring, food safety, and biomedical research.  

 

Case Study

1. Ultratrace Metal Speciation Analysis by Coupling of Sector-Field ICP-MS to High-Resolution Size Exclusion and Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography

The researchers optimized a metal speciation analysis system combining high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with high-resolution sector-field ICP-MS (ICP-sfMS) for the detection of metal species at subnanomolar levels in complex matrices. The system was implemented using a metal-free HPLC-DAD setup and a dedicated organic matrix interface, with desolvating injection and optimized sample handling. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and reversed-phase chromatography (RPC) coupled with ICP-sfMS were used to analyze metal binding in proteins and pigments, achieving detection limits in the picomolar range. Optimization revealed that sonication could cause artifacts of metal loss from metalloproteins. The system was applied to detect Cd binding to soybean proteins, Cr binding to Arabidopsis thaliana proteins, La binding to green algae proteins, and Cu binding to pigments in Rhodospirillum rubrum, demonstrating its sensitivity at environmentally relevant concentrations. The ICP-MS metal analysis service combines cutting-edge chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques for ultratrace detection of metals in complex matrices. With optimized workflows and sensitive detection, the service enables accurate analysis of metal binding to proteins, even at ultratrace environmental levels.

 



Küpper, H. et al. Anal Chem. 2019. 

Figure 2. Analysis of Chromium Speciation in Soluble Protein by a System Based on ICP-MS 

 

2. Multi-Element Analysis of Single Nanoparticles by ICP-MS Using Quadrupole and Time-of-Flight Technologies

This study evaluated the capabilities of single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) using time-of-flight (TOF) and quadrupole (Q) mass analyzers for analyzing multi-element nanoparticles. Both analyzers successfully determined the size of Au-core/Ag-shell nanoparticles, but spICP-TOFMS demonstrated superior performance in detecting and quantifying multiple elements in complex nanoparticles, such as nano-steel particles containing Fe, Cr, Ni, and Mo. The particle size detection limits (dLOD) of spICP-TOFMS were significantly lower than those of spICP-QMS, making it more effective for multi-element detection in diverse nanoparticles. Our ICP-MS metal analysis service provides precise multi-element detection and quantification for complex materials, including nanoparticles. Leveraging advanced technologies, this service supports research into particle composition, size distribution, and elemental analysis in diverse applications.

 



Steffi, Naasz. et al. J Anal At Spectrom. 2018.

Figure 3. Raw and Normalized Signals of Nano-Steel Platelets Obtained by Quadrupole ICP-MS and ICP-TOFMS (icpTOF)

 

Applications

The ICP-MS metal analysis service is widely used in various research fields and industries, providing high-resolution multi-element and isotopic analysis with temporal and spatial resolution. This service is applied in environmental and marine sciences for precise trace element detection in seawater, materials science and nanotechnology for identifying and quantifying nanoparticles, and biomedical research for metal biomarker quantification and multiplexed imaging. Additionally, it supports food science by analyzing toxic element speciation, such as arsenic in rice, and geology and geochemistry by determining isotopic compositions, such as strontium in Antarctic snow. With advanced technology and expert teams, ICP-MS metal analysis service ensures accurate and reliable analysis for complex samples.

 



Van, Acker, T. et al. Nat Rev Methods Primers. 2023.

Figure 4. The Applications of ICP-MS Metal Analysis Service

 

FAQ

Q1: What do ratio, DL, and BEC in the calibration curve of ICP-MS trace element analysis refer to?

Answer: In ICP-MS trace element analysis, "ratio," "DL," and "BEC" are important terms. Below are their definitions:  

1. Ratio  

In ICP-MS analysis, the ratio typically refers to the signal of a specific element in the sample relative to the signal of an internal standard. An internal standard is an element of known concentration added to all samples and standard solutions to correct for signal fluctuations that may occur during sample preparation or analysis. The use of ratios in an ICP-MS metal analysis service ensures minimal sample-to-sample variation, enhancing accuracy and repeatability.  

 

2. Detection Limit (DL)  

The detection limit refers to the minimum concentration of an element that can be detected under specific analytical conditions. It is typically defined as the signal intensity equivalent to three times the background noise (3σ). A low detection limit is essential for ultratrace element detection.  

 

3. Background Equivalent Concentration (BEC)  

Background equivalent concentration represents the "hypothetical" concentration of an element corresponding to the signal generated by background noise in the absence of the target element. Accurate determination of BEC is crucial in an ICP-MS metal analysis service to evaluate potential false positives and ensure reliable results.

 

Q2: What to Do If Aluminum Element Digestion Is Incomplete During ICP-MS Analysis? 

Answer: When encountering incomplete sample digestion during the determination of aluminum using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry), the following approaches can be considered:  

1. Optimize Digestion Conditions   

2. Improve Sample Pretreatment  

3. Check Instrument Parameters  

4. Eliminate Interfering Substances  

5. Use Internal Standards or Standard Addition Method   

 

If the above methods do not resolve the issue, further investigation into the sample characteristics or professional technical support may be required.  

 

Deliverables

1. Comprehensive Experimental Details

2. Materials, Instruments, and Methods

3. Relevant Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Parameters

4. The Detailed Information of Metal Analysis 

5. Mass Spectrometry Image

6. Raw Data