When I think about what it takes to keep a high-performing MS laboratory running—especially those dealing with tight timelines, strict regulations, and ever-expanding datasets—I’m reminded that the software we rely on isn’t just a tool. It’s the backbone of our workflows, our decisions, and ultimately, our results.Whether you’re in pharma, environmental testing, or food safety, managing the complexity of targeted mass spectrometry workflows while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and efficiency requires a lot of work.That’s where a purpose-built solution makes a difference. I’ve worked closely with labs that are navigating these challenges—and from the many conversations and experiences, I put together five main capabilities you should look for in your software when it comes to targeted MS quantitation:<h3>1. Simplified data and workflow management</h3>Too many labs are still relying on disconnected systems or folder-based setups that can lead to inconsistent methods and reports. When utilizing modern software solutions, everything—methods, templates, data, reports—can be centrally managed, reducing errors and training time while ensuring everyone is working from the same validated workflows.It’s a big plus if the software also supports multi-consensus reporting, making it easy to compare results across sequences and analyses for greater confidence in the data. By packaging complete workflows and setting predefined views, labs can streamline routine operations and ensure method repeatability, so anyone can run the analysis reliably and consistently.<h3>2. Controlled access in and out of the lab</h3>Many labs are still tied to legacy setups that make remote work challenging. Researchers often rely on standalone workstations that store data locally, making it hard to access critical results when off-site. Transferring data via USB drives or external hard disks not only adds inefficiency, but it can also raise serious security concerns. These outdated practices slow down collaboration and increase the risk of data loss or breaches.Hybrid work is here to stay. With the ability to control and access instruments and data, users can securely set up runs, review results, and manage workflows from anywhere. You’re no longer tied to a specific bench, workstation, or even building. Productivity doesn’t have to stop when you step out of the lab.“Managing all our instruments and work with data remotely via a centralized server means we don’t need to be in the laboratory to access our data.” – Dr. Kayleigh Arthur, Owlstone Medical Ltd.<h3>3. It’s built for MS workflows</h3>Whether you’re running triple quads, high-res accurate mass, or both—life’s much easier when working with software solutions that give you native instrument control and deep integration for targeted workflows. That includes support for MSⁿ, intact mass deconvolution, spectral libraries, and high-throughput quantitation.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_5_Things_to_Consider_When_Selecting_Software_for_Targeted_MS_Quantitation_9e5e9dc842.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: 5 Things to Consider When Selecting Software for Targeted MS Quantitation." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_5_Things_to_Consider_When_Selecting_Software_for_Targeted_MS_Quantitation_9e5e9dc842.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1536" height="411">Just as important is what happens after data acquisition. Integrated, built-in reporting capabilities—paired with customizable reporting options—should make it easy to flag results and automate the necessary calculations, all within the software. You need a powerful combination that can streamline review and ensures consistency across analyses.<h3>4. Scalability</h3>From small bioanalytical teams to global enterprises, can it be scaled up or down without the need for reinstallation or manual data transfer? It should be built to handle complex, multi-site deployments with ease.Add to that network resilience, automated data protection, and centralized updates—and you’ll get a system designed to grow with your organization.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_5_Things_to_Consider_When_Selecting_Software_for_Targeted_MS_Quantitation_2_8ec325678b.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: 5 Things to Consider When Selecting Software for Targeted MS Quantitation." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_5_Things_to_Consider_When_Selecting_Software_for_Targeted_MS_Quantitation_2_8ec325678b.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1200" height="660"><article><div><h3>5. Stress-free compliance</h3>Let’s face it, if you have to do it, compliance is non-negotiable, but it can be time-consuming. The system should include built-in features that support GxP, 21 CFR Part 11, and audit readiness—like audit trails, version control, and detailed user management.The ability to query and interrogate data within the system would ensure that data integrity requirements are met, delivering full traceability, and verification of data throughout its lifecycle. Your QA team will be very pleased!<h3>Conclusion</h3>Managing targeted MS quantitation shouldn’t feel like assembling a puzzle with missing pieces. A modern software should bring together everything you need—scalable infrastructure, powerful MS data tools, and built-in compliance features—into one cohesive solution. It must support your science, your team, and your business goals.If you’re ready to rethink how your lab handles MS data, this is the right time to explore what’s possible.<blockquote>Join our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/webinar/5232">upcoming webinar</a> to learn about networked software for MS labs.Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#targetedquantitation #compliance #massspectrometry #control</blockquote></div></article><section><blockquote><h4>Laercio Fernandes</h4>Laércio Fernandes is a Product Marketing Manager for software at Thermo Fisher Scientific. With a background rooted in analytical chemistry, Laércio has over 20 years of experience in the analytical field with a focus on chromatography instrumentation, enterprise software and compliance. His background in sales and support has enabled him to have a good overview and understanding of different processes and challenges that laboratories may face, which has allowed him to better support our customers in order to improve their workflows and productivity.</blockquote></section>

5 Things to Consider When Selecting Software for Targeted MS Quantitation

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 30th June 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you posters by Agilent Technologies / ASMS and Thermo Fisher Scientific / ASMS!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies / ASMS: Measurement of Metals in Tissue Samples Using Laser Ablation-ICP-MS and an Organic Matrix-Based Standard</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ps_8890_la_icp_ms_metals_tissue_asms_2025_thp_067_en_agilent_ee9bc7a285.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) can provide localization information of elements on solid samples. Therefore, bioimaging techniques using LA-ICP-MS have been developed to investigate the distribution of metals on thin sections.&nbsp;Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disorder that primarily targets the interlobular bile ducts. The resulting bile duct damage causes chronic cholestasis in the liver, which can eventually progress to cirrhosis. It is well-established that individuals with PBC exhibit impaired copper (Cu) excretion, leading to Cu accumulation within the liver.&nbsp;Pathologists have employed orcein or Victoria blue staining to visualize Cu deposition in pathological specimens. 1 Orcein staining is commonly used to assess the stage of PBC. However, both staining methods measure Cu levels indirectly by detecting Cu-binding proteins, which introduces significant variability in measurement accuracy across different facilities and yields relatively low detection sensitivity.&nbsp;The aim of the study was to directly quantify Cu in PBC specimen using LA-ICP-MS, a highly sensitive technique, and compare the results with that obtained from normal-looking tissue in liver. The elemental concentrations were determined from external calibration curves generated using an organic matrix-based standard (Solid scaleTM, FUJIFILM Wako Chemicals).&nbsp;<h4>Conclusions</h4>This study demonstrates the high performance of the Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8900+ICP-QQQ">8900 ICP-QQQ</a> equipped with an ESL 213 laser ablation system for bioimaging human liver specimens.&nbsp;<ul><li>An organic matrix-based standard (Solid scaleTM ) provided quantitative results of metals in human liver specimens.&nbsp;</li><li>Patterns of metal distribution (24Mg, 31P, 44Ca, 56Fe, 63Cu, 95Mo) in human liver showed accumulation of Cu in a PBC specimen and its unique localization pattern along the regenerative nodule.&nbsp;</li></ul>These results demonstrate that determining metal concentrations in thin sections using LA-ICP-MS provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of PBC and other metal-related diseases.<h3>2. Thermo Fisher Scientific / ASMS: Trace metals analysis in baby food using triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (TQ-ICP-MS)</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/PO_296_ASMS_25_metals_baby_food_TQ_ICP_MS_na_en_3c869a51aa.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Many countries have established their own regulations and guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of baby food products. These regulations are generally based on scientific research and risk assessments conducted by health and food safety authorities. Among a range of other contaminants, toxic heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, are subject to screening.&nbsp;The Baby Food Safety Act of 2021 requires manufacturers and the FDA to take long overdue action by setting maximum levels of inorganic arsenic (10 μg∙kg-1, 15 μg∙kg-1 for cereal), lead (5 μg∙kg-1, 10 μg∙kg-1 for cereal), cadmium (5 μg∙kg-1, 10 μg∙kg-1 for cereal), and mercury (2 μg∙kg-1) allowed in baby food.&nbsp;Since January 2022, baby food manufacturers need to meet these maximum levels for toxic elements by testing their final products (because only ingredient testing significantly underestimates toxic heavy metal levels in the final product), and to post the results of their product testing online twice per year. Similarly, as the FDA is working on a “closer to zero plan”, the European Union has established regulations and maximum limits for various contaminants, including toxic elements, in baby food. ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) is the commonly used analytical technique to measure trace elements in various samples, including baby food. The specific trace elements to be checked by ICP-MS in baby food may vary depending on the purpose of the analysis and the specific concerns related to the safety and quality of the product.<h4>Materials and methods&nbsp;</h4><h5>Instrumentation&nbsp;</h5>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1488">Thermo Scientific iCAP MTX ICP-MS</a> and a Thermo Scientific <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1715">iSC-65 Autosampler</a> were used for analysis. The ICP-MS was operated using the parameters highlighted in Table 1. To facilitate the robustness to analyze a high number of potentially very different sample types, the instrument was operated using argon gas dilution (AGD), applying a mild (approximately 5 times) dilution to all samples. This ensures the productivity and uptime requirements in a high productivity laboratory environment can be met. To meet the stringent detection limit requirements put in place by regulatory authorities, the iCAP MTX ICP-MS was operated in SQ-KED and TQ-O2 modes to confidently eliminate all polyatomic and isobaric interferences but also deliver the sensitivity needed to reach the requested quantification limits for the critical elements.<h4>Results&nbsp;</h4>Table 3 summarizes the analytical figures of merit for all analytes including the correlation coefficients, the limits of quantification, and the quantification limits of the method (MLOQ). Whereas the limit of quantification (LOQ) only considers what can be quantified by the instrument, the method quantification limit (MLOQ) also accounts for the complete sample preparation, i.e., the sample weight and the dilution factor. Specifically highlighted in the table are the results obtained for As, Cd, Hg, and Pb, elements which are of specific regulatory concern due to their toxicity and risk for bioaccumulation. As can be seen, the achieved MLOQs are at least a factor two lower compared to the nominal limits specified in EAM 4.7.<h4>Conclusions&nbsp;</h4>This workflow, combining sample preparation using microwave assisted digestion and analysis using the iCAP MTX ICP-MS, allows accurate measurement of the concentration of toxic elements, dangerous for children, as well as the essential elements, necessary for the good growth and health of children, in various baby food products.&nbsp;<ul><li>The automatic and constant 5-times dilution allows robust analysis of different types of baby food products, whether dry, liquid, or fatty, without any compromise on sensitivity to reach the regulated limits.&nbsp;</li><li>The stability of the iCAP MTX ICP-MS allows a large variety of different food samples can be analyzed in the same run, ensuring productivity in an applied testing laboratory.&nbsp;</li><li>All types of interferences (polyatomic as well as isobaric interference, including doubly charged ions) are effectively suppressed with either helium collision gas or by using oxygen as a reactive gas in triple quadrupole mode.&nbsp;</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra ISDS Software</a> with the Reaction Finder functionality, allows simplified handling for the operator by automatically defining the isotopes and the acquisition modes to obtain reliable results.&nbsp;</li><li>The maintenance assistant also ensures alerts to the user when actions need to be carried out by the operator to guarantee an instrument with best performance throughout instrument lifetime.</li></ul>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 27, 2025

Comprehensive IC-ICP-MS analysis of polyphosphonates and their transformation products

Improved sampling strategy for high-performance materials: The introduction of the stethoscope cell for online-LASIL experiments

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 34, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 25th August 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, Metrohm and Shimadzu and poster by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Low-Level UV-Vis Haze Detection for Improved Reliability of Li-Ion Battery Electrolytes &nbsp;</h3>Overcoming quality control blind spots with the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+60+UV-Vis">Cary 60 UV-Vis</a> and the diffuse reflectance accessory (DRA)<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_electrolyte_haze_cary_60_uv_vis_dra_5994_8446en_agilent_2f171821a2.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become indispensable in modern life, powering everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles. As demand grows for higher-capacity, longer-lasting, and more efficient batteries, research efforts continue to focus on optimizing every component, including the electrolyte.&nbsp;The electrolyte plays a critical role in battery performance by enabling the transport of ions between the two electrodes. It typically consists of a lithium salt, most commonly lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6 ), dissolved in a mixture of organic carbonate solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), and dimethyl carbonate (DMC). However, these electrolyte formulations are highly sensitive to moisture and prone to degradation over time. This degradation can lead to the formation of particulate matter or impurities that are invisible to the naked eye but can significantly impact electrolyte quality during manufacturing.&nbsp;In this application note, we explore how the Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer, paired with an Agilent Cary 60 diffuse reflectance accessory (DRA), can be used to assess LIB electrolyte quality.&nbsp;Traditional UV-Vis transmission compartments can struggle with low-scattering samples like electrolytes, as scattered light may bypass the detector and lead to inaccurate readings. The Cary 60 DRA mitigates this limitation by enhancing light collection efficiency, making it well-suited for low-level haze&nbsp;analysis.<h4>Experimental</h4><h5>Instrumentation&nbsp;</h5>Diffuse transmission spectra and haze measurements were collected using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+60+UV-Vis">Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer </a>controlled by the Agilent Cary WinUV Color software. The software allows users to select from a range of calculation options, including standardized color coordinate systems such as those defined by the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage (CIE).&nbsp;For this application, the "Haze as per D1003" calculation mode was selected, which requires four individual scans to be performed using the DRA integrating sphere.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This study demonstrated the effectiveness of the Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis equipped with a diffuse reflectance accessory (DRA) for assessing the quality of LIB electrolytes through haze measurements. The innovative method enabled the detection of particulates and early signs of degradation that are not visible to the naked eye, but can significantly impact battery performance, safety, and lifespan. Haze levels of the solutions increased notably with storage time and exposure to air, confirming the instrument's sensitivity to moisture‑induced changes in electrolyte composition. Measuring low-scattering samples in a standard UV‑Vis transmission compartment can be difficult because scattered light may miss the detector, causing inaccurate measurements. The Cary 60 DRA improves light collection efficiency, making it ideal for low-level haze analysis. As the integrating sphere collects all scattered light, this technique monitors minor changes in electrolyte condition, which is useful for assessing samples stored or transported under different environmental conditions. With the added advantage of automated calculations and reporting through the Agilent Cary WinUV Color software, the method offers a reliable, user-friendly solution for quality control in LIB electrolyte manufacturing and storage. The Cary 60 UV-Vis method helps manufacturers make informed decisions about handling and using electrolytes, ultimately supporting the production of safer, higher‑performing batteries.<h3>2. Metrohm: Determination of olive oil quality parameters and adulteration with NIR spectroscopy&nbsp;</h3>Near-infrared spectroscopy reduces costs and chemical waste<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nir_125_download_be04b478c5.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Olive oil quality depends on many factors, such as time spent processing olives after harvest, the production process itself, and olive variety. Due to its high price, virgin olive oil in particular is one of the most vulnerable vegetable oils for food fraud. Many parameters are used to determine the oil quality including the iodine value, free fatty acids (FFA), refractive index, fatty acid composition, and aging indicators such as peroxide value (PV), K232, and induction time. Traditional analysis techniques for olive oil testing like titration or gas chromatography (GC) often require hazardous solvents which can pose health risks and increase laboratory costs. In contrast to these standard methods, the analysis with nearinfrared spectroscopy (NIRS) helps to increase productivity and reduce costs, providing quick results for olive oil quality control<h4>EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT&nbsp;</h4>A selection of olive oils with varying quality (137 samples) were measured on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=220&amp;search=OMNIS+NIR">OMNIS NIR</a> Analyzer Liquid (Figure 1) in transmission mode (1000–2250 nm) using 8 mm disposable vials. The vial temperature was set and monitored at 40 °C with the built-in vial sensor to ensure consistent measurement performance. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=220&amp;search=OMNIS+software">OMNIS software</a> was used for all data acquisition and prediction model development.<h4>CONCLUSION</h4>This Application Note displays the positive attributes of olive oil analysis with near-infrared spectroscopy. Compared to time-consuming conventional analytical methods, measurements performed with NIRS do not need any sample preparation. This ultimately leads to a workload reduction (Table 3) and reduced costs. Aside from the parameters shown in this Application Note, additional olive oil quality parameters like sterol content or moisture content can also be determined with NIRS.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Evaluation of the Temperature Dependency of Tensile Strength of Electrode Materials for Lithium- Ion Batteries&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00926_en_68e36051d4.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>A thermostatic chamber makes it possible to measure the tensile strength in actual temperature environments.&nbsp;</li><li>Pneumatic flat grips for foil make it possible to reduce the variation in grip force and stabilizing test conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>By using a load cell with a wider accuracy guarantee range than a conventional one, it is possible to perform high-accuracy tests even with a small test force</li></ul>Lithium-ion batteries play an important role in various electronic devices due to their high energy density and excellent charging efficiency. To improve battery performance, battery materials and processing methods are actively being developed. One of the evaluation methods for mechanical properties is strength measurement. The metal (current collector) used in the electrodes of lithium-ion batteries is subjected to tensile force during the manufacturing process. Evaluation of temperature dependence is required because the metal is also subjected to heat during manufacturing. This Application News introduces a workflow consisting of tensile strength evaluation of metal foil used as lithium-ion battery electrodes. The tests were performed under various temperatures to evaluate the temperature dependence of tensile strength. The apparatus used is also described.<h4>Apparatus&nbsp;</h4>Table 1 shows test apparatus configuration. In this experiment, Precision <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AGS+-V">Universal Testing Machine AGS -V</a> was used and pneumatic flat grips for foil were mounted on it. These grips reduce the swing of the grip faces and their surfaces are processed into special shapes. This reduces the risk of fracture of the specimen at the clamped portion when testing a foil specimen. These pneumatic grips make it possible to mount specimens and to make the gripping force constant for each test. To adjust the temperature of the test space, the Compact-type <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TCE-N300A">Thermostatic Chamber TCE-N300A</a> was used. It can be operated by the testing machines operation software TRAPEZIUM X-V. This software can control both the chamber and the testing machine in the same display. This function improves the system convenience.<h4>Conclusion</h4>&nbsp;Tensile tests using the AGS-V were conducted on three kinds of metal foil used as electrodes in lithium-ion batteries in the thermostatic chamber TCE-N300A. The test results show that the strength tended to decrease with increasing the temperature in all materials. The elongation at failure tended to increase at 180 °C for C1100 and at 100 °C and 180 °C for A1N30 and A1070.&nbsp;Pneumatic flat grips for foil make it possible to conduct tests without fracture nor slippage of the specimen at the clamped portion.&nbsp;This measurement enables the temperature dependence of the mechanical characteristics of metal foil used as electrodes for lithium-ion batteries to be easily obtained. It is expected to be applied to solving problems such as material selection and processing methods for lithium-ion batteries.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the Analysis of the Spatial Distribution of Trace Elements in Biological Systems&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_65485_icp_ms_imaging_spatial_distribution_trace_elements_asms2019_po65485_en_138f5f9ad8.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is widely recognized as a powerful technique for the determination of trace elements in a variety of sample types. It is able to directly and quantitatively assess the amount of an element (e.g. toxic elements such as As or Hg, but also essential elements such as Cu, Zn, or Se). In some cases, not only the concentration, but also the lateral distribution can provide important information when investigating biological systems. Laser ablation imaging is becoming a well-established tool to visualize both naturally occurring and artificially introduced trace elements; however, there are challenges to overcome in order to achieve high lateral resolution and image contrast.<h4>MATERIALS AND METHODS</h4><h5>Test Method&nbsp;</h5>For the analysis, a Teledyne CETAC Technologies LSX-213 G2+ laser ablation system was coupled to a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1206">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQ ICP-MS.</a> The iCAP TQ ICP-MS was configured with a high sensitivity interface (Table 1) to ensure the detection of analytes even in low concentrations and small amounts of ablated sample. Prior to the measurements, all plasma and interface related settings were tuned automatically and were fully tailored to the LA-based sample introduction by using the autotune procedures provided in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS) Software.</a><h5>Data Analysis&nbsp;</h5>Both devices (laser ablation system mass spectrometer) were controlled using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra ISDS Software</a>. Through the use of dedicated plug-ins, full synchronization of data acquisition, allowing unattended routine operation for overnight runs, was possible. Data acquisition was accomplished using the tQuant virtual evaluation of the Qtegra ISDS Software. Data reduction and image construction were accomplished using self-developed software<h4>What is Elemental Imaging?&nbsp;</h4>Elemental images or maps refer to an LA-ICP-MS analysis that provides information on the elemental distribution across a two-dimensional area of a sample, for example across the surface of a biological tissue section. As the laser is fired at the sample surface, the sample is moved at a defined and constant rate. This means that the time profile of a line scan can be translated into a distance profile. Gathering multiple profiles across the sample generates a 2D image of the elemental distribution in the sample (3D after moving the laser sampling point in the vertical axis), where signal intensity is directly proportional to concentration.<h4>CONCLUSIONS&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>The LA-ICP-MS system described has been shown to be ideally suited for the high spatial resolution bioimaging analysis of various elements in thin sections in both single and triple quadrupole analysis modes.&nbsp;</li><li>The use of triple quadrupole technology in the iCAP TQ ICP-MS system clearly improves the images produced for analytes such as Ca (through the analysis of 44Ca 16O+ at m/z 60), iron (through the analysis of 56Fe 16O+ at m/z 72) or Se (through the analysis of 80Se 16O+ at m/z 96).&nbsp;</li><li>This also enables a wider dynamic range and cleaner backgrounds to reveal additional structural information not detectable by traditional single quadrupole ICPMS.</li></ul>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 35, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 1st September 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you brochures by Agilent Technologies and Anton Paar, application note by Shimadzu and poster by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Fast and Easy Measurement of Scattering Samples with the Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer</h3>Characterize more samples with your <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+60+UV-Vis">Cary 60 UV-Vis</a> using a diffuse reflectance accessory<ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/br_cary_60_uv_vis_spectrophotometer_5994_8409en_agilent_d4d6f5cb04.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The Agilent Cary 60 UV-Vis spectrophotometer is designed for efficient and accurate routine UV-Vis analysis. When working with scattering samples, traditional transmission measurements can lead to signal loss and inaccurate results. By integrating a diffuse reflectance accessory (DRA), the Cary 60 extends its capabilities to measure scattering samples in both reflectance and transmission modes, ensuring reliable data even with challenging sample types.The Cary 60 UV-Vis DRA uses a 50 mm integrating sphere, seamlessly fitting into the instrument’s sample compartment and allowing setup in less than five minutes. With a range of sample holders—including options for thin films, powders, cuvettes, and filters—the accessory provides maximum flexibility. This versatility enables precise analysis of diverse materials such as films, coatings, powders, and liquids.Applications include solar material evaluation, color and gloss analysis of textiles, paints, inks, and pharmaceuticals, as well as quality control of coatings, optical materials, and electronic components. In transmission mode, the DRA is equally effective for analyzing turbid or translucent samples, making it valuable in industries such as food and beverage, environmental monitoring, and polymer science.Paired with the optional Cary WinUV Color software, the system also supports advanced color measurements, automatically generating QA/QC reports based on recognized color standards. This combination makes the Cary 60 UV-Vis a versatile, user-friendly solution for laboratories that require accurate, reproducible results across a wide range of applications.<h3>2. Anton Paar: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=444&amp;search=Ultratap+500">Ultratap 500</a> Series Automated Tapped Density Analyzers</h3>Near-infrared spectroscopy reduces costs and chemical waste<ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/J49_IP_001_EN_B_Brochure_Ultratap_500_Series_screen_51d4a27e59.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=444&amp;search=Ultratap+500">Ultratap 500</a> Series from Anton Paar sets a new benchmark in tapped density analysis, delivering durability, compliance, and user-friendly operation. Each instrument guarantees up to 25 million taps without loss of calibration and comes with a three-year warranty, ensuring reliable performance and long service life. With automated methods and user management, laboratories can eliminate operator error and achieve consistent, reproducible results.Equipped with a touchscreen interface, Ultratap 500 provides instant access to 24 built-in ASTM, ISO, and USP methods, including USP 616. Users can also define custom methods, while automatic calculations of bulk density, tapped density, Carr’s Index, and Hausner Ratio simplify data evaluation. The system stores up to 1,000 reports and 100 methods, ensuring efficient record management.Flexibility is key: the Ultratap 500 accommodates cylinder volumes from 5 mL to 1,000 mL, supported by TruLock straps for secure attachment. The analyzer is also the quietest in its class—90% quieter than comparable models—with an optional noise reduction cabinet reducing sound by up to 99%.Available in single- and dual-station models, the Ultratap 500 Series offers full compliance with major international standards for powders, pharmaceuticals, catalysts, pigments, and more. With global service support, fast response times, and comprehensive warranty options, Ultratap 500 ensures maximum uptime and trusted results across industries.<h3>3. Shimadzu: High-Speed Measurement of Microplastics Smaller than 100 μm Collected on a Filter and Efficient Analysis&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00994_en_936f28e894.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>It enables high-speed measurements of microplastics (MPs) smaller than 100 µm that are collected on a filter.</li><li>Particle analysis program can identify the types of MPs and easily analyze color-coded by type and counting the number of MPs.</li><li>In addition to calculating the size of MPs (minor axis, major axis, Feret diameter, and area), it can also estimate the volumes and masses of particles</li></ul>Microplastics (MPs) with diameters ranging from a few µm to 5 mm are widely recognized as an environmental problem in marine environments, and reports of MPs smaller than 100 µm in drinking water are attracting particular attention. 1) To confirm the number and shape of MPs smaller than 100 µm and qualitatively analyze them, samples are usually collected on a filter and observed and measured using an infrared or Raman microscope. For that process, mapping measurements of a specified area is simpler than searching for candidate MPs on the filter and performing point measurements, and it reduces the risk of overlooking particles. However, it is more timeconsuming, and it also requires analyzing the MPs after they are measured to identify the candidates, determine their sizes, aggregate the data, and so on. Therefore, a High-Speed mapping program and particle analysis program were developed to reduce the time required for these measurement and data analysis steps. In this example, High-Speed mapping was used to measure a standard MPs sample, and the particle analysis program was used to analyze the distribution of MPs within the sample.<h4>Measurement Conditions and High-Speed Mapping Program</h4>Measurement conditions are listed in Table 1. Mapping measurements are especially useful for measuring samples with many of target objects in the field of view. Normally, they take longer for larger measurement areas or larger numbers of measurement points, but that can be shortened with the HighSpeed mapping program.&nbsp;The program detects peaks based on data from the first scan at each measurement point and the specified noise level and threshold value settings. If no peak is confirmed, the program moves to the next measurement point. (If a peak is confirmed, the same number of measurements is performed as the number of scans specified.)&nbsp;In this example, a peak detection range of 3,200 to 2,800 cm-1 was specified for detecting the signal from hydrocarbons (C-H), and the data from peaks in that range were scanned the specified number of times.<ul><li>Instruments: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=IRTracer-100">IRTracer-100</a>, AIMsight PF Holder (13 mm dia.)</li></ul><h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>MPs that were collected on a filter were measured using an infrared microscope and the High-Speed mapping program. Because the High-Speed mapping functionality can measure locations in which only candidate MPs are present, samples can be measured faster than with regular mapping methods.&nbsp;And with the particle analysis program, candidate MPs can be specified as components to be analyzed, so particle counts and size distributions within measurement areas can be easily determined. This example also showed that the volume and mass of particles can be estimated.&nbsp;Counting MPs smaller than 100 µm while qualitatively analyzing the particles requires an instrument like an infrared microscope, which enables the High-Speed mapping program or particle analysis program to analyze MPs and MPs data more smoothly.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Rolling over interferences: How triple quadrupole ICP-MS facilitates the analysis of challenging samples for electric vehicles&nbsp;</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_001857_tea_electric_icp_ms_ewcps_po001857_em_en_4b2a2ed6a7.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The continuous development of lithium-ion battery technology is a key step to move away from the combustion of fossil fuels at point of use. Lithium based batteries are the most promising, as they provide high capacity, good cycle stability, at moderate cost. To achieve the intended performance, it is of high importance to assure consistent quality and especially purity of the raw materials used. This includes specifically the cathode material (like binary or ternary alloys containing lithium, cobalt, manganese and nickel) and the electrolyte (lithium hexafluorophosphate and organic compounds), but also other components of the battery. This presentation will provide an overview of how triple quadrupole ICP-MS is able to resolve the analytical challenges encountered when analyzing battery material samples. The presentation will include examples from different components of a battery, including raw materials, electrolytes and cathode materials.<h4>Materials and methods</h4><h5>Instrumentation&nbsp;</h5>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1206">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQe ICP-MS system</a> was used for all analyses. To facilitate the direct analysis of highly concentrated solutions, as typically found when working with cathode materials, the instrument was operated using Argon Gas Dilution (AGD) to automatically dilute the sample aerosol using a clean stream of argon gas, delivered directly from the instrument.&nbsp;To achieve the best possible detection limits on typically challenging elements, a slightly different configuration was applied to the same instrument. For these measurements, the instrument was equipped with a PLUS torch, a direct replacement for the standard torch made from a high purity ceramic material. The PLUS torch helps to reduce the backgrounds typically observed for silicon when using quartz torches and is therefore instrumental in achieving the best possible detection limits for this element.<h5>Data Analysis&nbsp;</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution Software</a> was used to operate the instrument and all peripherals, acquire the data and evaluate the results.&nbsp;<h4>Conclusions&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>The use of triple quadrupole ICP-MS and oxygen as a reactive gas provided the advanced performance required for the accurate determination of critical elements, such as arsenic and selenium free from polyatomic interference in a highly complex lithium battery matrix samples showing outstanding analysis performance.&nbsp;</li><li>Triple quadrupole ICP-MS in combination with oxygen as a reactive cell gas is a powerful tool for the analysis of elements having high ionization potentials and numerous spectral interferences.&nbsp;</li><li>Further reduction of the background for silicon is possible when using the PLUS torch, so that significant improvements of the detection limits for silicon can be achieved.</li></ul>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 36, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 8th September 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you brochure by Agilent Technologies, other document by Shimadzu and poster by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Consumable Solutions for Semiconductor Analysis</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/og_csd_semiconductor_analysis_workflow_5994_5101en_agilent_631b673735.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Since the late 1980s, Agilent has worked closely with semiconductor manufacturers and chemical suppliers to advance analytical technologies that support the entire semiconductor supply chain. With instruments such as ICP-MS, ICP-QQQ, GC/MS, and LC/MS, Agilent provides reliable methods for process monitoring, raw material quality control, detection of inorganic and organic impurities, nanoparticle analysis, and compliance with environmental and safety standards.A critical aspect of semiconductor manufacturing is the use of electronic wet chemicals, which must achieve ultra-high purity levels to prevent contamination. These chemicals include general-purpose acids, bases, and solvents, as well as functional reagents like photoresists, etching solutions, and cleaning agents. To ensure accurate impurity detection in these materials, Agilent offers a comprehensive range of consumables designed specifically for ICP-MS and ICP-QQQ systems.The portfolio covers configurations optimized for different chemical environments, including inorganic aqueous reagents, hydrofluoric acid–compatible materials, organic solvent testing, and silicon wafer vapor phase decomposition (VPD). Consumables such as nebulizers, spray chambers, torches, sampler and skimmer cones, and inert sample introduction kits are tailored to withstand aggressive acids, volatile solvents, and high-matrix samples. These solutions not only ensure reliable results but also extend instrument life and minimize downtime.Beyond sample introduction, Agilent provides essential general supplies such as high-purity argon gas filters, waste container kits, cleaning tools, and tuning solutions. Together, these consumables support the robustness and consistency of semiconductor impurity testing workflows, enabling manufacturers to maintain yield and quality in one of the most contamination-sensitive industries.<h3>2. Shimadzu: Perform Microplastics Analysis More Quickly and Accurately</h3><ul><li>Other Document</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/c103_e154_9330a3e4e8.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Shimadzu has introduced new options for the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AIMsight+infrared+microscope">AIMsight™ infrared microscope</a> and the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AIRsight">AIRsight™ infrared/Raman microscope</a>, designed to improve the speed and accuracy of microplastics and contaminant analysis. By adding the new Particle Analysis Program to AMsolution software, users can automatically measure the size, mass, and volume of multiple particles and easily visualize the results through graphs and tables.The program calculates particle dimensions such as major and minor axes, while also estimating mass and volume using a validated theoretical formula based on recent research from Ehime University. This allows laboratories to determine microplastic mass concentrations with high accuracy, a significant improvement over traditional methods. Statistical data, including component ratios and histograms, can be output directly or exported in CSV format, while customizable analysis conditions allow exclusion of unwanted particle types like fibers.To further enhance measurement reliability, Shimadzu offers a Particle Filter (PF) Holder. This accessory secures PTFE or stainless steel membrane filters to prevent sagging during drying, keeping the surface level and ensuring more precise focusing and particle detection.Together, the AIMsight and AIRsight microscopes, combined with the Particle Analysis Program and PF Holder, provide laboratories with a powerful, automated solution for high-throughput, reproducible microplastics research and contaminant monitoring.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Analysis of whole blood samples using triple quadrupole inductivity coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_whole_blood_triple_quadrupole_inductivity_coupled_plasma_ms_icp_po_en_4b667f10bc.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Elemental analysis of blood is essential for clinical research, toxicology, and occupational health studies. While some elements are required for biological function, others can pose health risks when present even at trace levels. Because blood is a complex matrix rich in salts and biomolecules, it presents significant challenges for accurate and reproducible analysis. Triple quadrupole ICP-MS is particularly well suited for this task, offering high sensitivity, robust interference removal, and wide dynamic range.In this study, researchers applied the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1488">Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ MTX ICP-MS</a> equipped with an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1715">iSC-65 Autosampler</a> and operated using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra™ ISDS software</a>. Whole blood samples were diluted 50-fold and analyzed for 43 elements ranging from lithium to uranium. By combining He KED mode with TQ-O₂ mass-shift reactions, the method effectively removed spectral interferences, enabling accurate detection across eight orders of magnitude—from sub-ng/L levels up to 50 mg/L.Performance testing demonstrated excellent accuracy, with results closely matching certified reference materials for whole blood. The setup also showed outstanding robustness, sustaining more than 15 hours of continuous acquisition for 287 samples with minimal drift. The Step Ahead feature of the autosampler reduced analysis time by 9%, while the humidifier and interface maintenance hardware improved stability and minimized downtime. Notably, after over 1,000 sample injections, the sampler and skimmer cones remained clean, underlining the durability of the system.The study also compared human, horse, and pig blood, revealing significant differences in elemental composition between species. These findings highlight the potential of triple quadrupole ICP-MS to accelerate large-scale studies on biological variation and exposure assessment. Together, the iCAP MTX ICP-MS and iSC-65 Autosampler provide a powerful, high-throughput solution for multi-element analysis in one of the most challenging sample types: whole blood.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 37, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 15th September 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application note by Shimadzu and poster by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Shimadzu: Analyzing Microscopic Contaminants Embedded in Recycled Plastic</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01001_en_79904665ce.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Reusing plastic waste is key to achieving a carbon-neutral society, which is why targets have been established for levels of recycled plastic in plastic products. But quality control of recycled plasticsis essential for maintaining the functional properties of plastic productssince impropersorting, transporting, and processing can all lead to contamination of recycled plastic. Determining the type and quantity of contaminants in recycled plastic is important since they can have a significant negative impact on product performance in certain applications.&nbsp;Shimadzu’s infrared microscopes use high-speed mapping analysis to quickly find and characterize contaminants dispersed in recycled plastic, and Shimadzu’s particulate analysis program also provides a convenient and simple tool for determining the morphology and numbers of contaminants.&nbsp;This Application News describes using this equipment and tools to analyze contaminants in recycled plastic material that was formed into a film.<h4>High-Speed Mapping Analysis of Recycled Plastic</h4>For recycled plastic with a relatively simple infrared spectrum, contaminants embedded in the plastic can be analyzed without removing them from the plastic. This is achieved by configuring wavenumber ranges (exclusion ranges) that exclude the peaks of the recycled plastic in the settings of the high-speed mapping software. In this example, a thermal press was used to form recycled plastic composed of PE and PP into a plastic film approximately 100 µm thick. The high-speed mapping settings were then configured to detect peaks in wavenumber regions that contain hydroxyl groups and carbonyl groups that are not normally found in PE or PP. Table 1 shows the analysis conditions in detail. Background readings were obtained from an area of the film with no contaminants.<ul><li>Equipment: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=IRTracer-100">IRTracer-100</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AIMsight+">AIMsight</a>&nbsp;</li><li>Software: AMsolution, high-speed mapping software, particle analysis program</li></ul><h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This Application News describes a simple and rapid method for analyzing and characterizing contaminants in recycled plastic using high-speed mapping analysis with an infrared microscope and data analysis with a particle analysis program. Areas of recycled plastic with no contaminants were scanned once, whereas areas with contaminants were scanned multiple times (50). This allowed a wide area of recycled plastic to be analyzed quickly with minimal noise in the recorded infrared spectra, reducing the analysis time to around just one-fifteenth of the time needed if every part of the recycled plastic was scanned 50 times. Also, using a thermal press to form recycled plastic pellets into a film enabled the efficient characterization of large numbers of contaminants by transmission spectroscopy and the ability to calculate their numbers in the pellets.<h3>2. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Highly sensitive analysis of distillate products per ASTM Method D8110 using single quadrupole ICP-MS</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_highly_sensitive_astm_method_d8110_single_quadrupole_icp_ms_po_en_d7c721bc97.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Control of impurities in the petrochemical industry is an essential step to ensure the quality of the crude, intermediates, and finished products. In many laboratories, the analysis of crude, intermediates, and finished products, including light and middle distillates for trace elements, is accomplished using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) or inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). However, the regulations and specifications for content of elemental impurities are becoming more stringent, which enforces determination of these impurities at lower concentration levels. Due to its higher sensitivity and specificity, ICP-MS is becoming the technology of choice for laboratories. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) issues standard D8110 that outlines the specifications and test method for elemental analysis of distillate products by ICP-MS. Analysis of combustible organic samples like naphtha, vacuum gas oil (VGO), or aviation turbine fuel (ATF) using ICP-MS could be challenging compared to conventional aqueous samples mainly because unexpected and intermittent extinguishing of plasma as well as carbon deposition in the interface region extracting ions into the mass spectrometer. The direct introduction of volatile organics increases the plasma load due to their high vapor pressure, causes destabilization of plasma and results in poor sensitivity and precision of measurements. Carbon-based interference on key analytes, such as chromium or vanadium, cause additional concerns but can typically be overcome using kinetic energy discrimination (KED) on single quadrupole instruments, or other typical gases used in collision/reaction cells1 . This poster discusses a complete workflow developed using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">Thermo Scientific iCAP MSX ICP-MS</a> (Figure 1) for the sensitive determination of elemental impurities in typical distillate samples including light naphtha, heavy naphtha, and crude oil samples.<h4>Materials and methods</h4>An analytical method was developed with single quadrupole ICP-MS (iCAP MSX ICP-MS) for elemental analysis of a range of typical petroleum samples with varying physical and chemical properties.<h5>Data Analysis&nbsp;</h5>The data acquisition and processing were done using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific Qtegra Intelligent Scientific Data Solution (ISDS) Software</a>.<h4>Conclusions&nbsp;</h4>The results obtained from the experiments described in this application note demonstrate the following:&nbsp;<ul><li>The proposed method and instrument set-up for elemental analysis of different petroleum products using the iCAP MSX ICP-MS represents a viable solution for laboratories performing oil and refinery product testing.&nbsp;</li><li>The combination of the sample introduction system together with a uniquely robust plasma generation system and a powerful CRC allows for sensitive analysis and comprehensive interference removal for all elements commonly analyzed in the industry.&nbsp;</li><li>The use of KED with helium provided effective for removal of polyatomic interferences commonly observed in such challenging matrices, as was demonstrated by the detection limits and blank equivalent concentrations (BECs) achieved.&nbsp;</li><li>The method therefore allows the accurate and precise determination of a total of 28 elements in different kinds of distillate products, as was demonstrated by the results obtained in the spike recovery test.&nbsp;</li><li>If needed, other reactive gases can be used in a multi-mode analysis performed during a single aspiration of a sample, including alternative cell gases such as hydrogen. Thanks to the fast gas switching in the QCell CRC, the added time for switching cell gases is often negligible for the overall analysis time per sample.&nbsp;</li><li>The novel design of the sample introduction system of the iCAP MSX ICP-MS allows to easily switch between oxygen addition and the use of argon gas dilution without the need to change gas connections.</li></ul>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 38, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 22nd September 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies and Shimadzu and poster by Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Protein Glycosylation Analysis Using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+630+FTIR">Agilent Cary 630 FTIR</a> Spectrometer</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_ftir_glycosylation_cary_630_5994_8540en_agilent_614efd9fb4.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Protein glycosylation is a crucial post-translational modification (PTM) impacting the efficacy, stability, and integrity of therapeutic proteins, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and other biopharmaceuticals. This process involves attaching sugar molecules, or glycans, to specific amino acid residues on proteins. Glycosylation is classified as a critical quality attribute (CQA) and has important functions in biological processes, impacting protein structure, solubility, and ability to resist proteolytic degradation.1 Therefore, monitoring and controlling glycosylation is essential in developing and producing therapeutic proteins.Various analytical techniques are employed to monitor glycosylation in biopharmaceutical production. These techniques include FTIR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and lectin arrays. However, most of these techniques require time-consuming complex sample preparation steps. Alternatively, FTIR is a robust analytical technique that provides a fast and easy tool for protein research. It is a nondestructive technique used to study protein molecules under different experimental conditions. The building blocks of glycans (monosaccharide/sugars), amide groups of protein, and water molecules produce distinguishable fingerprint absorption bands in FTIR. It has also been used to monitor the carbohydrate content and glycosylation profiles in&nbsp;glycoproteins.2,3&nbsp;In this study, we used an Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer to demonstrate an FTIR spectroscopy method for protein glycosylation analysis. The results show that FTIR spectra of glycoproteins provide an FTIR signal corresponding to the glycosylation profile, allowing a rapid, nondestructive analysis method with minimal sample preparation.<h4>Experimental&nbsp;</h4><h5>Instrumentation&nbsp;</h5>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+630+FTIR">Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer </a>was fitted with a single reflection diamond attenuated total reflection (ATR) module. Data acquisition was carried out with an Agilent MicroLab software using the parameters shown in Table 1.<h4>Results and discussion&nbsp;</h4>Proteins exhibit characteristic amide absorption bands in FTIR spectroscopy, which are related to secondary structure and confirmation. The amide I band (1,600 to 1,800 cm–1) and amide II band (1,470 to 1,570 cm–1) result from the absorption of the carbonyl and N-H group.&nbsp;Glycosylation is one of the common PTMs that occur in biopharmaceuticals. Carbohydrates linked to glycoproteins have an absorption band distinct from the protein amide region. The infrared (IR) absorption of glycan spans broadly in the 1,200 to 950 cm–1 region where proteins have very low signal intensity. It has been demonstrated that the amount of carbohydrates in the glycoprotein correlates with the intensity of these spectral bands.3&nbsp;In this study, various glycosylated proteins with different levels of glycosylation were selected to evaluate the FTIR method. The formulated mAbs contain excipients that can exhibit absorption bands, and these signals may interfere with glycan analysis in the 1,200 to 950 cm–1 region. Therefore, mAb samples were buffer-exchanged with water using spin columns. Figure 3 shows the comparison of FTIR spectra of formulated and buffer-exchanged mAbs. The desalting step is necessary to eliminate buffer interference with the glycosylation measurement.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This application note demonstrates the simplicity and usability of glycosylation analysis using an Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer. The FTIR method provides a spectral variation related to the global glycosylation level of protein, removing the necessity for extensive sample preparation or labeling. It provides a signal corresponding to the glycan profile that allows the identification of glycoproteins and enables rapid comparative glycosylation analysis between innovator and biosimilar therapeutic proteins. The user‑friendly Agilent MicroLab Expert software streamlines data processing and shortens time to results. The technique may be used to verify batch consistency and product quality during the protein production process. Its capability for quick glycosylation estimation makes it an excellent fit for protein quality control workflows. In summary, the FTIR approach provides numerous advantages, including minimal sample preparation, reduced analysis time, and the capacity to analyze intact glycoproteins<h3>2. Shimadzu: Peel Test for Cathode Materials of Lithium-Ion Batteries in a Thermostatic Chamber</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00944_en_88bbab3581.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>A thermostatic chamber makes it possible to measure the adhesion force of cathode materials in actual temperature environments.&nbsp;</li><li>A copper foil peeling test device enables to conduct peel tests while maintaining a 90° angle in a thermostatic chamber.&nbsp;</li><li>By using a load cell with a wider accuracy guarantee range than a conventional one, it is possible to conduct high-accuracy tests even with small test forces.</li></ul>Lithium-ion batteries play an important role in various electronic devices due to their high energy density and excellent charging efficiency. To improve battery performance, materials and processing methods are actively being developed, and strength measurement is one of the essential evaluation methods. This Application News focuses on the adhesion strength of the electrode sheets used as battery electrodes. Fig. 1 shows the structure of an electrode sheet. An electrode sheet consists of an electrode material that adheres to a current collector, through which electrons move. The electrode material is composed of a cathode active material such as lithium iron phosphate and an insulating material known as a binder. When the adhesion between the electrode material and the current collector is weak, the electrode material may delaminate from the current collector, preventing electrons from moving in the electrode sheet and increasing the electrical resistance. Therefore, evaluating the adhesion strength is important for improving battery performance. In this application, test equipment, test conditions, and results of the peel test for battery cathode materials are described. The temperature dependence of the adhesion strength of the electrode materialsis also described.<ul><li>Testing Machine: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=AGS-V">Precision Universal Testing Machine AGS-V</a></li></ul><h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>Peel tests in a thermostatic chamber were conducted using an AGS-V and TCE-N300A for Lithium iron phosphate used as cathode sheet of lithium-ion batteries. From the test results, it was confirmed that the adhesion force between the cathode active material and the aluminum foil increased as the temperature increased. This measurement can easily evaluate the temperature dependence of mechanical characteristics of battery cathodes. This method is expected to be applied to solve problems for improving battery performance.<h3>3. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Assessing the level and distribution of trace elements in individual cells using single cell ICP-MS analysis</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/po_001851_tea_cells_icp_ms_ewcps_po001851_em_en_826dff968d.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Trace elements play a key role in many processes involved in living beings. Some elements are found as constituent elements in biopolymers, such as phosphorous as part of the DNA backbone, or sulfur, as part of the key amino acids methionine and cysteine involved in the formation of proteins covering a wide variety of functions. Other elements (in particular, the transition elements copper, iron, and zinc) are involved in specific functions, such as acting as co-factors in enzymes. However, the distribution of trace elements cannot be assumed to be homogeneous across a cell cohort, even under ideal conditions. Ultimately, cell-tocell variability of the metal content may be an important factor in understanding biological diversity. The analysis of specific biomarkers at the single cell level has therefore gained significant interest in recent years.&nbsp;The analysis of the content of a given metal at the single cell level has remained a challenge. While inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is well known as a powerful and element-selective detection system, it is only recently that its capacity for analyzing individual cells has been recognized.<h4>Methods</h4>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1206">triple quadrupole ICP-MS system</a>, in conjunction with the scQuant plug-in for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution software</a> was used for all measurements.<h4>Conclusions&nbsp;</h4>This poster highlights how ICP-MS operated in the single cell mode can determine the amount of different trace elements in individual cells and can therefore allow not only assessment of the average element mass per cell, but also the element distribution across the cohort.&nbsp;<ul><li>Scanning for multiple elements is possible using a sequential approach, in which all the elements of interest are measured for an identical period in a single aspiration of a sample, and the results are summarized in a single data set.&nbsp;</li><li>The scQuant plug-in allows integrated control over sample delivery devices, in this case, a syringe pump, to facilitate a stable sample flow at the required low flow rates.&nbsp;</li><li>Key method parameters, such as detection sensitivity and transport efficiency can be determined as part of the same Qtegra ISDS Software LabBook or can be independently determined (if no suitable standards are available) and applied to a data set.&nbsp;</li><li>The data visualization features of the scQuant plug-in allow raw data and intermediate data (signal distribution) to be comprehensively evaluated, as well as enabling representation of results in either a histogram or a box plot. All results can be exported in a spreadsheet compatible format if required.</li></ul>

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