<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 17th November 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezGCMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Agilent Technologies</strong>, <strong>LECO,</strong> <strong>Shimadzu</strong> and <strong>Waters Corporation!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Microplastics Characterization in Carbonated Beverages and Apple Juice by Laser Direct Infrared</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_microplastics_carbonated_drinks_juice_8700_ldir_5994_8654en_agilent_1f60f6209c.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>The widespread use of plastic materials in the production, packaging, and distribution of foods and beverages has raised growing concerns about microplastic contamination. Popular beverages bottled in plastic-containing packaging are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to dietary microplastic exposure. Studies have reported microplastic particles in commercial mineral water and soft drinks, often introduced through bottling operations, cap abrasion, or migration from plastic containers and multilayer packaging&nbsp;materials.<sup>1-4</sup></p><p>Carbonated beverages and apple juice are commonly packaged in a variety of container types, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), aluminum cans, glass bottles, and multilayer cartons. Microplastics may shed into the product from the packaging materials or be generated during the preparation and filling stages. Factors like high-speed bottling, carbonation pressure, and storage conditions can further accelerate the release of microplastics into the liquid matrix.<sup>2,5&nbsp;</sup></p><p>Detecting microplastics in complex beverage formulations presents significant analytical challenges, primarily due to the presence of organic matter and mineral constituents in these products. Traditional techniques such as micro-Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (µFTIR) and µRaman spectroscopy can effectively identify and characterize microplastics in beverages, typically following digestion and density separation to avoid matrix-related interferences. Also, method development and sample run times for both techniques are often labor-intensive and low-throughput, limiting the number of samples that can be processed within a given timeframe.</p><p>To address these limitations, the highly automated Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) chemical imaging system (Figure 1) significantly improves sample throughput, enabling the rapid, accurate detection of microplastics in complex matrices following direct filtration. The system uses a Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) that allows rapid and precise scanning across the mid-infrared (MIR) fingerprint region (1,800 to 975 cm–1), providing high-quality spectral data. It also provides high-quality imaging data using two high‑quality visual cameras that are fully controlled by the Agilent Clarity software. The software also includes preset methods such as Particle Analysis to simplify the analysis, as well as data reporting tools to aid interpretation and decision-making.</p><p>This application note demonstrates the use of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8700+LDIR"><strong>8700&nbsp;LDIR</strong></a> for the characterization of microplastics extracted from commercially available carbonated beverages and apple juice packaged in various container types. The particles were analyzed directly on aluminum-coated filters.</p><h4><strong>Results and discussion</strong></h4><h5><strong>Carbonated beverages&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>To locate particles and define their boundaries, the 8700 LDIR automated Particle Analysis workflow conducted an initial rapid scan over a selected area (~16 mm diameter per filter) using a fixed wavenumber (1,442 cm–1). Following detection, the system automatically acquired full infrared spectra for each particle across the spectral range. These spectra were then matched in real time against the Microplastics Starter 2.1 spectral library for identification.&nbsp;</p><p>Although a residue layer was observed on the aluminum‑coated filters following filtration of the carbonated beverages, it did not interfere with the LDIR's particle detection or identification capabilities (Figure 3). As shown in Table 2, microplastics were identified in all three beverage samples, with particle counts of 50, 39, and 384 for samples 1, 2, and 3, respectively (HQI &gt; 0.85).&nbsp;</p><p>PVC was detected across all container types, such as rPET (37 particles), aluminum can (25 particles), and glass, which unexpectedly exhibited the highest particle count (227&nbsp;particles). This may be attributed to the cap liner material (often a multilayer seal designed to prevent oxygen or moisture ingress) or potential cross-contamination during bottling through piping systems. PET microplastics were also identified in all samples, with particle sizes ranging from 20 to 500 µm (Table 2)</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>This study highlights the advantages of using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8700+LDIR"><strong>Agilent 8700 LDIR</strong></a> chemical imaging system for characterizing microplastics in carbonated beverages and apple juice contained in various types of packaging. When consumed, these drinks may serve as potential sources of microplastic&nbsp;exposure.&nbsp;</p><p>The 8700 LDIR enabled a direct on-filter analysis approach that significantly simplified the workflow by eliminating traditional preparation steps such as digestion and density separation, speeding up the analysis. The on-filter method reduced the potential for sample contamination while enhancing recovery rates and sample representativeness by enabling filtration of the entire product volume.&nbsp;</p><p>The two-position filter holder facilitated the automated, sequential analysis of both a procedural blank and sample under identical conditions, supporting an accurate quality control process.&nbsp;</p><p>The automated Particle Analysis method in the Agilent Clarity software was used to detect and process data from microplastics contained on the two filters. The software automatically searched the microplastics IR spectral library to identify the polymer type of each particle, providing a "Hit Quality Index" confidence rating for each result. Using this fast and automated workflow, the 8700 LDIR characterized the microplastic content of the beverages with minimal operator&nbsp;input.&nbsp;</p><p>The detailed chemical and physical information generated for each particle by the 8700 provides valuable insight into microplastic pollution, particularly in food and beverages. This data supports the identification of potential contamination sources and facilitates assessment of their broader environmental and human health impact of microplastics.</p><h3><strong>2. LECO: Determination of Moisture and Ash in Graphite</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/TGA_801_MOISTURE_ASH_GRAPHITE_203_821_676_7d4113f853.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Graphite is a stable form of carbon that exists in nature or can be synthetically produced. Graphite has many applications in our daily lives including its use in pencils, lubricants, electrodes, batteries, and carbon fiber. Synthetic graphite is a man-made substance manufactured by the high temperature processing of amorphous carbon materials. The types of amorphous carbon used as precursors to graphite are many, and can be derived from petroleum, coal, or natural and synthetic organic materials. Synthetic graphite is more pure in terms of carbon content and tends to behave more predictably. Graphite is a very popular material used in electronics and batteries due to its great conductive properties. It is the most commonly used substance to serve as the anode material in lithium-ion batteries due to its relatively low-cost and its energy density. Graphite in the form of carbon fibers is nearly five times stronger than steel and three times lighter. Therefore, carbon fibers and sheets have a wide variety of uses in the manufacturing world, including the automotive, aerospace, military, sporting equipment and construction industries.&nbsp;</p><p>The purity or grade of graphite is directly related to its suitability for different applications. The purer the graphite, the lower the ash content. The ash values of graphite samples can be utilized to compare the relative purity of various grades of graphite. Therefore, ash determination in graphite is a useful quality control process in the graphite industry.</p><h4><strong>Instrument Model and Configuration&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is an analytical technique in which changes in sample mass, due to changes in the physical and chemical properties of materials, is measured as a function of temperature and/or time. TGA is commonly used to determine selected characteristics of materials that exhibit either mass loss, or gain, due to decomposition, oxidation, or loss of volatile materials such as moisture. Macro TGA systems typically use a nominal one-gram sample mass to allow more accurate mass change measurements in heterogeneous materials.&nbsp;</p><p>The LECO <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1-24&amp;search=TGA801"><strong>TGA801</strong></a> is a macro thermogravimetric analyzer designed to determine moisture, volatile and ash content of materials by measuring the change in mass of the sample as a function of the oven temperature while controlling the atmosphere and ventilation rate. The TGA801 allows up to 19 samples to be analyzed simultaneously.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu: Determination of Additive and Trace Elements in Lubricating Oil Using ICP-MS</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00921_en_047409a59a.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>Metal elements in lubricating oil can be accurately analyzed by dilution with organic solvents.</li><li>Solvent-resistant peristaltic pump tubing enables the addition of internal standard elements in-line, even for organic solvent analysis, thereby eliminating the need for manual addition.</li></ul><p>Organic metal compounds are added to lubricating oil to provide various functional properties. Therefore, monitoring the concentrations of these additivesisimportant for ensuring quality control. In addition, the analysis of wear metals and contaminant metals in lubricating oils (engine oils) used in automobiles and shipsis a crucial method for assessing the condition of the engine. Traditionally, these analyses have utilized ICP Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) as outlined in ASTM D4951-141) and ASTM D5185-182). However, for the analysis of trace metal elements that are difficult to detect with ICP-OES, the more sensitive ICP massspectrometry (ICP-MS) is more suitable.&nbsp;</p><p>In this Application News, lubricating oil was diluted with organic solvents, and the additives and trace elements in the oil were analyzed using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ICPMS-2050"><strong>ICP-MS 2050</strong></a> (Fig. 1). To verify the accuracy of the analytical results,spike recoveries were also evaluated.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In this Application News, the analysis of metal elements in lubricating oil was performed using the ICPMS-2050 with the organic solvent injection system. Good spike recoveries were achieved, confirming that trace metal elements in lubricating oil can be accurately quantified with a simple sample preparation involving only dilution with organic solvents. Since it is possible to analyze without the complex procedures required for acid decomposition, the risk of volatilization or contamination of the analytes during the sample preparation process is reduced. Additionally, the use of solvent-resistant peristaltic pump tubing enables the in-line addition of internal standard elements, further reducing the time required forsample preparation.</p><h3><strong>4. Waters Corporation: AAV Aggregate Quantitation and Identification with the Aura System</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/720009095_en_868c97aba9.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) have transformed gene therapies by enabling the targeted delivery of curative genetic payloads.1 However, the amount of AAV material available is consistently in short supply due to its inherently expensive, time-consuming, and laborious production process.<sup>1</sup> Regardless, critical quality attributes still need to be measured throughout development. Subvisible particles are perhaps the most important parameter to monitor because they lead to adverse immunogenicity events. Thus, this data must be provided to the FDA during the review process.<sup>2</sup> Additionally, measuring the stability of the capsid is an indicator of the shelf life and efficacy of the product.&nbsp;</p><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2190"><strong>Aura™ platform</strong></a> is the first ultra-low-volume, subvisible particle analysis system that quantitatively characterizes the stability of different AAV serotypes with as little as 5 µL. This application note demonstrates how several AAV serotypes tend to form large, subvisible aggregates that cannot be predicted using other techniques. It explores the stability and subvisible particle formation in AAV2, AAV5, and AAV8 under different stress conditions and compare the results to stability predictions made by differential scanning calorimetry. In addition, it analyzes the nature of the subvisible aggregates using complete morphological analysis and fluorescence membrane microscopy (FMM) using as low as 10 µL per AAV sample.</p><h4><strong>Results and Discussion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Subvisible particle aggregation was observed as a function of serotype and stress conditions with as little as 10 µL per sample (Figure 1). When unstressed AAV samples (samples processed and measured directly from the vial) were compared to each other, the AAV2 (Figure 1a) sample contained less subvisible particles compared to the AAV5 (Figure 1b) and AAV8 (Figure 1c) samples, respectively. Increased levels of protein aggregation were observed in all AAV samples after stressing the samples at 73 °C for 2 hours, though each serotype produced aggregates with different morphologies. The stressed AAV2 produced well-defined small to large granular particles (Figure 1d) while stressed AAV5 contained large fibrillar structures (Figure 1e). The stressed AAV8 sampled (Figure 1f) denatured into a film-like matrix that spread throughout the membrane, resulting in no discernable subvisible particles but showing complete sample degradation.</p><p>The Aura System detects and distinguishes the particles formed in different AAV serotypes, both in unstressed and stressed samples. The data generated demonstrated that neat, unstressed samples contain visible aggregates and that each AAV serotype forms different types of aggregates, from granular (AAV2), through fibrillar (AAV5) to fully denatured films (AAV8), when they were thermally stressed. Thermally stressing the AAV2 samples at 73 °C for 2 hours produced a significantly lower number of particles compared to the AAV5 and AAV8 samples, respectively</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2190"><strong>Aura platform</strong></a> delivered both quantitative and qualitative protein aggregation information for several AAV serotypes under different conditions with volumes as low as 10 µL per sample. In comparison, this is &lt;30X the volume typically required with the most advanced low volume flow imager and &lt;1000X lower volume than light obscuration systems. The ability to image brightfield (BMI) and fluorescence (FMM) images at the same time also defines what is protein and what is not in the ThT-stained samples. The Aura System helps characterize your AAV samples with the lowest volume requirements, the highest throughput (&lt;1 minute/sample) and reveals the greatest insights into their stability.&nbsp;</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 47, 2025

<h4><strong>A comprehensive analysis of renewable fuel testing technologies, automation, and ISO-compliant proximate analysis</strong></h4><p>The growing demand for renewable energy has increased the importance of accurate biofuel characterization. Biomass feedstocks and finished fuels must be carefully analyzed to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with international standards. LECO analytical instrumentation supports this work through automated and highly reliable analytical technologies.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/TGA_801_Termogravimetricka_analyza_vlhkosti_popela_tekavych_latek_a_ztraty_zihanim_b73c4cf493.jpg" alt="LECO: Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: LECO’s TGA801, used for automated biofuel analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_TGA_801_Termogravimetricka_analyza_vlhkosti_popela_tekavych_latek_a_ztraty_zihanim_b73c4cf493.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1164" height="435"></p><h3><strong>Automated Proximate Analysis with LECO’s TGA801</strong></h3><p>The<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1877"> <strong>LECO TGA801 thermogravimetric analyzer</strong> </a>is designed for automated determination of moisture, volatile matter, and ash content in solid fuels. The system can analyze up to 19 samples simultaneously and combine all three parameters into one automated run, improving efficiency and reproducibility.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_31e96f1c96.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: TGA801 system with ceramic turntable and crucibles for ISO 18123 volatile matter determination." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_31e96f1c96.jpg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="860" height="573"></p><h3><strong>Comparison with ISO Reference Methods</strong></h3><p>To validate the performance of the automated TGA801 system, comparative studies were conducted using internationally recognized ISO reference methods. Moisture determination was compared with ISO 18134, ash content with ISO 18122, and volatile matter with ISO 18123. These standards prescribe specific temperatures and analytical procedures, but also permit automated systems if equivalent performance can be demonstrated.</p><p>The comparison included a broad range of materials such as wood pellets, peat, coal, plastics, and waste-derived fuels. Moisture and ash results generated by the TGA801 showed extremely close agreement with the manual ISO procedures. This strong correlation confirms that automated thermogravimetric analysis can provide the same reliability as conventional methods while greatly increasing throughput and reducing labor requirements.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_3887128788.jpg" alt="LECO: Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: ISO method crucibles for manual volatile determination." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_3887128788.jpg 172w," sizes="100vw" width="1264" height="1145"></p><h3><strong>Volatile Matter Correlation Results</strong></h3><p>For volatile matter analysis, both ISO and TGA procedures measure mass loss during a fixed period at 900 °C. The TGA method introduces an additional heating ramp from the moisture determination step at approximately 105 °C to the higher volatile matter temperature. Despite this procedural difference, the resulting data demonstrated excellent agreement.</p><p>Testing performed on wood pellets showed a strong linear relationship between the ISO and TGA methods with an R² value of approximately 0.94. The maximum deviation observed was only 1.06%, while the average difference between methods was approximately 0.1%. These results confirm the ability of the TGA801 to produce highly accurate volatile matter measurements across a variety of biomass and fuel matrices.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_40f7189cef.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: Correlation and comparative data between ISO methods and LECO TGA analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_2_40f7189cef.jpg 172w," sizes="100vw" width="1065" height="967"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_1_7519e8e646.jpg" alt="LECO Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation: Correlation and comparative data between ISO methods and LECO TGA analysis." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Advancing_Biofuel_Characterization_with_LECO_Analytical_Instrumentation_1_7519e8e646.jpg 228w," sizes="100vw" width="1641" height="1120"></p><h3><strong>Advantages of Automated Biofuel Analysis</strong></h3><ul><li>High sample throughput with simultaneous multi-sample analysis.</li><li>Fully automated workflows reducing operator involvement.</li><li>Integrated determination of moisture, ash, and volatile matter in one run.</li><li>Excellent reproducibility and data consistency.</li><li>Strong agreement with ISO reference methods without additional calibration.</li><li>Improved data security and laboratory efficiency.</li><li>Suitable for research laboratories, industrial quality control, and fuel certification.</li></ul><h3><strong>Automate Your Lab Today</strong></h3><p>LECO analytical instrumentation provides a comprehensive solution for modern biofuel characterization. From calorific value determination and elemental composition analysis to ash fusibility and automated proximate analysis, these technologies support both scientific research and industrial production with fast, reliable, and reproducible results.<br><br>The TGA801 demonstrates how automation can significantly improve laboratory efficiency while maintaining full compliance with ISO reference methods. By integrating moisture, ash, and volatile matter analysis into a single automated workflow, the system reduces labor requirements, increases throughput, and enhances data quality.<br><br>As renewable energy continues to expand globally, advanced analytical systems will remain essential for ensuring fuel quality, supporting regulatory compliance, and driving innovation in sustainable energy technologies. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1877"><strong>Explore the features of the LECO TGA801 today.</strong></a></p>

Advancing Biofuel Characterization with LECO Analytical Instrumentation

Article

Product

Events

Webinars

Application

Academy

Video

Poster

Scientists

Plastics

Environment

Food

Water

Health

Presentation

Scientific article

Interview

Toxicology

Popularization

Science and research

Software

Covid-19

Career

Laboratories

Various

Zaměření

Type of News

Focus

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

A Hands‑On Spectroscopy Workshop in Agilent Wood Dale Center of Excellence

PFAS Seminar Series

Shimadzu at 2026 AOAC Annual Meeting & Exposition

ICP-MS for Hybrid Photoelectrode Characterization

Addressing LC Method Optimization - Scaling For Efficiency, Throughput And Reproducibility

Proteoform Studio software, top down made simple