Characterizing the Elemental Content of Alternative Proteins Using ICP-MS

Significance of the Topic

The rising global demand for protein, driven by population growth, environmental concerns and animal welfare considerations, has spurred the development of alternative protein sources such as plant, fungal, algal and insect-derived products. Comprehensive elemental analysis of these novel foods is crucial to ensure safety, regulatory compliance and accurate nutritional profiling.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the application of an Agilent 7850 ICP-MS system in helium (He) collision mode combined with IntelliQuant screening to characterize and quantify elemental content in four commercially available alternative protein products: cricket powder, reishi mushroom powder, almond flour and chickpea (besan) flour. The aim is to evaluate both regulated trace elements defined by US FDA EAM 4.7 and key nutrient minerals in a single analytical run.

Methodology

• Sample Preparation: Microwave-assisted digestion of powdered samples (0.5–50 g) using a mixed HNO3/HCl acid system to stabilize all target elements, including mercury.
• Interference Control: Use of the ORS4 collision/reaction cell in He mode with kinetic energy discrimination (KED) to remove polyatomic interferences, especially Cl-based species.
• Quantitative Analysis: Simultaneous measurement of 12 regulated elements from EAM 4.7 and major mineral elements (Na, Mg, P, K, Ca, Fe) leveraging the wide dynamic range of the detector.
• Semiquantitative Screening: Quick Scan acquisition in He mode, processed by IntelliQuant software, to detect and estimate concentrations of all measurable elements without element-specific standards.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent 7850 single quadrupole ICP-MS with ORS4 collision/reaction cell (He KED mode).
• Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter software featuring preset methods for Quick Scan and IntelliQuant screening.

Main Results and Discussion

Elemental profiling revealed substantial variation across sample types. Reishi mushroom powder exhibited notably high chromium (15.5 mg/kg), whereas cricket powder, almond flour and besan flour contained <0.2 mg/kg Cr. Concentrations of major minerals also differed significantly: for example, P ranged from 1.03 g/kg in reishi to 9.18 g/kg in cricket powder, and K varied from 1.86 g/kg in reishi to 10.1 g/kg in cricket. IntelliQuant screening successfully identified unexpected elements and confirmed their identity through isotope template matching.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive data in a single run reduces analysis time and resource consumption.
• Robust He KED interference control ensures reliable trace-level quantification across diverse matrices.
• IntelliQuant screening provides rapid semiquantitative insight into non-target elements, enhancing quality control and risk assessment.
• Applicable for regulatory compliance, product development and routine quality assurance in food laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

• Expansion of multielement screening panels to include emerging contaminants and nutritionally relevant trace elements.
• Integration with automated sample preparation and data management systems for high-throughput analysis.
• Development of standardized methods tailored to novel protein matrices and complex food formulations.
• Application of advanced data analytics and machine learning to interpret large-scale elemental datasets.

Conclusion

The combination of Agilent 7850 ICP-MS in He KED mode with IntelliQuant screening offers a versatile and efficient approach for full elemental characterization of alternative protein products. This methodology supports accurate quantification of regulated and essential elements, simplifies interference control, and enhances the detection of unexpected species, thereby contributing to improved food safety and quality control.

References

1. Nelson J, McCurdy E. ICP-MS Analysis of Heavy Metals and Other Trace Elements in Alternative Proteins Per US FDA EAM 4.7. Agilent publication 5994-5303EN.
2. Nelson J, et al. Determination of Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Alternative Meats Per EAM 4.7 Method for ICP-MS. Agilent publication 5994-5181EN.