News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 10, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 3rd March 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!

👉 SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES

👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into LabRulezLCMS or LabRulezGCMS libraries.

This week we bring you technical note by Agilent Technologies, brochures by Anton Paar and Bruker and application notes by Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!

1. Agilent Technologies: Getting the Most from Your Sample Data with the Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System

Data management and analysis options for microplastic analysis 

• Technical Overview
• Full PDF for download

Microplastics have gained significant attention in the field of environmental analysis as the threats associated with their contamination of soil, air, and water are more fully understood. Chemical identification, number, size, and shape of microplastics are key characteristics that researchers look for in analytical samples. Given the diversity of these characteristics, streamlined, easy-to-use, and hands-off analytical software is key for high-throughput sample analysis. The amount of data generated during an analysis is also highly dependent on the matrix and, in some cases, the data from multiple thousands of particles will be collected and stored. As microplastic analysis becomes more established, being able to manage the large amount of data and images generated from a regular analysis is becoming increasingly important. 

The Agilent 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System and Agilent Clarity software together provide users with a fast, automated workflow that locates, images, measures, and identifies microplastics without the need to export data to other external software or perform extra analyses. This means that samples can be analyzed and understood even by users who are new to the software or have little understanding of spectroscopic techniques. Clarity software also provides options to examine results in more detail where a deeper understanding is required, and it provides a straightforward archiving process that allows users to store and move their data to a data storage location of their choice. This technical overview describes how Clarity software presents its data, and the options available to users for further analysis and data storage.

Conclusion

The Agilent 8700 LDIR chemical imaging system and Agilent Clarity software provide an end-to-end, fully automated workflow for detecting and identifying microplastics. The data generated by this workflow are also presented to the user in a clear and readily available format that meets the requirements of existing and emerging standardized testing methodology, meaning samples can be understood in an instant, even by users without a spectroscopic background. Equally important is the ability to manage the large amount of data that is typically generated by microplastic analysis. Clarity provides intuitive data archiving and export options, which allow samples and sample data to be transferred from the instrument PC to user-defined secure storage locations for further analysis or to free up storage space. If further analysis is required, Clarity data can be exported in various common formats. The 8700 LDIR makes the analysis of microplastics fast, easy, and effective.

2. Anton Paar: Solutions for Chemists - Sample Preparation

• Brochure
• Full PDF for download

Superior trace elemental analysis begins with outstanding sample preparation. Our microwave solutions are based on more than 50 years of sample preparation experience. The instrument range covers all applications.

Multiwave GO Plus: Ready, steady, go! 

Multiwave GO Plus is the world’s smallest, most economic microwave for digestion. It combines the best of two technologies: the fast heating of a monomode reactor, and the capacity to heat up multiple samples like a multimode system due to its patented (EP2854478 B) Directed Multimode Cavity (DMC).

Benefits

• Automatic adaption of the microwave field to the number of filled or empty positions
• Sample cooling in less than eight minutes for a fully loaded 12-position rotor, e.g. for EPA methods
• Unique pressure-release vessels (SmartVent technology) consisting of only three parts

Multiwave 3001 and Multiwave 5001: One system, endless possibilities 

Multiwave 5001 is designed for acid digestion and acid leaching of samples with varying difficulty or volume, as well as applications such as evaporation, microwaveinduced oxygen combustion, and extraction. Adapt the system according to your needs thanks to the broad portfolio of rotors and accessories. Multiwave 3001 is your versatile, economic option for most microwave digestion applications. Multiwave 5001 can be integrated into Anton Paar’s lab execution software AP Connect. The system also has certified safety features.

Benefits

• Comprehensive method library with full-text search
• Customizable and intuitive user interface
• Unique hands-free door opener
• For the highest throughput to boost your productivity

Multiwave 7101, Multiwave 7301, and Multiwave 7501: Demanding samples, easy digestion 

Multiwave 7101/7301/7501 offer complete digestion for all kinds of samples in a single run, using the same method. The pressurized digestion cavity (PDC) for temperatures up to 300 °C and pressures up to 199 bar will optimize your sample preparation workflow.

Benefits

• Budget-friendly, pressure-sealed vials with plugon caps
• Different volumes and racks with up to 28 positions to maximize sample throughput
• Compact design with integrated cooling system to minimize cooling time
• Ready-to-use methods and customized application support

3. Bruker Optics: Bruker ALPHA II - A compact FT-IR spectrometer for everyone

• Brochure
• Full PDF for download

The ALPHA II is robust 

An FT-IR spectrometer for chemical analysis. It is compact, robust and easy to use. It neatly fits into any lab and offers outstanding quality in every aspect. This means quality in its spectral performance, but also in its hardware and durability. It is your reliable partner in every situation. 

The ALPHA II is easy to use 

Whether you operate the ALPHA II in a small laboratory with professional staff or utilize it in a large industrial hall with ever changing users, Bruker’s ALPHA II is “plug and play” and always offers the same, easy-to-understand workflows. 

The ALPHA II offers stability

The ALPHA II provides stability during a hectic workday as its consistency and reliability offer true peace of mind. It establishes trust, helping you focus on the things that matter, instead of tedious maintenance tasks.

QuickSnap^TM? Quick Start!

The ALPHA II’s design follows your application. It lets you chemically analyze any kind of sample, may it be solid, liquid or gas. Valuable paintings, brilliant diamonds, or microplastics. 

At the core of this approach are the QuickSnapTM sampling modules, which allow the instrument to be tailored to the specific analytical task. These modules are safely and securely locked into place, making the ALPHA II a dedicated analyzer. 

Unbeatable Reliability. Peace of Mind. 

The ALPHA II will provide reliable chemical analysis for many years with low running costs. The CenterGlow™ infrared source has a lifetime of greater than 5 years and offers ideal intensity. Furthermore, the ALPHA II offers 10 years warranty on the interferometer, laser, and diamond ATR module. We use only the highest quality materials to create instruments of the maximum reliability, giving our customers piece of mind.

4. Shimadzu: Quantitative Analysis of High-Concentration Samples without Dilution - Introducing the UV-2700i Plus

• Application note
• Full PDF for download

User Benefits:

• With its double monochromator and low stray light diffraction gratings, the UV-2700i Plus can analyze high-concentration samples at up to 8 Abs without dilution or other sample preparation steps.
• The spectrum-based quantitative analysis feature enables viewing and considering the entire absorbance spectrum during quantitative analysis.

UV-Vis spectrophotometers are used for quantitative analysis of analytes in solutions or to assess optical components. When quantitatively analyzing analytes in solutions, UV-Vis spectrophotometers measure absorbance since this varies proportionally with analyte concentrations. However, at absorbances greater than 2 Abs, most UV-Vis spectrophotometers cannot maintain the linear relationship between analyte concentrations and absorbance due to the impact of stray light (light outside the wavelength that is being used for analysis). This can be addressed by diluting the sample, which reduces the concentration of the analyte to a level that can be measured by the instrument. (For solids, the sample is cut into a thin section.) 

The UV-2700i Plus UV-Vis spectrophotometer, however, has two diffraction gratings (a double monochromator) that diffract light and uses low stray light diffraction gratings that enable it to measure absorbances of up to 8 Abs.* This wide dynamic range makes it suitable for quantitatively analyzing samples that are not easy to dilute and for assessing the transmission characteristics of low-transmission samples. This Application News article describes using the UV-2700i Plus to analyze a high-concentration sample and also the spectrumbased quantitative analysis feature available in LabSolutions UV-Vis, Shimadzu’s control software for UV-Vis spectrophotometers. 

* Measurements of up to 8 Abs are in the wavelength range of 400 to 650 nm

Overview of Equipment and Quantitative Analysis Features

The UV-2700i Plus (Fig. 1) has Shimadzu’s low stray light diffraction gratings (marketed as Lo-Ray-Ligh® gratings), which increase its measurement range up to 8 Abs (0.000001 % transmission). This wide measurement range enables more detailed analysis and eliminates the need for dilution and other complex sample preparation steps. Also, the LabSolutions UV-Vis control software for Shimadzu UVVis spectrophotometers has features that many users need. In addition to the standard quantitative analysis feature that creates a calibration curve from measurements taken at predetermined wavelengths, it offers a spectrum-based quantitative analysis, which records complete absorption spectra before creating a calibration curve at any specified wavelength. The standard quantitative analysis feature is suited to routine analysis as it only measures absorbance at a predetermined wavelength (or vicinity), giving shorter analysis times. However, the spectrum-based quantitative analysis feature records the entire absorbance spectrum, allowing users to investigate which absorbance wavelength is optimal for quantitative analysis of a specific analyte and then tailor the analysis conditions based on knowledge of the effects of impurities on absorption. So it is ideal when analyzing samples for the first time or when sample contamination is a concern.

Conclusion

This Application News article describes quantitative analysis of a high-concentration sample of potassium permanganate solution. It showed that the double monochrometer and the low stray light diffraction gratings of the UV-2700i Plus UV-Vis spectrophotometer enable it to perform quantitative analysis at absorbances of up to 8 Abs. The spectrum-based quantitative analysis feature included with LabSolutions UV-Vis can check for peak saturation across the absorbance spectrum and use this information to select an absorption wavelength that will create a calibration curve with good linearity across the sample concentration range.

5. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Assessing the level and distribution of selenium in selenized yeast cells using single cell ICP-MS analysis 

• Application note
• Full PDF for download

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-to-cell 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. 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.

This application note demonstrates how single cell ICP-MS can help to determine the presence of individual trace elements using selenized yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) as an example. Selenium supplementation with enriched yeast has been proposed as a preventive measure to reduce the incidence of cancer among the general public; however, a clearly identified compound or a conclusive mechanistic explanation has not yet been found.1,2 Selenium can be present in a wide range of chemical forms in yeast, including organic (i.e., selenomethionine), and inorganic species (selenite and selenate), as well as selenium-containing nanoparticles.3 As the identification of the species involved in a given cell culture requires the use of hyphenated techniques such as HPLC-ICP-MS, the use of a direct approach to scan the selenium content (and its variability under given conditions) can be viewed as an interesting option for characterization directly in fermentation processes. This can be accomplished using ICP-MS operated in a so-called single cell acquisition mode that allows direct analysis of a dilute cell suspension, the number concentration of which typically does not exceed 50,000 cells per mL of solution. In a time-resolved analysis of typical duration below 5 minutes, several hundred individual cells can be analyzed for trace elemental content of multiple analytes, and the results can be displayed using a mass distribution histogram or alternative visualization approaches, including, for example, box plots.

Experimental 

A Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ TQ ICP-MS was used for all measurements. The instrument was equipped with a specialized nebulizer and spray chamber to allow the introduction of single cells with high transport efficiency (Glass Expansion, Port Melbourne, Australia). To achieve this, the sample flow rate had to be reduced significantly, such that sample delivery was accomplished using a syringe pump (Chemyx, Stafford, Texas, USA) instead of the conventional peristaltic pump commonly used. The Thermo Scientific™ scQuant Plug-in available for the Thermo Scientific™ Qtegra™ Intelligent Scientific Data Solution™ (ISDS) Software was used for method creation and data evaluation. The Qtegra ISDS Software also contains a dedicated plug-in to integrate the operation of the syringe pump into the overall workflow, so that manual steps, for example rinsing, priming the system, and starting the sample delivery for data acquisition, can be accomplished in the main user interface of the Qtegra ISDS Software.

Conclusion

This application note 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. This is made possible by the scQuant Plug-in for the Qtegra ISDS Software. The core features of this software tool provide the following benefits to the user:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.