News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 24, 2025

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 9th June 2025? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!

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This week we bring you technical note by Agilent Technologies, application note by LECO and brochure by Shimadzu!

1. Agilent Technologies: Rapid, Simple, and High-Throughput Nutritional Phenotyping of Pulse Crops 

Evaluating nutrients using the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer

• Technical note
• Full PDF for download

Pulse crops (such as chickpeas, lentils, and dry peas) are high in nutritional content, including plant-based protein, low-digestible carbohydrates, and many micronutrients.^1,2 Pulse crops are therefore a foundational focus in agriculture, with breeding programs requiring optimized workflows to improve turnaround times and nutritional quality. Furthermore, the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) and gene pathways for use in pulse crop breeding requires extensive amounts of phenotypic data.^3,4 Workflow optimization is key to ensure lower costs and rapid data acquisition, and therefore, the potential for more efficient crop generation. Compared to traditional methods of nutritional phenotyping, high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) aims to be less expensive, simpler to use in the field, and can provide significantly more data for predictive decision making. 

FTIR spectroscopy has emerged as a highly promising, high-throughput method for nutritional phenotyping of pulse crops. FTIR requires minimal labor and sample preparation with rapid turnaround time (one to two minutes). This is in contrast to the complexity, expense, and longer turnaround times of traditional techniques such as GC/MS or enzymatic methods. Moreover, sample destruction is greatly reduced in FTIR, better facilitating reruns when required.^5,6 

Studies have shown that the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer (Figure 1) can successfully be used for pulse crop phenotyping, providing a simple, high-throughput, and low-cost means of obtaining phenotypic data.^5–8 Operation of the system is easy and intuitive, and the need for data analysis and interpretation is minimal, reducing the requirement for skilled personnel and training cost. 

This overview demonstrates the promising value of the Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer in pulse crop phenotyping for improved breeding program workflows. When combined with an Agilent Cary 630 FTIR diamond attenuated total reflectance (ATR) module, this spectrometer was successfully used to robustly and reliably predict protein quality and digestibility, as well as fatty acid and starch composition, in pulse crops.

Quantification model development for nutritional phenotyping in pulse crops (selected examples) 

Protein quality and digestibility in chickpea, dry pea, and lentil flours 

Pulse crops are an increasingly popular source of plant-based protein. Therefore, protein quality and digestibility are key phenotypic traits targeted by breeding programs. Pulse crops are known to be low in sulfur-containing amino acids (SAAs) L-methionine and L-cystine.⁹ To improve nutritional content, there is a focus on producing varieties that are higher in SAAs. In addition, breeding programs require data on protein digestibility, or the fraction of protein that can be digested to release essential amino acids. Digestibility is influenced by secondary structures (alpha and beta sheets), with a lower fraction of beta sheets tied to higher digestibility.¹⁰ 

Typical methods for amino acid analysis often require two to three days for sample digestion followed by quantification using HPLC. Digestibility is generally determined using the PDCAAS assay, which involves extensive sample preparation and expensive laboratory procedures. These analysis techniques require highly trained personnel and create bottlenecks in breeding programs that prevent high-throughput data acquisition. 

The use of a Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer was demonstrated to be a successful and efficient approach for analyzing protein, including SAAs and digestibility. Multivariate models for protein analysis show good predictive accuracy and fit (R2 ≥ 0.815; Table 1).⁷ Additionally, t-tests revealed no significant differences between actual and predicted protein and SAA concentrations (α = 0.05).⁷

Conclusion 

With the increasing worldwide demand for pulse crops, nutritional phenotyping of these food sources is vital to ensure efficient and effective breeding programs. Furthermore, with the advent of molecular breeding technologies (for example, marker-assisted backcrossing and genome-wide association studies), there is a need for the efficient collection of large phenotypic datasets. However, traditional phenotyping methods often require complex and time-consuming workflows that involve expensive equipment and chemicals. This leads to low-throughput results that are not suitable to the needs of pulse breeding programs. 

Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is emerging as a promising alternative to these traditional methods. The Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer is designed to deliver high-throughput results in an ultra-compact, affordable, and simple-to-use package. Operation requires little to no technical training, and analysis is made simple with the powerful MicroLab software, which includes visually guided workflows and color-coding for rapid and easy interpretation of results. 

Studies have shown that the Cary 630 FTIR can successfully analyze and predict nutritional phenotypic traits in pulse crops, including proteins ^7,8, fatty acids⁵ , and starches⁶ .By implementing more rapid and cost-effective analyses into workflows with a Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer, breeding programs have the potential to accelerate genomic discoveries and decrease generation times. Moreover, these solutions can also provide opportunities for the expansion of programs into under-resourced countries for improved nutritional gains.

2. LECO: Determination of Carbon and Nitrogen in Carbon Black and Graphite 

• Application note
• Full PDF for download

Carbon black is a material produced by the incomplete combustion or thermal decomposition of petroleum products such as ethylene cracking tar, vegetable matter, or other hydrocarbons under controlled process conditions. Carbon black is used as a reinforcing filler in tires, as well as in belts, hoses and other non-tire rubber products. It is used as a color pigment in paints, plastics, coatings, and printing inks. The total Carbon content of Carbon black is a requirement for the calculation and reporting of Carbon dioxide emissions. It can also be used in calculations to estimate the yield of the process. Determining Nitrogen content helps Carbon black manufacturers ensure the quality and consistency of Carbon black production. Nitrogen levels are used in the optimization of the production process and are an indicator of the presence of desirable char structures. 

Graphite is a crystalline form of the element Carbon, consisting of stacked layers of graphene. It is a stable form of Carbon that exists in nature, or it can be synthetically produced. Graphite has many applications in our daily lives including its use in pencils, lubricants, electrodes, batteries, and Carbon fiber. The determination of Carbon content in graphite is used to determine the purity of graphite materials and is a general indicator of the quality and material properties, including electrical conductivity and lubrication capabilities. Carbon determination is also used by graphite producers to monitor and optimize the graphitization process to ensure the desired graphite quality and material properties. Nitrogen determination in graphite materials provides insight into the material's catalytic potential for use in fields such as energy conversion and environmental protection.

Instrument Model and Configuration 

The LECO CN928 is a macro combustion Carbon and Nitrogen determinator that utilizes a pure Oxygen environment in a high-temperature horizontal ceramic combustion furnace, utilizing ceramic boats designed to handle macro sample masses. A thermoelectric cooler removes moisture from the combustion gases before they are collected in a ballast. The gases equilibrate and mix in the ballast before a representative aliquot (3 cm³ or 10 cm³ volume) of the gas is extracted and introduced into a flowing stream of inert carrier gas (Helium or Argon) for analysis. The aliquot of gas is carried through a heated reduction tube, filled with Copper, to convert Nitrogen Oxide combustion gas species (NO_x) to Nitrogen (N²). The aliquot gas is then carried to a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) cell for the detection of Carbon (as CO₂) and a thermal conductivity cell (TC) for the detection of Nitrogen (N₂).

Thermal conductivity detectors work by detecting changes in the thermal conductivity of the analyte gas compared to a reference/carrier gas. The greater the difference between the thermal conductivity of the carrier gas and the analyte gas, the greater the sensitivity of the detector. The CN928 supports either the use of Helium or Argon as the instrument's carrier gas. When used as a carrier gas, Helium provides the highest sensitivity, and the best performance at the lower limit of the Nitrogen range. The thermal conductivity difference between Argon and Nitrogen is not as great as the thermal conductivity difference between Helium and Nitrogen, therefore the detector is inherently less sensitive when using Argon as a carrier gas. 

The LECO CN928 offers the additional advantage of utilizing either a 10 cm³ aliquot loop or a 3 cm³ aliquot loop within the instrument's gas collection and handling system. The 10 cm³ aliquot loop optimizes the system for the lowest Nitrogen range and provides the best precision. The 3 cm³ aliquot loop extends reagent life expectancy by approximately three-fold when compared to the 10 cm³ aliquot loop, while providing the lowest cost-per-analysis with minimal impact on practical application performance. 

Note: When changing carrier gas type, the flow needs to be adjusted following instructions provided in the 928 Series Operator's Instruction Manual. The aliquot loop size is changed by selecting the desired aliquot loop size in the software's Method Parameters.

TYPICAL RESULTS

Data was generated utilizing a linear, full regression calibration for Carbon determination and a linear, force through origin calibration for Nitrogen determination, using fractional masses (0.17 g to 0.30 g) of LECO 502-642 (Lot 1020) LCRM Phenylalanine (65.45% C, 8.46% N). The calibrations were verified using LECO 502-896 (Lot 1007) LCRM EDTA (41.14% C, 9.59% N). Carbon black samples were dried at ~125 °C for at least one hour prior to analysis in accordance with ASTM D7633. Graphite samples were dried at ~105 °C for one hour prior to analysis. Dried samples were stored in a desiccator until used for analysis (within 24 hours). Samples were weighed and analyzed at ~0.20 grams.

3. Shimadzu: Tabletop Precision Universal Testing Machines - AUTOGRAPH AGS-V Series

• Brochure
• Full PDF for download

The Shimadzu AUTOGRAPH AGS-V Series represents a new generation of tabletop precision universal testing machines, engineered for safer, more efficient, and higher-quality materials testing. Drawing on over a century of experience in testing machine innovation, Shimadzu designed this series with advanced safety features, intuitive usability, and cutting-edge performance to meet the evolving needs of modern laboratories and production environments.

Key safety innovations include a high-durability protection cover, intelligent crosshead with collision detection, and multiple interlock and emergency stop functions—ensuring operator safety even during complex setups and adjustments. The intuitive touchscreen controller allows users to perform standard tensile, compression, and bending tests directly, with results easily saved to USB, while voice-guided operation and customizable audio feedback help reduce operator error.

With a high-speed data sampling rate of 5 kHz and a test force accuracy guaranteed down to 1/1000 of load cell capacity, the AGS-V Series delivers superior precision and reliability across an exceptionally wide range of test conditions and materials. The system supports a wide range of extensometers, non-contact video strain measurement, and temperature-controlled testing, making it ideal for industries ranging from aerospace and automotive to food and pharmaceuticals.

Complemented by TRAPEZIUM X-V software, users benefit from an intuitive visual workflow, automated reporting with synchronized video evidence, and seamless integration with LabSolutions™ for regulatory compliance. Combined with versatile accessories and scalable options, the AUTOGRAPH AGS-V Series ensures laboratories are equipped for high-throughput, high-accuracy mechanical testing—today and into the future.