<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 16th February 2026? 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>Metrohm,</strong> <strong>Shimadzu </strong>and<strong> Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Quality Assessment of Saffron by UV‑Vis Spectroscopy in Accordance with ISO 3632</strong></h3><p><strong>Integrated quantitative analysis using an </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500+UV-Vis"><strong>Agilent Cary 3500 UV-Vis</strong></a><strong> and </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+UV+Workstation"><strong>Cary UV Workstation</strong></a></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_saffron_uv_vis_cary_5994_8611en_agilent_92d74b2cbd.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Saffron is the world's most expensive spice, with its price per gram dependent on quality, origin, and purity. It is renowned for its vibrant color and distinctive flavor—attributes that contribute significantly to its culinary appeal. However, saffron's high market value and limited production make it vulnerable to adulteration, quality degradation, and mislabeling, all of which pose a risk to consumer health, safety, and trust.&nbsp;</p><p>Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy is a rapid, reliable analytical technique suitable for assessing spice quality by quantifying bioactive molecular markers. In saffron, crocin is the carotenoid compound responsible for color intensity, picrocrocin is the primary bittering agent, and safranal is the key contributor to aroma.&nbsp;</p><p>In this application note, we used an Agilent Cary 3500 UV-Vis spectrophotometer and Agilent Cary UV Workstation software to analyze a commercial saffron sample. The aim of the study was to grade the quality of the sample in accordance with ISO 3632-1:2025 and ISO 3632-2:2010 Spices — Saffron (Crocus&nbsp;sativus L.).<sup>1,2</sup> These well-established industry standards provide specifications and test methods for the analysis of dried saffron, including filaments, cut filaments, and powder. The standardized test methods outlined in ISO&nbsp;3632-2 support the classification and quality evaluation of saffron. The methods relate to the determination of moisture and volatile matter content (clause 7), crushing and sieving of samples for tests (clause 10), and the determination of the main characteristics using a UV-Vis spectrometric method (clause 14). Based on these evaluations and the quality criteria defined in ISO 3632-1:2025, saffron samples can be categorized into four commercial grades: Extra Class (EC), I, II, and III, with EC indicating the highest quality. &nbsp;</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><h5><strong>Instrumentation&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>The blank cuvette and aqueous extract of sample cuvette were loaded in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500+UV-Vis"><strong>Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis</strong></a> (Figure&nbsp;1), which was operated using the parameters listed in Table 1. The instrument is powered by a xenon flash lamp that requires no warmup time and enables a full spectrum scan to be collected in under a second. The lamp includes a 10-year replacement warranty, minimizing the frequency and cost of replacement. The Cary 3500's modular design approach enables the spectrophotometer series to be configured towards varying sampling flexibility and scalability needs. For single sample applications and laboratories with reduced bench-space, the Cary 3500 Compact UV-Vis allows a user to measure a single sample and reference in ambient or temperature-controlled configuration. This application can also be conducted on the Cary 3500 Flexible UV-Vis, which has a larger-sized compartment for liquid and solid sample measurements, and for use with accessories.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis spectrophotometer combined with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+UV+Workstation"><strong>Agilent Cary UV Workstation software</strong></a> provided precise quantification of color, taste, and aroma through the measurement of crocin, picrocrocin, and safranal compounds, respectively. The method supports the quality assessment of saffron in accordance with the ISO 3632 industry standard, enabling reliable grading of commercial samples while also flagging potential cases of adulteration, degradation, or mislabeling.&nbsp;</p><p>The Cary 3500 UV-Vis uses a reliable, long-lasting xenon flash lamp that requires no warmup time, allowing immediate operation and acquisition of full spectral scans for blank and saffron samples in under a second. These capabilities support high-throughput analysis of spices through the precise measurement of compound-specific absorbance&nbsp;peaks.&nbsp;</p><p>Using built-in spectral tools, automated calculations, and clear reporting features, the Cary UV Workstation significantly simplified the sampling-to-reporting workflow for saffron analysis. Customized calculations defined in ISO 3632 accelerate data processing and reduce calculation errors. The software also delivers results via a user-friendly interface, ideal for traceability.&nbsp;</p><p>Together, the Cary 3500 UV-Vis and Cary UV Workstation delivered significant time-savings by minimizing time spent analyzing data and allowing more time for quality assurance of samples. The Cary 3500 system provides an efficient solution for the determination of the main characteristics saffron in accordance with clause 14 of ISO 3632-2:2010.</p><h3><strong>2. Metrohm: Feed analysis with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)</strong></h3><p><strong>Simple, fast multiparameter determination of animal feed</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nir_127_download_b6b6969944.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Livestock production is a complex process involving many independent and integrated operations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the foundations for successful livestock production are the availability of animal feed and efficient feeding. Quality control (QC) of feed and feed ingredients is crucial to ensure the production of safe and nutrient-rich animal feed. Typical QC parameters measured during the production of feed are fat, moisture, protein, fiber, ash, and starch. However, analyzing these parameters is usually done with wet chemistry, requiring different time-consuming procedures, complex analysis methods, and costly chemical reagents. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers rapid and reliable prediction of fat, moisture, protein, fiber, ash, and starch content of different feed types in a few seconds without any sample preparation.</p><h4><strong>EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT</strong></h4><p>Around 500 samples of feed (e.g., for poultry, swine, cattle, goats, and sheep) were analyzed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=56&amp;search=OMNIS+NIR"><strong>Metrohm NIR Analyzer</strong></a>. All measurements were performed in reflection mode using the large cup. The samples were measured in rotation to collect spectral data from several areas. Spectral averaging of signals from various spots helped to reduce influences from sample inhomogeneity. Metrohm software was used for all data acquisition and prediction model development.</p><h4><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></h4><p>This Application Note demonstrates the feasibility to determine multiple key quality parameters of feed with NIRS analysis. Several analytical methods are usually required to measure starch, ash, fiber, protein, moisture, and fat in animal feed (Table 4). NIR feed analysis offers an easier alternative with high accuracy and real-time results.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu: Online TOC Measurement for Ultra-pure Water in Semiconductor Industries</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_01068_en_169a321574.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>Enables stable measurement of ultra-pure water with TOC concentrations below 1 μg/L.</li><li>The large color touch panel and compact body make operation easy.</li><li>The Active-Path structure, which integrates the lamp and sample flow path, enables high oxidation performance.</li></ul><p>The semiconductor manufacturing process involves various stages such as wafer production, film formation, photolithography, etching, and resist stripping, each of which involves cleaning steps. Even minimal contamination on the semiconductor surface can impact product quality and yield, making it crucial to effectively remove dirt and impurities during cleaning. For this reason, the purity of the cleaning water used in these cleaning processesis extremely important. The recent trend towards ever-smaller, higher-capacity semiconductors means that ultra-pure cleaning water, thoroughly free of organic and other impurities, has become essential.</p><p>Typically, ultra-pure water is produced by first purifying tap or groundwater to produce pure water, and then further refining it into ultra-pure water. Impurities in water include organic and inorganic substances, particles, as well as microorganisms. Various methods, such as activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, ultraviolet lamps, and ion exchange resins, are used in combination to purify water into ultra-pure water.&nbsp;</p><p>Maintaining the quality of ultra-pure water used for semiconductor cleaning is critical. The online TOC analyzer for ultra-pure water, TOC-1000e S (Fig. 1), enables highly sensitive TOC measurement with a detection limit of 0.02 μg/L using UV oxidation and conductivity measurement methods. This application presents the features and functions of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC1000e+S"><strong>TOC1000e S</strong></a>, along with examples of online measurements of ultrapure water.</p><h4><strong>Features of </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=TOC1000e+S"><strong>TOC-1000e S&nbsp;</strong></a></h4><p>The TOC-1000e S is an ultra-compact device that can be installed on a tabletop, wall, or pole mount. The front panel features a large color touch panel that is highly visible even in dark environments, enabling easy operation. An excimer lamp (mercury-free) that emits high-energy ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 172 nm is used as the light source for the oxidation section. To ensure the oxidation of organic compounds, TOC-1000e S uses a unique structure called Active-Path, which integrates the excimer lamp and the sample flow channel. In a typical ultraviolet irradiation section, an air gap between the lamp and the sample flow channel results in inefficient ultraviolet light transmission and the generation of ozone within the device. However, in Active-Path, a sample flow path within the light-emitting part enables efficient irradiation of the sample with ultraviolet light while preventing ozone generation (Fig. 2).</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>TOC-1000e S enables the monitoring of TOC of ultra-pure water used in semiconductor manufacturing. The compact body and user-friendly interface assist usersin their routine operations.</p><h3><strong>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Analyzing SiC/Co materials for radar absorption and EMI shielding using ARL X’TRA Companion XRD</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/sicco_materials_an41524_en_8ad5cc0d6f.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>SiC–Co composites represent a new class of engineered materials designed to combine dielectric and magnetic loss mechanisms for effective absorption of electromagnetic radiation. By dispersing cobalt or cobalt ferrite phases within a silicon carbide or SiOC matrix, these composites achieve tunable permittivity and permeability, enabling efficient impedance matching across radar and microwave frequencies. For defense and aerospace applications, where low radar cross section and stable electromagnetic shielding are critical, such composites are attractive because they also retain thermal and mechanical stability beyond the capabilities of polymer-based absorbers.&nbsp;</p><p>X-ray diffraction (XRD) plays a central role in the development and quality control of these materials. It allows unambiguous identification of SiC polytypes that influence dielectric behavior, while simultaneously detecting cobalt, cobalt oxide, or ferrite phases that govern magnetic response. XRD quantification provides insight into crystalline-to-amorphous ratios, crystallite size, and micro strain directly linked to electromagnetic performance and high-temperature durability. By correlating phase composition with measured S-parameters, researchers can optimize absorber formulations and processing conditions to achieve reliable, broadband EMI shielding.</p><h4><strong>Instrument &amp; software&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=3&amp;search=ARL%E2%84%A2+X%E2%80%99TRA+Companion"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ ARL™ X’TRA Companion X-Ray Diffractometer</strong></a> (c.f. Figure 1) is a simple, easy-to-use benchtop instrument for routine phase analysis as well as more advanced applications. The ARL X’TRA Companion XRD uses a θ/θ goniometer (160 mm radius) in Bragg-Brentano geometry coupled with a 600 W X-ray source (Cu or Co). The radial and axial collimation of the beam is controlled by divergence and Soller slits, while air scattering is reduced by a variable beam knife. An integrated water chiller is available as an option. Thanks to the state-of-the art solid state pixel detector (55x55 μm pitch), the ARL X’TRA Companion XRD provides very fast data collection and comes with single-click Rietveld quantification capabilities and automated result transmission to a LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) seamless integrated into Thermo Scientific™ SolstiX™ Pronto instrument control software.</p><h4><strong>Your benefits&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The ARL X’TRA Companion XRD system delivers high-quality data in 10 minutes, enabling phase quantification, reliable identification of SiC polytypes, and advanced interpretation of anisotropic micro strain in Co. With the PONKCS method, the amorphous fraction can be quantified accurately. These structural insights directly link to physical properties such as dielectric–magnetic balance, EMI shielding efficiency, and radar absorption performance, providing a basis for fine-tuning materials to application needs.</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 08, 2026

<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 23rd February 2026? 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>Metrohm,</strong> <strong>Shimadzu </strong>and<strong> Thermo Fisher Scientific!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: UV-Vis Spectroscopy for Quality Assessment of Paprika as per ASTA Method 20.1</strong></h3><p><strong>From sample prep to analysis using the </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500"><strong>Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis</strong></a></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_paprika_uv_vis_cary_5994_8612en_agilent_d903914b39.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Paprika is a widely used spice valued for its deep red color and characteristic flavor, contributing to its prominence in both culinary and commercial applications. As a high‑demand commodity produced from dried capsicum pods, paprika is subject to quality variation and adulteration, which can compromise product authenticity, consumer trust, and regulatory compliance. UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy is a rapid, reproducible analytical technique for evaluating paprika quality by quantifying pigment concentration. In paprika, color intensity primarily arises from carotenoid compounds, and is commonly assessed using the ASTA Method 20.11 – a well-established industry standard that commercially grades paprika samples as a numerical ASTA color value.</p><p>In this application note, we used an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500"><strong>Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis spectrophotometer</strong></a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=UV+Workstation+software"><strong>Agilent Cary UV Workstation software</strong></a> to determine the ASTA color value of two commercial paprika samples. The measurements were performed in accordance with ASTA Method 20.1 for the determination of extractable color in capsicums and their&nbsp;oleoresins.</p><h4><strong>Results and discussion</strong></h4><h5><strong>Paprika samples' analysis&nbsp;</strong></h5><p>ASTA Method 20.1 measures the color intensity of paprika by extracting pigments with acetone and recording absorbance at 460 nm. The absorbance reading, along with sample weight is then used to calculate the ASTA color value. The ASTA color value is a crucial quality parameter for paprika and other spices, as it indicates the intensity and vibrancy of the red color, which is a key characteristic for consumers and food manufacturers. In this study, the two extracted paprika samples were each measured three times to produce triplicate results (Table 4). Sample 1 had a corrected ASTA color value of approximately 103, and sample 2 had a corrected ASTA color value of approximately 61, indicating a lower color intensity. The corrected ASTA color value was automatically generated in an easy-to-read table of values, and a scan report was automatically exported into a user-defined location.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis spectrophotometer with Agilent Cary UV Workstation software enabled fast, reliable, and standardized quality assessment of paprika samples. Using the well-established industry method, ASTA 20.1, the Cary 3500 system provided precise quantification of carotenoid pigments, supporting grading categorization. The high-throughput multicell design of the Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis spectrophotometer allows simultaneous measurement of up to seven samples and a reference, improving efficiency and minimizing variability. The Cary UV Workstation software simplifies data acquisition and analysis with intuitive spectral features such as the End of sequence analysis tool, which can be applied automatically to any scan method, and spectra comparisons through the Load spectrum tool. From sample absorbance measurement to final reporting, the Cary 3500 system eliminated the need for manual data processing or external tools, minimizing complexity and facilitating confidence.</p><h3><strong>2. Metrohm: NIRS analysis of forages</strong></h3><p><strong>Multiparameter determination in a few seconds</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nir_131_download_2f897ff7f5.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Forages are plants or parts of plants eaten by both livestock and wildlife. Forages provide bulk, help with weight maintenance, and combat several issues [1]. Alfalfa forage is high in protein—well-suited to promote muscle mass in beef cattle or to increase the production of dairy cows [2]. Alfalfa is also commonly used for horse feed. These animals require forages with good palatability along with high digestibility, intake potential, and protein levels, thus increasing the demand for alfalfa and other high-quality feeds. Farmers have responded by producing even higherquality alfalfa in recent years. Since forage quality depends on chemical, biological, and dynamic properties, both measured and calculated methods must be used. Standard alfalfa assays measure neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), ash, moisture, and protein. For alfalfa pellets, the mean particle size is also important. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers rapid and reliable prediction of fat, moisture, crude protein, fiber, ash and starch in a few seconds and without sample preparation.</p><h4><strong>EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT</strong></h4><p>Samples of alfalfa (including fresh alfalfa, alfalfa pellets, and alfalfa cubes) were analyzed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=220&amp;search=NIR+Analyzer"><strong>Metrohm NIR Analyzer</strong></a>. All measurements were performed in reflection mode using the large cup. The samples were measured in rotation to collect spectral data from several areas. Spectral averaging of signals from several spots helped to reduce sample inhomogeneity. The reference values were measured according to ISO norms described at the end of this Application Note. Metrohm software was used for all data acquisition and prediction model development.</p><h4><strong>CONCLUSION&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>This Application Note demonstrates the feasibility to determine multiple key parameters of alfalfa forage with NIR spectroscopy. Several analytical methods are usually required to measure key quality parameters for forage (Table 4). NIRS forage analysis enables a highly accurate, cost-effective, and fast alternative.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu: Analysis of Heavy Metals in Baby Food 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_01039_en_c563bb1b82.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User Benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>Heavy metals in various baby foods can be analyzed simultaneously with sufficient sensitivity.</li><li>Stable analysis can be performed even for baby foods with high matrix content.</li><li>Using the standard LabSolutions ICPMS rinse function, the time to clean the sample introduction system is minimized, which prevents carryover.</li></ul><p>Infants’ metabolic pathways are still developing, and because of their lower body weight, they are known to be more susceptible to the effects of harmful substances. In the United States, the Baby Food Safety Act 2021<sup>1)</sup>, and in the EU, Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915<sup>2)</sup> and Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1987<sup>3)</sup> require the control of toxic metals contained in baby foods. ICP-MS is suitable for the analysis of trace amounts of toxic metal elements because it can perform multi-element simultaneous analysis with high sensitivity.</p><p>However, baby foods vary in matrix composition, which raises concerns about non-spectral interferences and long-term stability during ICP-MS analysis. This Application News describes the analysis of five baby foods with different matrices using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ICPMS-2040%2F2050"><strong>ICPMS-2040/2050</strong></a> (Fig. 1). Additionally, spike recovery tests and long-term stability were assessed based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Elemental Analysis Manual (EAM) Section 4.7<sup>4)</sup>.</p><h4><strong>Equipment Configuration and Analysis Conditions&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The equipment configuration is shown in Table 2. To reduce running costs, a mini-torch with lower argon gas consumption compared to conventional torches was used for analysis. Additionally, to streamline sample preparation, an Online Internal Standard Kit was utilized for online addition.&nbsp;</p><p>The analysis conditions are detailed in Table 3. After analyzing high-concentration samples, the sample introduction system can influence the analysis values of subsequent samples (carryover). If carryover occurs, re-measurement is necessary, which consumes additional time and samples. With LabSolutions ICPMS, rinse solutions can be set for each sample, enabling effective cleaning in minimal time. Normal cleaning was performed using pure water (Rinse solution 1), and an additional acid rinse solution (Rinse solution 2) was introduced only after high-concentration samples.</p><p>For example, Table 4 shows the difference in carryover concentration when measuring a blank sample after introducing a sample with a CCV concentration, comparing the case where rinse solution 2 is added for an additional 240 seconds to the case where it is not. Among the elements measured this time, Se and Hg tend to have a higher risk of carryover, but by introducing rinse solution 2, carryover was reduced to below the detection limit. Moreover, even if unexpectedly high-concentration samples are introduced, the Extended Rinsing function allows for automatic additional rinsing (Fig. 3). This eliminates the need to repeatedly check analysis values or to set a uniform cleaning time uniformly, thus reducing the verification effort, the amount of rinse solution required, and the analysis time while preventing carryover.&nbsp;</p><p>Furthermore, to minimize time spent cleaning the sample introduction system, ProActive Rinsing was used (Fig. 4). When measuring multiple samples, starting the rinse in advance during measurement reduces the measurement time for subsequentsamples.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In this Application News, elemental analysis of baby food was conducted using the ICPMS-2040/2050. We achieved detection limits that met stringent standards. The spike recovery tests yielded good results for all samples with different matrices, confirming the validity of the analysis. Additionally, we analyzed 50 samples of infant formula with a high matrix over approximately six hours and confirmed good stability. The ICPMS-2040/2050 offers high sensitivity, accurate analysis, and good stability. Its Extended Rinsing and ProActive Rinsing functions effectively clean the sample introduction system, preventing carryover. Therefore, the ICPMS-2040/2050 is a suitable instrument for elemental analysis in baby food.</p><h3><strong>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Food protection methods assessed by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/food_protection_methods_surface_enhanced_raman_spectroscopy_an54670_en_5c5e701389.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><p>Lipid oxidation is a major issue for the meat industry as it can not only affect&nbsp;sensory quality in terms of flavor and odor but can also lead to the formation of toxic compounds such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and cholesterol oxidation products, as well as the accumulation of carbonyls, alcohols and volatile acids. The degree of oxidation depends on various factors such as the type of meat, the fat content, the storage temperature, the availability of oxygen and the type of packaging<sup>1, 2</sup>. To prevent oxidation, synthetic antioxidants are commonly added to meat products, but consumers are now demanding more natural products<sup>3</sup>. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity of many essential oils or extracts from plants or spices such as rosemary, cinnamon or oregano, and the new trend is to develop innovative packaging by adding these natural antioxidants directly to the packaging materials<sup>4–6</sup>. These materials, often films, are known as “active packaging” because they enable the controlled release of active agents either on the surface or in the internal atmosphere of the product, or by trapping the radicals responsible for harmful effects on food quality. However, the antioxidant performance of these films must be accurately determined to enable the selection of the right packaging for each foodstuff.&nbsp;</p><p>Among all the techniques available, Raman spectroscopy is a promising candidate for detecting most molecular species with high specificity and sensitivity, particularly in the presence of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). Indeed, SERS is a physical phenomenon that occurs in the presence of a rough nano-structured metallic surface that causes the intensification of Raman signals from molecules adsorbed to the surface thanks to the combination of a chemical effect and an electromagnetic effect<sup>7</sup> . The metals used are generally gold or silver, which can be prepared by electrochemical roughening, metallic coating, or deposition of nanoparticles (often in a colloidal form). Commercial solutions are available, but many researchers prefer to create their own SERS substrates. The scope of this work is to investigate the potential of a home-made SERS substrate to compare the lipid oxidation over time in ground pork preserved either in a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) conventional packaging or in an active packaging containing oregano extract.</p><h4><strong>Material and method&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>Fresh ground pork meat was purchased in bulk from a local supermarket and 22 g samples of meat were placed in 5-cm diameter polystyrene Petri dishes. Each sample was covered with an active film and packed in an LDPE bag under a normal atmosphere. Reference samples were also prepared using conventional LDPE films. All samples were stored in a refrigerator at 5 °C and their lipid extracts were analyzed after 0, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 16 days using a home-made SERS substrate based on silver nanoparticles deposited on a glass Petri dish. A special home-made cooling system was used to perform the analyses at low temperature and SERS spectra were measured at -2 °C on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2239"><strong>Thermo Scientific™ DXR3 Raman Microscope</strong></a> (Waltham, MA, USA) with a 532 nm laser source, a 900 lines/mm grating covering the 50-3500 cm-1 spectral range and an x10 objective (NA 0.40). The laser power was set at 5&nbsp;mW, and 20 exposures of 30 s each were selected to acquire all data. Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ v. 9.2 software was used for data collection and analysis. All the measurements were performed in triplicate. As the decrease in the peak at 1655&nbsp;cm-1 (stretching of C=C bonds from unsaturation) can be attributed to lipid peroxidation, and the 1439 cm-1 (scissoring deformation of CH<sub>2</sub>) is not affected by it, the area ratio between 1655 cm-1 and 1439 cm-1 bands was calculated to follow the lipid oxidation.</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The effectiveness of a home-made SERS substrate coupled with a home-made cooling system was demonstrated for monitoring lipid oxidation in packaged ground pork meat over time. The advantages of this technique are its speed and the minimal sample handling requirements. An improvement factor of the order of 107 over conventional Raman was observed. This study also confirmed the greater efficacy of active packaging containing oregano extracts against lipid oxidation in ground pork, compared to conventional LDPE packaging.</p>

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 09, 2026

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Thermal Analysis Online Trainings 2026 - Software Administration

Thermal Analysis Online Trainings 2026 - TGA Basic

Thermal Analysis Online Trainings 2026 - DMA Advanced

Sustainable Sample Preparation for Elemental Analysis: Practical Actions for a Greener Lab

Rapid Analysis of Elemental Impurities in Li-ion Battery Samples by an ICP-OES and an Autodilutor

The Journey of Safer Science through Safer Labs