APWC: Measurement of nanoparticle components in sunscreens by multi-element screening function of spICP-MS

Importance of the Topic

The accurate detection and quantification of metal containing nanoparticles in sunscreen products is critical for ensuring product safety quality and regulatory compliance. spICP MS offers simultaneous measurement of particle size distribution particle concentration and dissolved metal content which is valuable for cosmetic analytics and consumer protection.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the application of a Fast Time Program Analysis FTPA function coupled with single particle ICP MS spICP MS to perform rapid multielement screening of Al Ti Zn and Si in commercial sunscreen formulations. The goals included method simplification reduction of analysis time and validation against manufacturer supplied ingredient data.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample preparation involved a two stage dilution of sunscreens using Triton X 100 and deionized water to produce working solutions.
• An Agilent 7900 ICP MS equipped with MassHunter Single Particle Application module operated in no gas and H2 modes was used.
• The FTPA function cycled measurement of 27Al 47Ti 66Zn and 28Si in sequence eliminating repeated uptake and rinse steps.
• Key operational parameters included an RF power of 1550 W carrier gas flow of 0.87 L min sample uptake rate of 0.35 mL min and dwell time of 0.1 ms.

Key Results and Discussion

• Time resolved spICP MS data revealed sharp nanoparticle peaks for Al Ti and Zn in sunscreens A and C while sample B showed no detectable nanoparticles in line with product ingredient labels.
• A high continuous Si background in sample C indicated dissolved cyclopentasiloxane rather than particulate SiO2.
• Particle size distribution analysis for sample C showed inorganic particles below 100 nm.
• Quantitative results demonstrated ppm level detection for Al Ti Zn and Si offering simultaneous particle and dissolved concentration information without acid digestion.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• The FTPA spICP MS approach reduces analysis time by up to 32 minutes per multielement run.
• It provides comprehensive nanoparticle profiling including size distribution concentration and dissolved species in a single workflow.
• The method is applicable to real cosmetic samples improving laboratory throughput and maintaining data quality.

Future Trends and Applications

Implementation of multielement spICP MS techniques is expected to expand into diverse industries including food and environmental monitoring. Advances in software automation and faster data acquisition could further streamline nanoparticle screening. Integration with regulatory frameworks may drive adoption for routine quality control in consumer products.

Conclusion

The combination of FTPA and spICP MS enables rapid simple and accurate multielement nanoparticle analysis in sunscreen formulations. This method offers clear advantages in terms of time efficiency and data richness eliminating the need for laborious sample digestion while delivering both particulate and dissolved concentration metrics.

Reference

• V Nischwitz and H Goenaga Infante J Anal At Spectrom 2012 27 7 1084 1092
• P Lu S Huang Y Chen L Chiueh and D Y Shih J Food and Drug Anal 2015 23 587 594