Enhancement of productivity for the analysis of food samples with the 7700x ICP-MS

Significance of the Topic

Determining the elemental composition of food samples is essential for ensuring nutritional quality, detecting contaminants, and safeguarding public health. Advanced analytical techniques that can cover a broad concentration range and minimize interferences are in high demand in food testing laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates a single‐run configuration on the Agilent 7700x ICP‐MS for comprehensive analysis of major, trace, and interfered elements in food. It explores helium collision mode for interference suppression and implements the ISIS‐DS discrete sampling system to reduce per‐sample cycle times.

Methodology

• Sample Preparation: 250 mg of certified reference food materials digested with HNO₃ in a microwave system, diluted to 50 mL (up to 5 g/L matrix).
• Interference Removal: Helium used as collision gas in the cell; oxide ratio (CeO/Ce) set at 0.8 % for effective matrix decomposition.
• Calibration: Acid‐based standards prepared without matrix matching; dynamic range spans ppt for trace elements to mg/L for majors.
• Discrete Sampling: ISIS‐DS system automates sample uptake and rinse, achieving analysis times as low as 1 minute per sample.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent 7700x ICP‐MS
• ISIS‐DS discrete sampling system
• Microwave digestion unit

Main Results and Discussion

• Helium mode effectively removed polyatomic interferences across diverse food matrices, preserving sensitivity and stability.
• Detection limits reached low ppt levels for trace elements and sub‐µg/L for interfered analytes.
• Measurements of CRMs (DORM3, SRM2976, SRM8415, SRM1548a) matched certified values within a few percent for all element types.
• Use of ISIS‐DS reduced analysis time from 5 to 1 minute per sample, while lowering cone exposure and carryover.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enables simultaneous quantification of a wide elemental range in a single analytical run.
• Minimizes maintenance and memory effects through inert He mode and rapid discrete sampling.
• Supports both trace contaminant monitoring and major nutrient profiling with high accuracy.

Future Trends and Opportunities

The combination of fast discrete sampling with robust collision cell technology is poised to extend to new sample types and high‐throughput screening. Further automation, advanced software, and emerging cell gas chemistries will enhance real‐time data acquisition and broaden method applicability.

Conclusion

The integrated method using the Agilent 7700x ICP‐MS in helium mode with ISIS‐DS delivers rapid, accurate, and interference‐free elemental analysis of food samples. This approach significantly boosts laboratory productivity and reliability for food safety, nutritional research, and quality control testing.