Analysis of Metal Elements in Culture Medium Using ICPMS-2030

Significance of the Topic

Metal ions in culture media serve as essential cofactors for enzyme‐catalyzed reactions and redox processes in cell culture. Variability in trace metal concentrations can arise from raw materials or equipment contamination, affecting cell growth reproducibility and product quality. Reliable monitoring of metal profiles in culture media is therefore critical for research, quality control, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the capability of the Shimadzu ICPMS‐2030 to perform simultaneous multi‐element analysis of nine metal ions (Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Zn) in various culture media. Key goals included assessing spike recovery accuracy in high‐matrix samples, evaluating long‐term measurement stability, and verifying performance across media used for CHO cells, iPS/ES cells, T cells, and mesenchymal stem cells.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation:

• High‐matrix medium: DMEM with 10 g/L purified protein, diluted 20× and 100× in 1 % nitric acid.
• Commercial media for four cell types, similarly diluted.
• Spike recovery: Addition of single‐element standards to reach defined concentrations.
• Long‐term stability: Repeated measurement (50 cycles) of spiked high‐matrix samples.

Calibration and Standards:

• Calibration standards prepared from single‐element solutions (0–2000 µg/L range).
• Internal standards (Ga, In, Sc, Y) introduced via automatic addition kit.

Instrumentation:

• Instrument: ICPMS‐2030
• RF Power: 1.2 kW; Plasma Gas: 9.0 L/min; Auxiliary Gas: 1.1 L/min; Carrier Gas: 0.7 L/min
• Nebulizer: UES 07; Torch: Mini‐Torch; Cyclone Chamber; He cell gas
• Pump Speed: 20 rpm; Copper sampling cone/skimmer cone

Main Results and Discussion

Spike Recovery in High‐Matrix Medium:

• All nine elements achieved recoveries within ±10 % of theoretical values, indicating minimal matrix interference.

Stability over 50 Measurements:

• 20× dilution: Internal standard signals declined by ~30 % due to interface buildup, but corrected analyte values remained within 95–107 %.
• 100× dilution: Stable internal standard intensities and analyte values, suggesting reduced maintenance requirements.

Recovery in Commercial Media:

• Cultures for CHO, iPS/ES, T cells, and mesenchymal stem cells showed spike recoveries between 90 % and 110 %, confirming method robustness across complex media formulations.

Advantages and Practical Applications

• Simultaneous multi‐element detection reduces analysis time and sample consumption.
• Simple sample preparation via direct dilution in nitric acid.
• High tolerance to organic and inorganic matrix components.
• Reliable performance supports routine QC of culture media in biotechnology and pharmaceutical labs.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Integration of ICP‐MS with automated sample handling and complementary techniques like LC‐MS/MS for simultaneous organic and inorganic profiling is expected. Advances in matrix removal technologies and real‐time monitoring will further enhance process control in cell culture bioprocessing. Development of standardized kits for media profiling could streamline regulatory compliance and accelerate biomanufacturing workflows.

Conclusion

The ICPMS‐2030 delivers accurate, stable, and efficient multi‐element analysis of metal ions in high‐matrix culture media using simple dilution protocols. The system’s robustness against matrix effects and its long‐term stability make it well suited for routine quality control and research applications in cell culture environments.

References

• Ryan J. Graham et al. “Consequences of trace metal variability and supplementation on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell culture performance: A review of key mechanisms and considerations,” Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2019.