Agilent ICP-MS Journal (November 2022, Issue 90)

Significance of the Topic

Rapid growth in alternative proteins and the demand for ultra-pure process chemicals in semiconductor manufacturing underscore the need for highly sensitive and reliable multi-element analysis. ICP-MS and ICP-QQQ techniques provide the requisite detection limits and flexibility to ensure product safety, nutritional quality, and process integrity.

Objectives and Overview of the Issue

Agilent ICP-MS Journal Issue 90 covers three core areas:

• Review of a webinar on US FDA EAM 4.7 method for heavy metals and trace elements in alternative proteins.
• Introduction of ICP-MS MassHunter Software Revision 5.2 and its new analytical functionalities.
• Ultratrace analysis of dissolved and particulate contamination in semiconductor-grade NMP.

Methodology

• Alternative protein samples underwent microwave digestion followed by ICP-MS analysis per FDA EAM 4.7 for As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg and other elements.
• Single-particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS) characterized nanoparticles in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) samples using standard additions for dissolved elements and sp acquisition for particles.
• Compound Independent Calibration (CIC) was extended to multi-injection protocols, allowing calibration from multiple compounds measured across separate injections.
• Laser ablation ICP-MS data were normalized to 100% of summed elements to correct matrix effects without matched standards.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent 7850 and 7900 single quadrupole ICP-MS
• Agilent 8800 and 8900 triple quadrupole ICP-QQQ
• ICP-MS MassHunter Software Revision 5.2
• Agilent 7890 and 8890 GC systems; 1100/1200 Series HPLC modules
• Agilent Durachill water chiller (G8414A)
• Agilent and third-party autosamplers; laser ablation and single-particle accessories

Key Results and Discussion

• EAM 4.7 validation showed robust 48-hour ICP-MS performance for plant, algae, fungal, insect and cultured-meat media, with accurate recoveries via spike tests and food CRM comparisons.
• MassHunter v5.2 supports unlimited masses in spICP-MS acquisitions, multi-compound CIC calibrations, and a new “Normalize to 100%” function, enhancing accuracy in LA-ICP-MS workflows.
• spICP-MS of EL and SP grades of NMP quantified 14 elemental nanoparticles, revealing substantially lower particle counts and sizes in the highest-purity SP grade. Dissolved contaminants in both grades were measured down to low ppt.

Benefits and Practical Applications

New software tools simplify complex calibration across chromatographic and particle analyses, reduce the need for compound-specific standards, and improve data security for regulatory compliance. Applications span food safety testing, cell culture media monitoring, semiconductor process chemicals, and advanced materials quality control.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Stricter regulatory standards for alternative proteins and semiconductor chemicals will drive adoption of spICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS normalization.
• Integration with automated sampling, AI-enhanced data processing and real-time monitoring platforms.
• Expanded use of CIC and 100% normalization in emerging fields such as battery materials, renewable energy, and nanomedicine.

Conclusion

Issue 90 demonstrates how advanced ICP-MS techniques and MassHunter v5.2 software enhancements meet the evolving demands of alternative protein analysis and ultra-pure chemical monitoring. The combination of extended calibration methods, particle characterization capabilities and improved data workflows offers a versatile analytical solution for diverse high-purity and high-sensitivity applications.

References

1. US FDA Elemental Analysis Manual, EAM 4.7, v1.2 (February 2020).
2. Agilent publication 5994-5181EN: Determination of Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Alternative Meats per EAM 4.7.
3. SEMI C33-0213 Specifications for n-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (2013).
4. Agilent Application Note 5994-5365EN: Elemental and Particle Analysis of N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone by ICP-QQQ.