Agilent ICP-MS Journal (April 2019. Issue 76)

Significance of the Topic

ICP-MS remains a cornerstone technique for trace and ultratrace elemental analysis across environmental, life-science, and industrial laboratories. Recent developments address key challenges in routine operation such as ease-of-use, method automation, and cost-of-ownership, while expanding capabilities into emerging applications like single-cell elemental profiling. Community recognition of method advances and knowledge sharing at conferences further drives innovation and adoption.

Objectives and Overview

This issue of Agilent’s ICP-MS Journal highlights four focal areas:

• Software and workflow enhancements in ICP-MS MassHunter and the new ICP Go interface to streamline method setup and instrument operation.
• Demonstration of single-cell elemental quantification using the Agilent 7900 ICP-MS with time-resolved analysis.
• Recognition of pioneering PhD research in ICP-MS/MS method development via the IUPAC-Solvay award.
• Key trends and insights from the European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry 2019, including nanoparticle analysis and future applications.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The MassHunter software suite offers predefined Preset Methods and a Method Wizard to guide users through optimized acquisition settings, QC checks, and report templates. Auto-optimization routines (Startup and batch-specific autotune) maintain torch alignment, gas flows, ion lenses, and detector voltages without manual intervention. ICP Go, a browser-based interface compatible with Agilent 7700/7800/7900 systems, enables plasma ignition, run control, and real-time monitoring via any networked device.
For single-cell ICP-MS, an Agilent 7900 equipped with an Integrated Sample Introduction System (ISIS 3), quartz torch (1.0 mm injector), AIF-3 nebulizer and spray chamber, and fast time-resolved acquisition (0.1 ms dwell) was used. Multi-element data were processed using the Single Nanoparticle Application in MassHunter.

Key Results and Discussion

Software automation reduced method setup time and ensured day-to-day consistency, even with novice operators achieving productivity within 15 minutes. Automated performance reports track instrument history, aiding maintenance and troubleshooting. In single-cell studies, yeast cells were introduced with a 25% transport efficiency. Distinct signal pulses for 31P, 34S, 56Fe, and 66Zn were detected above background. Mean analyte masses per cell were 70,800 ag (P), 54,900 ag (S), 485 ag (Fe), and 873 ag (Zn), with relative standard deviations below 3%.
Ghent University’s Dr. Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez received the 2018 IUPAC-Solvay Award for his doctoral work on ICP-MS/MS, illustrating the impact of tandem mass spectrometry on ultratrace and isotopic analysis. At the European Winter Conference, approximately 290 ICP-MS posters underscored the technique’s role in nanoparticle characterization, single-cell analysis, and laser ablation imaging. Emerging topics include battery research, advanced materials, and high-technology pollutants.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integration of preset methods, automated tuning, and remote operation accelerates laboratory throughput, reduces training demands, and enhances data reliability. Single-cell ICP-MS unlocks new insights into cellular metal homeostasis, nanoparticle bioavailability, and cell-to-cell variability, supporting toxicology, pharmacology, and biomedical research.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Expect continued growth in single-cell and single-particle analysis, expanded use of tandem ICP-MS for interference-free ultratrace determinations, and broader adoption of remote-monitoring interfaces. Research will extend into advanced battery materials, emerging contaminants, and integrated spectroscopy-data-science workflows, fostering deeper understanding of environmental and biological processes.

Conclusion

This issue demonstrates how hardware advances, software automation, and novel applications converge to enhance ICP-MS performance and accessibility. From routine water and food analysis to pioneering single-cell studies and community awards, Agilent and its users are shaping the future of elemental analysis.

Reference

• Meyer S., Lopez-Serrano A., Mitze H., et al. Single-cell analysis by ICP-MS/MS as a fast tool for cellular bioavailability studies of arsenite. Metallomics. 2018;10:73.
• Yamanaka M., Itagaki T. Measuring Multiple Elements in Nanoparticles using spICP-MS. Agilent Technologies. 2018;5994-0310EN.
• Agilent ICP-MS Journal Issue 75: Software Tools and Options to Support Ease-of-Use and Low Cost-of-Ownership. 2019;5994-0572EN.