Single Cell and Microplastic Analysis by ICP-MS with Automated Micro- Flow Sample Introduction

Significance of the Topic

Recent advances in single cell and microplastic analysis by ICP MS enable precise measurement of elemental composition at the individual particle or cell level. This capability supports research in cellular biology, environmental monitoring, food safety and nanomaterial characterization by providing high sensitivity and selectivity.

Objectives and Overview

The study demonstrates a fully automated micro flow sample introduction system paired with an Agilent 8900 ICP QQQ for multi element analysis of yeast cells and polystyrene microbeads. Key goals include achieving high transport efficiency of large particles, fast time resolved analysis in TRA mode, and multi element quantification in single cells and microplastics.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Sample introduction via ESI microFAST Single Cell autosampler with CytoNeb nebulizer and CytoSpray chamber for gentle handling of cells and particles
• Agilent 8900 ICP QQQ operated in fast TRA mode with 0.1 ms dwell time and high transport efficiency (>80%)
• Measurement of C P Fe and Se in yeast samples; 13C in 1 2 and 5 μm polystyrene beads
• Data processing by Agilent Rapid Multi Element Nanoparticle Analysis module in ICP MS MassHunter software

Main Findings and Discussion

• Yeast analysis showed clear detection of C P and Fe in all cells and Se only in Se enriched strains with high signal to background ratio
• Nebulization efficiency exceeded 80 percent compared to 5 to 8 percent for conventional systems
• Signal distribution plots distinguished particles of different sizes in mixed microbead suspensions
• Measured particle concentrations and median sizes matched nominal values for 1 2 and 5 μm beads demonstrating quantitative performance

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Automated workflow reduces analysis time and contamination risk through sequential multi element acquisition
• Wide dynamic range of ICP QQQ supports analysis of small to large cells or particles without method changes
• Fast TRA mode improves signal to noise ratio enabling reliable detection of trace elements in single entities

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Integration of high throughput single cell ICP MS with other omics techniques could expand understanding of cellular heterogeneity in biomedical research. Further development of microplastic analysis by ICP MS may complement optical and spectroscopic methods to assess environmental contamination down to submicron scale.

Conclusion

The combination of an ESI microFAST autosampler with Agilent 8900 ICP QQQ delivers a robust and fully automated platform for single cell and microplastic analysis. High transport efficiency rapid time resolved acquisition and integrated software enable accurate multi element quantification of individual cells and particles.

References

1. Tanaka Y Ogra Y Kubota T Evaluation of the elemental content of a single cell using fast time resolved analysis TRA ICP MS Agilent publication 5994 4460EN
2. Resano M et al Living in a transient world ICP MS reinvented via time resolved analysis for monitoring single events Chem Sci 2022 13 4436
3. Alwan W Robey D Characterization of microplastics in environmental samples by laser direct infrared imaging and user generated libraries Agilent publication 5994 4822EN