Matrix effects significantly limit accurate nanoparticle sizing in single-particle ICP-MS, often causing signal attenuation and size underestimation. This study systematically evaluates matrix-induced biases and reports up to 10 nm underestimation of Ag nanoparticle sizes due to 30–50% signal loss.To overcome these challenges, a novel online internal standard calibration strategy was developed using multielement detection and nonanalyte elements (Pd, Au) as internal standards. Simultaneous measurement of analyte and standards enabled correction of signal response and nebulization efficiency within a single run. The optimized approach provided accurate particle size determination in simulated and real matrices, extending SP-ICP-MS applicability to complex environmental and biological samples.<blockquote><h4>The original article</h4><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975">A Simple Online Internal Standard Calibration Strategy for Single-Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Based on Multielement Analysis</a></h4>Xiangwei Tian, Ying Wang, Peijie Yang, Dingyi Wang, Yanwei Liu, Yingying Guo, Yuning Hu*, Xiaoyan Zhang*, Ligang Hu, Yongguang Yin*, Yong Cai, and Guibin JiangAnal. Chem. 2025, 97, 51, 28139–28147<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975">https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975</a><h6>licensed under <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC-BY 4.0</a></h6></blockquote>Selected sections from the article follow. Formats and hyperlinks were adapted from the original.<div>Nanoparticles (NPs) are ubiquitous in environmental and biological systems. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> In the environment, billions of tons of natural NPs are formed annually through biogeochemical processes. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(1)</a> Engineered NPs are widely utilized in industrial, medical, and consumer products and inevitably released into the environment. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(2)</a> In biological systems, NPs can be endogenously formed <a href="javascript:void(0);">(3)</a> or acquired from environmental exposure. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(4)</a> Functional NPs can also be intentionally delivered into biological systems as probes or drugs. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(5−7)</a> Variations in physicochemical properties of NPs, such as size and elemental composition, can influence their distribution patterns and effects within environmental and biological systems. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(8,9)</a> Therefore, it is of great significance to resolve particle heterogeneity at the single-particle level. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS), with its high-throughput and sensitive capabilities for elemental and isotopic analysis, plays a key role in single-particle analysis. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(10,11)</a>Environmental particles always exist in complex or unknown matrices, such as ice cores, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(12)</a> wastewater, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(13)</a> and seawater. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(14)</a> Biological matrices are even more intricate, typically containing high concentrations of inorganic salts and organic matter. Matrix effects pose significant challenges for SP-ICP-MS analysis of environmental and biological samples. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> Matrix effects on ICP-MS are generally categorized into spectral and nonspectral interferences. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> Spectral interferences arise from isobaric overlaps or polyatomic ions (e.g., ArCl+ from Cl– interfering with 75As detection), which can often be eliminated using collision/reaction cell technique. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(16)</a> Nonspectral interferences refer to matrix-induced changes in signal intensity. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> For instance, NaCl can suppress signal intensity, whereas low concentrations of methanol may lead to signal enhancement. Changes in signal intensity further contribute to errors in mass/size measurement. It was reported that a 4.5 g L–1 NaCl matrix caused underestimation of As(0) NP and Ag NP sizes by 28% and 41%, respectively, while a 2% methanol matrix resulted in overestimations of approximately 6% and 20%. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> Common strategies to address nonspectral interferences include sample dilution and matrix matching. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15)</a> However, dilution pretreatments would greatly reduce the analytical throughput, and changes in matrix concentration may affect the properties or state of the analyte. In real-world samples, the matrices are always complex, making it difficult to prepare solutions with exactly the same composition for matrix matching. Isotope dilution analysis (IDA), which involves enriched isotopes of the analyte element for signal response correction, is another established approach. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18−20)</a> Nevertheless, due to strict requirements on matrix types, isotope properties, and analyte concentrations, IDA has limited applicability to real-world sample measurements. Furthermore, among the previously reported methods, the potential influence of the matrix on particle nebulization efficiency has not been fully considered, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(18,21,22)</a> leaving quantitative uncertainties. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(17)</a> The online droplet calibration method based on the microdroplet generator and ICP-time-of-flight (TOF)-MS considers matrix effects on both signal response and nebulization efficiency; <a href="javascript:void(0);">(15,23)</a> however, the technical barriers and high cost largely limit its broader adoption. Till now, due to the lack of practical calibration methods, the characterization of NPs in real matrices typically involves laborious extraction procedures. <a href="javascript:void(0);">(24,25)</a> A need exists to develop a simple and reliable calibration strategy suitable for the measurement in the original matrix.In this study, we first systematically investigated the specific matrix effects on SP-ICP-MS and the underlying mechanisms based on the fundamentals of ICP-MS. The influence of time resolution on multielement detection was explored from multiple analytical perspectives. To address limitations of previous methods, we proposed a simple and reliable online internal standard calibration method, which largely eliminates matrix effects on size/mass determination by SP-ICP-MS. By utilizing the multielement detection mode, the signals of the analyte element(s) and internal standard elements can be monitored within the same analytical run, allowing for simultaneous correction of the response factor, nebulization efficiency, and time-dependent signal fluctuations. Notably, the novel calibration strategy involving the use a nonanalyte element as the internal standard for signal response calibration was developed and validated. The proposed method demonstrated high feasibility and reliability when applied to simulated real-world samples. It is also applicable to single-particle analysis using other types of ICP-MS (e.g., ICP-TOF-MS) and shows promise for application in single-cell ICP-MS analysis.<h4>Experimental Section</h4><h5>SP-ICP-MS Analysis</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7900+ICP-MS">Agilent 7900 ICP-MS</a> (Agilent Technologies; Santa Clara, CA, USA) equipped with a quadrupole mass analyzer was used for SP-ICP-MS analysis. Instrument parameters are given in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975/suppl_file/ac5c06975_si_001.pdf">Table S2</a>. The sample introduction system was composed of syringe pumps (Leifu Fluid; Baoding, China), a Mira Mist nebulizer (Burgener; Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), and a quartz dual-channel spray chamber (Agilent Technologies; Santa Clara, CA, USA) (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#fig1">Figure 1</a>). The total sample flow rates were 300 μL min–1 for all the experiments. Additionally, a more accessible introduction approach using the instrument’s integrated peristaltic pump was also tested (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975/suppl_file/ac5c06975_si_001.pdf">Figure S2</a>). Matrix effects on SP-ICP-MS analysis was investigated under the conventional single-element mode. The dwell time was 5 ms, with no stabilization time. The final inlet concentrations of Ag NPs and Au NPs were 50 ng L–1 (∼4.2 × 104 particles mL–1) and 25 ng L–1 (∼4 × 104 particles mL–1), respectively.<h4>Results and Discussion</h4><h5>Matrix Effects on SP-ICP-MS and the Underlying Mechanisms</h5>In the UPW matrix, the particle sizes determined by SP-ICP-MS (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#fig2">Figure 2</a>A) were consistent with those measured by TEM (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975/suppl_file/ac5c06975_si_001.pdf">Figure S1A</a>). The most direct impact of matrix effects was observed as changes in the analyte signal intensity. Both the typical environmental and biological matrices we selected resulted in signal attenuation for the target elements. More pronounced signal attenuation was observed in the salt matrices with increasing concentration. Compared to measurements in UPW, the signal intensity of Ag NPs decreased by approximately 32% and 46% in DSW and PBS, respectively. Correspondingly, without matrix-matching correction, the particle sizes of Ag NPs were underestimated by approximately 12% and 19% in DSW and PBS, respectively (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#fig2">Figure 2</a>A).<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2025_97_51_28139_28147_Figure_2_A_Particle_size_distribution_of_Ag_N_Ps_in_different_matrices_without_matrix_matching_f97e96e68c.jpeg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2025, 97, 51, 28139–28147: Figure 2. (A) Particle size distribution of Ag NPs in different matrices without matrix matching. The gray line and band denote the mean and standard deviation of the particle size determined by TEM. (B) Nebulization efficiency of Au NPs in different matrices. The letters on columns indicate the statistical difference obtained from one-way ANOVA test (p &lt; 0.05). (C) Signal intensity of standard Au NPs and AuCl4– solution in different matrices." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2025_97_51_28139_28147_Figure_2_A_Particle_size_distribution_of_Ag_N_Ps_in_different_matrices_without_matrix_matching_f97e96e68c.jpeg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2100" height="537">Matrix-induced attenuation/enhancement of signal intensity fundamentally arise from changes in the transport efficiency of the analyte. Transport efficiency is defined as a combination of several components (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#fig1">Figure 1</a>): (i) the aerosol introduction efficiency (or nebulization efficiency) from the sample introduction system (typically comprising a nebulizer and spray chamber) to the ICP torch, as calculated using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#eq1">Equation 1</a>) or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#eq2">2</a>); (ii) the ionization efficiency of the analyte within the ICP torch; and (iii) the subsequent extraction and transport efficiency of ions from the sampling cone to the detector.<h5>Validation of Online Internal Standard Calibration</h5><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#fig4">Figure 4</a>A displays the Ag NP size distribution determined when the three inlet streams (Ag NP suspension, Au NP suspension, and Pd solution) were mixed at equal flow rates (3 × 100 μL min–1). For all the matrices, the measured particle sizes showed good agreement with the actual sizes determined by TEM. Note that since both the Au NP suspension and Pd solution were prepared using UPW, the matrix containing analyte Ag NPs would be diluted upon online mixing. For real-world samples, excessive dilution could potentially change sample properties and reduce measurement throughput. To prevent excessive dilution, the calibration results were further assessed under conditions of reduced internal standard flow rates (Ag NP flow rate: 260 μL min–1; internal standard flow rates: both 20 μL min–1) (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#fig4">Figure 4</a>B). Furthermore, an offline spiking approach was also tested by adding both the internal standards directly into the sample suspension (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975/suppl_file/ac5c06975_si_001.pdf">Figure S7A</a>). The measured sizes also agreed well with the true values. For easier access and use, online mixing using a peristaltic pump was also tested and demonstrated to accurately determine the particle sizes (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/suppl/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975/suppl_file/ac5c06975_si_001.pdf">Figure S7B</a>). The results demonstrate that neither the introduction approach and the mixing ratio affected the calibration performance, suggesting the high reliability and flexibility of the internal standard calibration method.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Anal_Chem_2025_97_51_28139_28147_Figure_4_A_B_Particle_size_distribution_of_Ag_N_Ps_in_different_matrices_measured_by_the_internal_standard_calibration_method_4ca8d3833d.jpeg" alt="Anal. Chem. 2025, 97, 51, 28139–28147: Figure 4. (A, B) Particle size distribution of Ag NPs in different matrices measured by the internal standard calibration method. (A) Flow rates of the analyte and internal standards were all 100 μL min–1. (B) Flow rates of the analyte and internal standards were 260 and 20 μL min–1, respectively. (C, D) Particle size distribution of Ag NPs in natural seawater (C) and human urine (D) matrices measured by external standard calibration or online internal standard calibration method. the flow rates of the analyte and internal standards were 260 and 20 μL min–1, respectively. The gray lines and bands denote the mean and standard deviation of the particle size determined by TEM." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Anal_Chem_2025_97_51_28139_28147_Figure_4_A_B_Particle_size_distribution_of_Ag_N_Ps_in_different_matrices_measured_by_the_internal_standard_calibration_method_4ca8d3833d.jpeg 189w," sizes="100vw" width="1433" height="1184">Further, we evaluated the performance of the proposed method in handling real biological (human urine) and environmental (natural seawater) matrices (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.5c06975#fig4">Figure 4</a>C and D). In addition to high salt concentrations, both matrices contain abundant organic matter, which pose challenges to accurate SP-ICP-MS analysis. Without matrix matching, the sizes of Ag NPs in both matrices were significantly underestimated. Particularly in seawater, the size was underestimated by nearly 20 nm. Using the online internal standard calibration, the median sizes of Ag NPs in diluted seawater and urine matrices were 58.9 and 58.5 nm, respectively, in close agreement with those determined by TEM. Notably, the sizes of Ag NPs in undiluted real matrices can also be accurately determined, facilitating the measurement of environmental particles in the original matrix.<h4>Conclusions</h4>In this study, we addressed the significant challenge of matrix effects in SP-ICP-MS for accurate mass/size determination in complex environmental and biological samples. We elucidated the specific matrix effects on nebulization efficiency, ionization efficiency, and ion transport. It was demonstrated that Ag NP signal intensity decreased by approximately 32% and 46% in DSW and PBS, respectively, leading to underestimated particle sizes (12% and 19%, respectively). To address these issues, we developed and validated an online internal standard calibration strategy employing multielement detection with nonanalyte elements as internal standards. By simultaneously monitoring analyte (Ag) and internal standard elements (Au for nebulization efficiency, Pd for response factor) within a single analytical run via the peak-hopping mode, we achieved real-time correction for matrix-induced variations. Optimized time-resolution conditions, particularly a 5 ms dwell time, ensured a high probability of complete event acquisition (81.8%) while minimizing particle overlapping. The measured sizes of Ag NPs in simulated (DSW and PBS) and real (natural seawater and human urine) matrices that showed good agreement with true values. The proposed method demonstrated high reliability and flexibility, regardless of the internal standard mixing ratio (e.g., 100:100:100 or 260:20:20 μL min–1), introduction approach, and sample dilution levels. In contrast to enriched isotope internal standards, which proved ineffective in anion-rich matrices due to chemical reactions, the presented nonanalyte internal standards offer enhanced adaptability across various matrices.This reliable and flexible method significantly extends the applicability of SP-ICP-MS to direct analysis of complex samples without laborious pretreatments. The potential for the measurement in the original matrix is particularly meaningful for single-cell analysis, allowing direct analysis of living cells in biological matrices. Note that the theory and method validated with Ag NPs are also applicable to the quantification of other elements in particles or cells. As a simplified alternative to the established online microdroplet calibration, <a href="javascript:void(0);">(23)</a> the proposed strategy shows great promise in the integration of advanced ICP-TOF-MS platforms for simultaneous calibration of multiple analyte elements.</div>

A Simple Online Internal Standard Calibration Strategy for Single-Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Based on Multielement Analysis

Valentines Day is an opportunity to show your partner (or your crush) how much they matter to you. Beyond flowers, chocolates or restaurant invites, jewelry is a popular gift for Valentines day. However, a well meant gift may turn out to even be a hazard to the giftee.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Cheap_Trendy_and_Toxic_High_Levels_of_Cadmium_in_Necklaces_Have_Been_Reported_Lately_93d25a7757.jpg" alt="Thermo Fisher Scientific: Cheap, Trendy – and Toxic? High Levels of Cadmium in Necklaces Have Been Reported Lately" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Fisher_Scientific_Cheap_Trendy_and_Toxic_High_Levels_of_Cadmium_in_Necklaces_Have_Been_Reported_Lately_93d25a7757.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1024" height="512">Heavy metals in jewelry, harmful chemicals in baby products: the product range offered by online marketplaces frequently fails to meet European Union safety standards. That is the alarming conclusion of recent investigations by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.spiegel.de/wirtschaft/stiftung-warentest-findet-giftige-schwermetalle-in-angeboten-von-temu-und-shein-a-efb2057b-2377-4ce4-b2e0-07be01d00df0">Stiftung Warentest</a>, Germany’s leading consumer protection organization.<h3>A reputation under scrutiny</h3>Low prices, fast fashion, and endless product choices have made online platforms hugely popular across Europe. With just a few clicks, shoppers can order clothes, accessories, toys, and electronics at prices that seem almost too good to be true.In a large-scale product test, consumer advocates found serious safety deficiencies in many popular items sold on these platforms.The advice to consumers is equally clear: buyers should dispose of affected products immediately and think carefully about what they order in the future.<h3>Shockingly high levels of toxic metals</h3>One of the most concerning findings involved fashion jewelry. In the test, the cadmium concentration in two necklaces exceeded the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://de.euronews.com/2025/10/31/stiftung-warentest-giftige-schwermetalle-in-shein-und-temu-produkten">EU’s legal limit by 8,500 times.</a> It´s a cheaper alternative to safer metals like silver, zinc alloys, or stainless steel, is easy to work with, and looks good at first glance.However, cadmium is classified as carcinogenic and can cause serious kidney and bone damage. Because of its toxicity, it is subject to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bvl.bund.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/03_verbraucherprodukte/2020/2020_02_11_PI_Modeschmuck.html">strict limits</a> in the EU. Products that exceed these limits are considered unsafe and illegal to sell.Experts strongly warn against simply throwing such items into the household trash. Jewelry contaminated with cadmium or other heavy metals should be taken to a hazardous waste collection point.The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.euroconsumers.org/systemic-failures-in-product-compliance-on-temu-and-shein/">investigation</a> covered 162 products in total of which 54 were necklaces.The products were purchased online and tested in cooperation with consumer organizations from Denmark and Belgium.The results were sobering:<ul><li>110 of the 162 products failed to meet EU safety standards</li><li>Around 25% were rated “potentially dangerous”</li></ul><h3>A broader EU problem</h3>EU authorities regularly find toxic heavy metals such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33757252/">cadmium</a>, lead, and nickel in cheap imported jewelry. These substances can trigger severe allergies, damage organs like the liver and kidneys, and increase cancer risk.Although the EU’s rapid alert system (RAPEX) removes thousands of unsafe products from the market every year, experts warn that the number of untested items is far higher than what authorities can realistically monitor.In some laboratory tests, individual jewelry items were found to consist of up to 70% cadmium, making them legally “not marketable” in Germany and the EU.The takeaway for shoppers should be clear:<ul><li>Extremely low prices can come with hidden health and safety risks</li><li>Jewelry, children’s products, and electronics deserve extra caution</li><li>When in doubt, it’s safer to buy from sellers that clearly comply with EU regulations</li></ul><h3>How can we detect Cadmium in necklaces?</h3>Consumer product/jewelry guidance explicitly notes that cadmium in jewelry extracts can be measured by ICP-OES or ICP-MS after an extraction step.Cadmium in jewelry is often regulated at low levels (either as total content after digestion or as extractable/migratable Cd in simulated-use leaches). <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=232&amp;instrumentationItems=83&amp;manufacturerItems=3">ICP-MS</a> is routinely chosen because it can quantify Cd at trace / ultra-trace levels with strong precision and accuracy.Using a Thermo Scientific iCAP MX Series ICP-MS for Cadmium (Cd) determination in necklaces/ jewellery makes sense because jewelry testing typically needs very low detection limits, high confidence in complex matrices, and defensible compliance data.<ul><li>Better interference control for Cd isotopes</li></ul>Cadmium has a range of isotopes available for analysis, but interferences need to be considered. Most isotopes are isobarically interfered by Tin (meaning that a given m/z range would be responding to both elements), the isotope typically monitored (111Cd) may be interfered by molybdenum (95Mo16O+). Since both elements can be found as well in jewelry, removing these interferences is critical to avoid false positives. The iCAP MX Series ICP-MS come with the powerful QCell collision/reaction cell to overcome interferences. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">Thermo Scientific iCAP MSX ICP-MS</a> uses kinetic energy discrimination (KED) with helium gas, a generic way for reducing polyatomic interferences broadly across the mass range. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1487">Thermo Scientific iCAP MTX ICP-MS</a> can utilize reactive gases (in many applications O2) to further improve detectability and sensitivity – a powerful asset for laboratories analysing a wide range of sample types, which on top may “messy” – i.e. containing platings, alloys, pigments, fillers, and adhesives.<ul><li>Works with recognized jewelry test workflows</li></ul>Because necklaces and other consumer products often arrive as multiple distinct batches, repeats, blanks, spikes, and QC checks must be performed. All iCAP MX &nbsp;Series ICP-MS systems are positioned for high-throughput routine trace elemental analysis, helping labs to simplify workflows and keeping uptime high—useful in contract/compliance labs.<h3>Conclusion</h3>The findings underscore a troubling reality: many ultra-cheap products sold via online marketplaces pose real health and safety risks and routinely fail to meet EU standards. From toxic heavy metals in jewelry to hazardous chemicals in baby products, the consequences for consumers can be severe. Addressing this challenge requires both stronger regulatory oversight and reliable analytical testing. Advanced techniques such as ICP-MS play a critical role by enabling laboratories to accurately detect trace contaminants like cadmium across complex samples, helping authorities and manufacturers ensure compliance. Until safeguards improve, consumers are urged to remain vigilant—because when safety is compromised, a low price is no bargain at all.<h3>Additional resources</h3><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thermofisher.com/content/lifetech/global/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/inductively-coupled-plasma-mass-spectrometry-icp-ms/quadrupole-icp-ms-systems.html">Quadrupole ICP-MS Systems</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/br_003092_tea_icp_ms_icap_mtx_discovery_br003092_em_en_e92e76f052.pdf">Ignite your confidence: iCAP MTX triple quadrupole ICP-MS</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1489">Qtegra ISDS software</a></li></ul><h3>Join us for free local language webinars in 2026</h3><h5>English</h5><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5795">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 1</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5976">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Qtegra Part 2</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5977">Lunch and Learn Tips and Tricks Series: Trace Elemental Analysis (ICP-OES &amp; ICP-MS)</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/webinar/5978">Trace Elemental Analysis: Ask the Expert</a></li></ul><h5>Deutsch</h5><ul><li>19. März 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179134/393E071E3B501943730958BA6203F477">Interne Standards in der ICP-OES: Ein Praxisguide für zuverlässige Qualitätssicherung im Labor</a></li><li>18. Juni 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179292/AE4C576B6A54D1AC182F7F77573D380F">Fehler reduzieren, Durchsatz steigern: Autoverdünnung mit PrepFast am ICP-MS</a></li><li>17. September 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179423/B5019C560431BADCA2A76E54E4EFE56F">ICP-OES smarter nutzen: Probendurchsatz erhöhen, Ressourcen sparen</a></li><li>17. Dezember 2026 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/5179530/94EEDD1F56138F5EEE2AF24E29E6C12A">Qtegra ISDS Software Unlocked – Live im Expertengespräch</a></li></ul>Visit us on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/72003132/admin/dashboard/">LinkedIn:</a>&nbsp;#ICP-MS #ElementalAnalysis #cadmium #TraceElementalAnalysis<section><blockquote><h5>Petra Gerhards</h5>Petra Gerhards, Dipl-Ing, is Regional Marketing Manager of GC and GC-MS for EMEA at Thermo Fisher Scientific. She has more than 29 years of experience in the fields of GC-MS, SPE and LC-MS. Since joining the regional team she has contributed to workflow solutions combining vials and closures with SPE solutions, GC-MS and LC-MS. She works with KOL's on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes in-house seminars and works on customer specific solutions. Her main expertise is in the field of doping and drugs-of-abuse analysis.</blockquote></section>

Cheap, Trendy – and Toxic? High Levels of Cadmium in Necklaces Have Been Reported Lately

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 23rd February 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you application notes by Agilent Technologies, Metrohm, Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: UV-Vis Spectroscopy for Quality Assessment of Paprika as per ASTA Method 20.1</h3>From sample prep to analysis using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500">Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis</a><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_paprika_uv_vis_cary_5994_8612en_agilent_d903914b39.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Paprika is a widely used spice valued for its deep red color and characteristic flavor, contributing to its prominence in both culinary and commercial applications. As a high‑demand commodity produced from dried capsicum pods, paprika is subject to quality variation and adulteration, which can compromise product authenticity, consumer trust, and regulatory compliance. UV-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy is a rapid, reproducible analytical technique for evaluating paprika quality by quantifying pigment concentration. In paprika, color intensity primarily arises from carotenoid compounds, and is commonly assessed using the ASTA Method 20.11 – a well-established industry standard that commercially grades paprika samples as a numerical ASTA color value.In this application note, we used an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=Cary+3500">Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis spectrophotometer</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=UV+Workstation+software">Agilent Cary UV Workstation software</a> to determine the ASTA color value of two commercial paprika samples. The measurements were performed in accordance with ASTA Method 20.1 for the determination of extractable color in capsicums and their&nbsp;oleoresins.<h4>Results and discussion</h4><h5>Paprika samples' analysis&nbsp;</h5>ASTA Method 20.1 measures the color intensity of paprika by extracting pigments with acetone and recording absorbance at 460 nm. The absorbance reading, along with sample weight is then used to calculate the ASTA color value. The ASTA color value is a crucial quality parameter for paprika and other spices, as it indicates the intensity and vibrancy of the red color, which is a key characteristic for consumers and food manufacturers. In this study, the two extracted paprika samples were each measured three times to produce triplicate results (Table 4). Sample 1 had a corrected ASTA color value of approximately 103, and sample 2 had a corrected ASTA color value of approximately 61, indicating a lower color intensity. The corrected ASTA color value was automatically generated in an easy-to-read table of values, and a scan report was automatically exported into a user-defined location.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The Agilent Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis spectrophotometer with Agilent Cary UV Workstation software enabled fast, reliable, and standardized quality assessment of paprika samples. Using the well-established industry method, ASTA 20.1, the Cary 3500 system provided precise quantification of carotenoid pigments, supporting grading categorization. The high-throughput multicell design of the Cary 3500 Multicell UV-Vis spectrophotometer allows simultaneous measurement of up to seven samples and a reference, improving efficiency and minimizing variability. The Cary UV Workstation software simplifies data acquisition and analysis with intuitive spectral features such as the End of sequence analysis tool, which can be applied automatically to any scan method, and spectra comparisons through the Load spectrum tool. From sample absorbance measurement to final reporting, the Cary 3500 system eliminated the need for manual data processing or external tools, minimizing complexity and facilitating confidence.<h3>2. Metrohm: NIRS analysis of forages</h3>Multiparameter determination in a few seconds<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_nir_131_download_2f897ff7f5.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Forages are plants or parts of plants eaten by both livestock and wildlife. Forages provide bulk, help with weight maintenance, and combat several issues [1]. Alfalfa forage is high in protein—well-suited to promote muscle mass in beef cattle or to increase the production of dairy cows [2]. Alfalfa is also commonly used for horse feed. These animals require forages with good palatability along with high digestibility, intake potential, and protein levels, thus increasing the demand for alfalfa and other high-quality feeds. Farmers have responded by producing even higherquality alfalfa in recent years. Since forage quality depends on chemical, biological, and dynamic properties, both measured and calculated methods must be used. Standard alfalfa assays measure neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), ash, moisture, and protein. For alfalfa pellets, the mean particle size is also important. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers rapid and reliable prediction of fat, moisture, crude protein, fiber, ash and starch in a few seconds and without sample preparation.<h4>EXPERIMENTAL EQUIPMENT</h4>Samples of alfalfa (including fresh alfalfa, alfalfa pellets, and alfalfa cubes) were analyzed on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=220&amp;search=NIR+Analyzer">Metrohm NIR Analyzer</a>. All measurements were performed in reflection mode using the large cup. The samples were measured in rotation to collect spectral data from several areas. Spectral averaging of signals from several spots helped to reduce sample inhomogeneity. The reference values were measured according to ISO norms described at the end of this Application Note. Metrohm software was used for all data acquisition and prediction model development.<h4>CONCLUSION&nbsp;</h4>This Application Note demonstrates the feasibility to determine multiple key parameters of alfalfa forage with NIR spectroscopy. Several analytical methods are usually required to measure key quality parameters for forage (Table 4). NIRS forage analysis enables a highly accurate, cost-effective, and fast alternative.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Analysis of Heavy Metals in Baby Food Using ICP-MS</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01039_en_c563bb1b82.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>Heavy metals in various baby foods can be analyzed simultaneously with sufficient sensitivity.</li><li>Stable analysis can be performed even for baby foods with high matrix content.</li><li>Using the standard LabSolutions ICPMS rinse function, the time to clean the sample introduction system is minimized, which prevents carryover.</li></ul>Infants’ metabolic pathways are still developing, and because of their lower body weight, they are known to be more susceptible to the effects of harmful substances. In the United States, the Baby Food Safety Act 20211), and in the EU, Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/9152) and Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/19873) require the control of toxic metals contained in baby foods. ICP-MS is suitable for the analysis of trace amounts of toxic metal elements because it can perform multi-element simultaneous analysis with high sensitivity.However, baby foods vary in matrix composition, which raises concerns about non-spectral interferences and long-term stability during ICP-MS analysis. This Application News describes the analysis of five baby foods with different matrices using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=ICPMS-2040%2F2050">ICPMS-2040/2050</a> (Fig. 1). Additionally, spike recovery tests and long-term stability were assessed based on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Elemental Analysis Manual (EAM) Section 4.74).<h4>Equipment Configuration and Analysis Conditions&nbsp;</h4>The equipment configuration is shown in Table 2. To reduce running costs, a mini-torch with lower argon gas consumption compared to conventional torches was used for analysis. Additionally, to streamline sample preparation, an Online Internal Standard Kit was utilized for online addition.&nbsp;The analysis conditions are detailed in Table 3. After analyzing high-concentration samples, the sample introduction system can influence the analysis values of subsequent samples (carryover). If carryover occurs, re-measurement is necessary, which consumes additional time and samples. With LabSolutions ICPMS, rinse solutions can be set for each sample, enabling effective cleaning in minimal time. Normal cleaning was performed using pure water (Rinse solution 1), and an additional acid rinse solution (Rinse solution 2) was introduced only after high-concentration samples.For example, Table 4 shows the difference in carryover concentration when measuring a blank sample after introducing a sample with a CCV concentration, comparing the case where rinse solution 2 is added for an additional 240 seconds to the case where it is not. Among the elements measured this time, Se and Hg tend to have a higher risk of carryover, but by introducing rinse solution 2, carryover was reduced to below the detection limit. Moreover, even if unexpectedly high-concentration samples are introduced, the Extended Rinsing function allows for automatic additional rinsing (Fig. 3). This eliminates the need to repeatedly check analysis values or to set a uniform cleaning time uniformly, thus reducing the verification effort, the amount of rinse solution required, and the analysis time while preventing carryover.&nbsp;Furthermore, to minimize time spent cleaning the sample introduction system, ProActive Rinsing was used (Fig. 4). When measuring multiple samples, starting the rinse in advance during measurement reduces the measurement time for subsequentsamples.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>In this Application News, elemental analysis of baby food was conducted using the ICPMS-2040/2050. We achieved detection limits that met stringent standards. The spike recovery tests yielded good results for all samples with different matrices, confirming the validity of the analysis. Additionally, we analyzed 50 samples of infant formula with a high matrix over approximately six hours and confirmed good stability. The ICPMS-2040/2050 offers high sensitivity, accurate analysis, and good stability. Its Extended Rinsing and ProActive Rinsing functions effectively clean the sample introduction system, preventing carryover. Therefore, the ICPMS-2040/2050 is a suitable instrument for elemental analysis in baby food.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Food protection methods assessed by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/food_protection_methods_surface_enhanced_raman_spectroscopy_an54670_en_5c5e701389.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Lipid oxidation is a major issue for the meat industry as it can not only affect&nbsp;sensory quality in terms of flavor and odor but can also lead to the formation of toxic compounds such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and cholesterol oxidation products, as well as the accumulation of carbonyls, alcohols and volatile acids. The degree of oxidation depends on various factors such as the type of meat, the fat content, the storage temperature, the availability of oxygen and the type of packaging1, 2. To prevent oxidation, synthetic antioxidants are commonly added to meat products, but consumers are now demanding more natural products3. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity of many essential oils or extracts from plants or spices such as rosemary, cinnamon or oregano, and the new trend is to develop innovative packaging by adding these natural antioxidants directly to the packaging materials4–6. These materials, often films, are known as “active packaging” because they enable the controlled release of active agents either on the surface or in the internal atmosphere of the product, or by trapping the radicals responsible for harmful effects on food quality. However, the antioxidant performance of these films must be accurately determined to enable the selection of the right packaging for each foodstuff.&nbsp;Among all the techniques available, Raman spectroscopy is a promising candidate for detecting most molecular species with high specificity and sensitivity, particularly in the presence of Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). Indeed, SERS is a physical phenomenon that occurs in the presence of a rough nano-structured metallic surface that causes the intensification of Raman signals from molecules adsorbed to the surface thanks to the combination of a chemical effect and an electromagnetic effect7 . The metals used are generally gold or silver, which can be prepared by electrochemical roughening, metallic coating, or deposition of nanoparticles (often in a colloidal form). Commercial solutions are available, but many researchers prefer to create their own SERS substrates. The scope of this work is to investigate the potential of a home-made SERS substrate to compare the lipid oxidation over time in ground pork preserved either in a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) conventional packaging or in an active packaging containing oregano extract.<h4>Material and method&nbsp;</h4>Fresh ground pork meat was purchased in bulk from a local supermarket and 22 g samples of meat were placed in 5-cm diameter polystyrene Petri dishes. Each sample was covered with an active film and packed in an LDPE bag under a normal atmosphere. Reference samples were also prepared using conventional LDPE films. All samples were stored in a refrigerator at 5 °C and their lipid extracts were analyzed after 0, 7, 9, 11, 14 and 16 days using a home-made SERS substrate based on silver nanoparticles deposited on a glass Petri dish. A special home-made cooling system was used to perform the analyses at low temperature and SERS spectra were measured at -2 °C on a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/2239">Thermo Scientific™ DXR3 Raman Microscope</a> (Waltham, MA, USA) with a 532 nm laser source, a 900 lines/mm grating covering the 50-3500 cm-1 spectral range and an x10 objective (NA 0.40). The laser power was set at 5&nbsp;mW, and 20 exposures of 30 s each were selected to acquire all data. Thermo Scientific™ OMNIC™ v. 9.2 software was used for data collection and analysis. All the measurements were performed in triplicate. As the decrease in the peak at 1655&nbsp;cm-1 (stretching of C=C bonds from unsaturation) can be attributed to lipid peroxidation, and the 1439 cm-1 (scissoring deformation of CH2) is not affected by it, the area ratio between 1655 cm-1 and 1439 cm-1 bands was calculated to follow the lipid oxidation.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The effectiveness of a home-made SERS substrate coupled with a home-made cooling system was demonstrated for monitoring lipid oxidation in packaged ground pork meat over time. The advantages of this technique are its speed and the minimal sample handling requirements. An improvement factor of the order of 107 over conventional Raman was observed. This study also confirmed the greater efficacy of active packaging containing oregano extracts against lipid oxidation in ground pork, compared to conventional LDPE packaging.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 09, 2026

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Separation Science

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Separation Science, in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific, offers a webinar that explores why organizations cannot continue to advance with only technology and must also understand the evolution of data integrity.
Organizations are often at different points on their digital transformation journey. Data integrity is a critical consideration which typically requires some element of digital transformation to achieve. Ensuring data is accurate, consistent and secure throughout all laboratory processes can increase efficiencies as well as productivity.
As technological advancements are made and the use of electronic data rises, it is imperative that organizations understand the value of data integrity and how to achieve it. A recent report by the National Academies discusses technical challenges and regulatory issues around innovations in pharmaceutical manufacturing and provides recommendations to the industry and related organizations on how to facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies.
Powerful data management is critical in a system that is reliant upon advanced process control and automation, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. A complete, integrated laboratory software system provides streamlined processes and drives data integrity to advance organizations toward a Pharma 4.0 strategy.
In this webinar, Nicola Gardner (Marketing Manager, Digital Science, Thermo Fisher Scientific) will explore why organizations cannot continue to advance with only technology and must also understand the evolution of data integrity.
<h3>By attending this presentation you will learn:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Why manufacturing innovation is critical to maintaining a robust global supply chain</li>
<li>The importance of data integrity in achieving Pharma 4.0</li>
<li>How to overcome technical challenges to innovation in pharmaceutical manufacturing</li>
<li>Digital transformation insights from a world leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO).</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nicola Gardner (Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
As marketing manager for the Digital Science business at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Nicola describes to customers how they can apply laboratory software to move towards a smarter lab and digitally transform their business. Nicola helps to drive discussion around technology adoption to inform businesses on their digital transformation journey and to enable scientists to spend more time focusing on science.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Steve Buissinne: The Importance of Data Integrity in Achieving Pharma 4.0

The Importance of Data Integrity in Achieving Pharma 4.0

<ul>
<li>Broadcast #1: 12pm Singapore / 3pm Sydney</li>
<li>Broadcast #2: 10am London / 11am Paris / 3.30pm Mumbai</li>
<li>Broadcast #3: 12pm PDT / 2pm CDT / 3pm EDT</li>
</ul>
This expert presentation and discussion forum will focus on data integrity and compliance, particularly in the context of QA/QC, development, and manufacturing. Experts will highlight why technology companies need to put the customer at the heart of innovation, to ensure the development of solutions not just products. They will examine how different technology can offer benefits for regulatory compliance, with specific examples of how instrumentation, data integrity and compliance have been combined to provide effective solutions. The event will kick-off with the following presentation.
<h3>Technological Facilitation of Data Integrity Compliance</h3>
Data is the raw material of decisions and claims we make and, in modern society, the basis for being considered good practitioners on actions that others can observe. However, we have not acknowledged that we have been living in the postmodern world for many decades. Now, amidst and beyond the COVID-19 pandamonium, the economic plan is named “the Great Reset,” and “Build Back Better” is the political path forward. We must acknowledge that truth and reality are understood individually and influenced by personal reality, social belonging, gender preference, and culture, which is primed to cancel other realities. Hence, data integrity and truth will exponentially be assured in producing data electronically without human interference. While many parts of pharmaceutical processes and analytical equipment are certifiably compliant with CFR 21 part 11 requirements today, many gaps persist (e.g., mass spectrometers, NMR, IR, and their automation platforms. Historically developing 21 CFR part 11 compliant software has not been a priority for vendors, given that a tiny fraction of their customer base comes from the QC/GMP environment. Placing an added emphasis on the “totality of the evidence” in regulatory science is how we can fairly and responsibly (as per the FD&amp;C Act) progress to mind and fill gaps. Let us make sense of an integrated approach to data integrity in the postmodern world.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ajaz Hussain (Independent Insights, Advice and Solutions for Science in Life)
</blockquote>

SeparationScience: Facilitating Data Integrity & Compliance

Facilitating Data Integrity & Compliance

Automated executions of chemical synthesis and discovery has risen as a critical enabling technology. New tools combining advanced robotics with experiment planning by machine learning, known as self-driving labs, are now attainable. However, the optimal deployment of these technologies remains under development, requiring a recursive design-make-build cycle dedicated to tuning and evolving the robotic platform.This new approach has been termed ‘flexible automation’ and enables the cost and time-effective design, construction and reconfiguration of automated experiments. By leveraging many of the principles from Industry 4.0, including rapid fabrication, Internet-of-Things devices, cloud-based software, and open-source API we have created a set of simple reconfigurable tools to address a diverse set of applications spanning pharmaceutical process chemistry and even impacting mining and resource extraction. These rapid improvements are made possible through the fusion of best-in-class existing hardware (eg, &nbsp;Unchained Labs Junior for liquid handling and HTE, Mettler-Toledo EasyMax for large scale automated lab reactor, Agilent UPLC for online analysis, Vaportec R-Series for continuous plug-flow reactions) with a variety of bespoke tools and code to integrate complicated workflows. This presentation will introduce this method and provide case studies.Key Learning Objectives:<ul><li>Learn strategies to rapidly develop hybrid and fully automated experimental workflows</li><li>Learn best practices to design and deploy autonomous reaction optimization for chemical synthesis</li><li>See case studies for integrating automation into small molecule synthesis programs</li></ul>Who Should Attend:<ul><li>Process development and medicinal chemists</li><li>Automation scientists and engineers</li><li>Scientists involved in high throughput experimentation &nbsp;</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Jason Hein (CEO and Co-Founder, Telescope Innovations)Presenter:&nbsp;Melissa O'Meara (Forensic Science Consultant, C&amp;EN Media Group)</blockquote>

C&EN: Flexible Automation: A new approach to meet evolving chemistry challenges

Flexible Automation: A new approach to meet evolving chemistry challenges

Learn strategies to rapidly develop hybrid and fully automated experimental workflows

New approach to meet evolving chemistry challenges

<h5>The Problem&nbsp;</h5>Current manual buffer exchange techniques sacrifice nucleic acid, protein, AAV, and LNP sample recovery for convenience and don’t scale well to your sample volumes and capacity.<h5>The Solutions&nbsp;</h5>Automating buffer exchange solves scale-up issues while saving tons of time and serving up high sample recovery. We've developed two flavors of automated buffer exchange to handle a wide range of capacity and throughput needs. Unagi is the first completely hands-free, benchtop buffer exchange solution that’s perfect for the everyday handful of samples that need to be quickly buffer exchanged or concentrated up - Unagi can handle up to 8 samples of 0.5 – 8 mL at a time. Big Tuna is a high-throughput automated buffer exchange platform that can exchange and concentrate up to 96 different samples and buffers on volumes from 100 μL - 8 mL.<h5>The Proof&nbsp;</h5>Join this live side-by-side demo of Unagi and Big Tuna to see each platform in action and learn about the benefits of benchtop vs high-throughput automated buffer exchange. See for yourself how automating buffer exchange takes the workload off your hands while delivering accuracy and recovery rates you just can’t get with manual methods. &nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Del Ray Jackson (Market Manager, Buffer Exchange &amp; Automation, Unchained Labs)Moderator: Ross Walton, PhD (Sr. Applications Scientist, Unchained Labs)</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: See how Unagi & Big Tuna satisfy any size craving for fast, hands-free buffer exchange

See how Unagi & Big Tuna satisfy any size craving for fast, hands-free buffer exchange

Live demo of Unagi and Big Tuna to see each platform in action and learn about the benefits of benchtop vs high-throughput automated buffer exchange. 

Hands-free buffer exchange with Unagi and Big Tuna

<h5>The Problem&nbsp;</h5>Part of the development of a biologic drug is finding a formulation that optimizes its stability. Two key protein stability parameters are melting and aggregation temperature, Tm and Tagg. To effectively screen many different formulations with the goals of ranking and refining them, you need a tool that keeps tabs on many stability parameters of many samples all at once.&nbsp;<h5>The Solutions&nbsp;</h5>Uncle is the original all-in-one stability platform that characterizes stability of biologics in high throughput with only 9 µL of sample. It allows you to follow melting and aggregation of the protein simultaneously and to use the data to rank and rate formulation excipients for their influence on the behavior of your analyte.&nbsp;<h5>The Proof&nbsp;</h5>In this webinar, we’ll present a case study on Eurofins’ formulation development of a fusion protein. We screened different excipients for their influence on stability to find an optimized formulation that balances thermal stability and minimizes the tendency of the analyte to aggregate. &nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Andree Mueller (Senior Product Manager for Aunty and Honeybun, Unchained Labs)Presenter: Dorien Van Lysebetten (Senior Scientist, Eurofins CDMO)Presenter: Lien Saerens (Pharmaceutical Development Manager, Eurofins CDMO)Host: Georgina Hughes (Editorial Team, SelectScience)</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Master the balancing act of biologic formulation development with Uncle

Master the balancing act of biologic formulation development with Uncle

In this webinar, we’ll present a case study on Eurofins’ formulation development of a fusion protein. 

Biologic formulation development with Uncle

<h5>The Problem&nbsp;</h5>Your taste for biologics and gene therapy buffer exchange and concentration may vary between sample number and volumes, but your appetite for precise results never changes. You need to nail exact exchange and concentration targets without giving up your precious time handling your samples.&nbsp;<h5>The Solutions&nbsp;</h5>Unagi is the first completely hands-free benchtop buffer exchange solution for up to 8 samples with starting volumes from 0.5 to 8 mL. Big Tuna is a fully automated, plate based buffer exchange platform that can exchange and concentrate up to 96 samples in parallel with starting volumes from 100 μL to 8 mL. Both systems can further concentrate up to 48 mL of initial sample volume. Each deliver ≥ 96% recovery for protein, mAb, nucleic acid, LNP and AAV buffer exchange and concentration runs using the same innovative buffer exchange technology that provides uniform results and eliminates dead end ultrafiltration with 10, 30, and 100 kDa MWCO options.&nbsp;<h5>The Proof&nbsp;</h5>Learn how simple it is to set up a buffer exchange or concentration run for your biologics and gene therapy samples on Unagi and Big Tuna. We will show case studies for each platform to help you decide which is a better solution for automating your buffer exchange, gaining improved results and saving precious time in the process. &nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter:&nbsp;Del Ray Jackson (Market Manager, Buffer Exchange &amp; Automation, Unchained Labs)Moderator: Sandra Flores (FAS Manager EU, Unchained Labs)</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Bite into hands-free on-the-money buffer exchange with Unagi and Big Tuna

Bite into hands-free on-the-money buffer exchange with Unagi and Big Tuna

How simple it is to set up a buffer exchange or concentration run for your biologics and gene therapy samples on Unagi and Big Tuna.

<h5>The Problem&nbsp;</h5>Long term isothermal testing is crucial to understanding the stability of a biologic. Traditional long-term isothermal methods only see a part of the picture, make you wait to the very end of development, and require a lot of protein and time.<h5>The Solutions&nbsp;</h5>The isothermal apps in Uncle make isothermal testing easy – and only need 9 microliters of sample. Uncle has tailored isothermal apps for both protein intrinsic and reporter dye fluorescence. To add even more flexibility, meet our out-of-the-box apps: use Uncle for a daily data snap and keep the sample in an incubator – Uncle remains free for other work during those long hours of incubation.<h5>The Proof&nbsp;</h5>Tune in to our live demo and let us show you how to get accelerated stability testing done with Uncle easier and earlier in development. We’ll go over the practical steps of regular and out-of-the-box tests and then turn to data analysis. &nbsp;<blockquote>Presenter: Andree Mueller (Senior Product Manager for Aunty and Honeybun, Unchained Labs)Presenter:&nbsp;Kevin Lance, PhD (Director, Product Management, Unchained Labs)Kevin Lance directs product management and covers the Stunner portfolio globally at Unchained Labs. His expertise includes biophysical characterization of viral vectors, lipid nanoparticles, proteins, and nucleic acids. Prior to Unchained Labs, his research experience covered the fields of sustained antibody delivery and nanotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the joint UC Berkeley – UCSF Bioengineering Graduate Program.</blockquote>

Unchained Labs: Pop in to see things get heated with isothermal protein stability testing on Uncle

Pop in to see things get heated with isothermal protein stability testing on Uncle

Show you how to get accelerated stability testing done with Uncle easier and earlier in development.

Isothermal protein stability testing on Uncle

Cleaning of vessels and vials used for sample preparation is a serious bottleneck in the workflow of elemental analysis. It impacts operator time, efficiency and throughput.At the same time, cleaning is such an important process that affects the analysis quality as it contributes to minimize contamination, reduce the blank levels and avoid overestimation.Join us for this live interactive webinar and see the viable options to reduce or even eliminate the cleaning step in trace metals analysis. This event will provide an overview with pros and cons of the different possibilities, such as acid soaking, microwave cleaning, automated cleaning system and the use of disposable glass tubes .<h4>What you will learn:</h4><ul><li>Cleaning procedures of digestion vials, vessels, caps and ICP components.</li><li>Efficient cleaning methods to improve the trace metals analysis workflow</li><li>Impact of the cleaning process on the lab productivity</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Mirco Rossetti (Product Manager at Milestone)</blockquote>

Milestone: Overcome cleaning bottlenecks in sample preparation for elemental analysis

Overcome cleaning bottlenecks in sample preparation for elemental analysis

Join us for this live interactive webinar and see the viable options to reduce or even eliminate the cleaning step in trace metals analysis. 

Cleaning bottlenecks in sample preparation

Many laboratories face complex challenges when dealing with mercury analysis. What is the most reliable and effective technique that offers compelling cost benefits for your lab? The choice is among staying with traditional dedicated mercury techniques such as CV-AAS/AFS or perhaps move some of the samples over to the ICP mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), or investing in the direct mercury analyzer that is able to eliminate any sample pre-treatment and dissolution.This webinar offers a closer look at the comparison in running costs between Direct Mercury Analysis technique and CV-AAS/AFS, and also how it stacks up against ICP-MS, to understand which investment can be the best one for your laboratory. We will make a practical cost comparison using similar sample types that require some type of sample pretreatment or preparation (e.g., solids or liquids that require digestion).<h4>What you will learn:</h4><ul><li>Breakdown of the mercury analysis costs</li><li>Costs comparison and productivity for different techniques</li><li>Cost comparison for mercury determination with ICP-MS</li><li>Practical guidance to lower analysis costs</li></ul><blockquote>Speaker: Roberto Boschini (Product Manager at Milestone)</blockquote>

Milestone: The cost benefits of direct mercury analysis: Do you know the bottom line

The cost benefits of direct mercury analysis: Do you know the bottom line?

Webinar offers closer look at comparison in running costs between Direct Mercury Analysis technique and CV-AAS/AFS, and also how it stacks up against ICP-MS

The cost benefits of direct mercury analysis

Mercury has been banned in cosmetics by regulatory agencies, but it persists in some formulations of cosmetic products. Despite the serious health risks associated with its use, mercury is still an attractive ingredient of cosmetic products claiming to lighten skin and remove blemishes. Fraudulent creams and cosmetic products take advantage of mercury's cost-effectiveness and ability to extend shelf life. Because of these properties, mercury in its toxic form, methylmercury, can also be added later to products that have already been manufactured.<h4>The Need for Regulation and Analytical Methods</h4>The identification of such substance is central to the various regulatory frameworks. ISO has addressed this issue by introducing ISO 23674:2022, which emphasizes the use of direct mercury analysis and the ISO 23821:2022 which involves sample preparation and CV-AAS.Together with our guest speaker Dr. Maximilian Orlandi, Chemistry Lab Manager at Complife Group who has deep knowledge of the analysis of cosmetics and the ISO procedures and Iacopo Avolio, Product Specialists at Milestone, we will review the benefits of these methods.This webinar aims to highlight procedure of quantification of mercury traces in cosmetic products that consumers can be exposed to in their usage. These methods describe the determination of mercury traces in cosmetics by using direct solid analysis with no need of digestion or by CV-AAS that requires acid digestion.<blockquote>Speaker: Iacopo Avolio (Product Specialists at Milestone)Speaker: Maximilian Orlandi (Chemistry Lab Manager at Complife Group)</blockquote>

Milestone: Mercury Analysis in Cosmetics: A deep dive into the latest ISO analytical methods for trace metal determination

Mercury Analysis in Cosmetics: A deep dive into the latest ISO analytical methods for trace metal determination

Webinar aims to highlight procedure of quantification of mercury traces in cosmetic products that consumers can be exposed to in their usage.

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