EinzelpartikelICPMS

Einzelpartikel-ICP-MS, often abbreviated as spICP-MS, is a technique used to quantify and characterize individual nanoparticles in a sample. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a highly sensitive method for elemental analysis. In the spICP-MS configuration, the instrument is optimized to detect the signal generated by single nanoparticles as they pass through the plasma, rather than the averaged signal from a large population of particles. This allows for the determination of particle size, particle number concentration, and elemental composition of individual nanoparticles.

The process typically involves introducing a liquid sample containing nanoparticles into the ICP. As each nanoparticle enters the plasma, it is vaporized, atomized, and ionized. The resulting ions are then separated by their mass-to-charge ratio in the mass spectrometer and detected. The signal intensity and duration are directly related to the size and elemental mass of the individual nanoparticle. By analyzing the temporal distribution of these individual particle signals, researchers can obtain a size distribution and calculate the total number of nanoparticles present in the original sample.

spICP-MS is particularly useful for studying nanoparticle behavior in various matrices, such as environmental samples, biological fluids, and engineered nanomaterials. It provides a more detailed understanding of nanoparticle heterogeneity compared to bulk analysis techniques. Applications include environmental monitoring for nanoparticle pollution, assessment of nanoparticle uptake in biological systems, and quality control in the production of nanomaterials. The technique requires careful sample preparation and instrument calibration to ensure accurate and reliable results.