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Nanomaterials
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ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures
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ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 October 2023) | Viewed by 27964

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Antonio R. Montoro Bustos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Inorganic Chemical Metrology Group, Material Measurement Laboratory, Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
Interests: ICP-MS; synthesis, separation, and characterization of nanomaterials; single-particle ICP-MS; metrology; reference materials; development of analytical and bioanalytical applications at the nanoscale; metal and metal oxide nanoparticles; quantum dots; nanoclusters; hetero-nanostructures for catalysis; environmental health and safety

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since its introduction in the 1980s, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has evolved to become arguably the most versatile and powerful technique for the multi-elemental and multi-isotopic analysis of metals, metalloids, and selected non-metals at (ultra)trace levels. Given its several unique properties, over the last two decades, ICP-MS has become the reference analytical technique for reliable quantification and elemental composition characterization of nano- and microstructures fostering numerous advanced applications in diverse fields.

The superb capabilities of “stand alone” ICP-MS for the direct ultrasensitive quantification of bulk elemental content, ultrace elemental impurities, and isotopic determinations have significantly expanded the realm of (bio)analytical applications of nano- and microstructures. Furthermore, ICP-MS has rapidly become an essential on-line element-specific detector for the characterization of polydispersed and complex nano- and microstructures by its hyphenation to most common continuous fractionation/separation techniques.

The implementation of off-the-shelf ICP-MS instruments operating at higher time resolutions to perform measurements on individual nanoparticles, which is commonly called single-particle (SP-) ICP-MS, has swiftly evolved from a technological curiosity to a well-recognized technique for the rapid simultaneous determination of particle size distribution and particle number concentration in very dilute liquid suspensions. Considering the great interest in obtaining information from individual cells, the concept behind SP-ICP-MS has been successfully applied to single-cell analysis (SC-ICP-MS), enabling the detection and quantification of the metal content within individual cells. Despite that SP-ICP-MS was not considered a priori appropriate for monitoring carbon-based nano- and microstructures, the measurement of microplastics by SP-ICP-MS using carbon isotopic signatures or through metal isotope signatures of doped/functionalized particles has been very recently reported in the literature. These new advances highlight the pivotal role of ICP-based technologies in the development of many real-world applications of nano- and microstructures that are addressing new scientific and societal challenges.

This Special Issue is open to original research articles and reviews focused on, but not limited to, current developments, fundamental studies, metrological advances, and applications covering all areas of research associated with the use of ICP-MS for the characterization and quantification of nano- and microstructures (e.g., fundamental, theoretical, and measurement sciences; materials sciences; metrology; analytical and bioanalytical applications; environmental sciences; separation sciences; single-particle and single-cell ICP-MS; mass cytometry; micro- and nanoplastics; natural nanoparticles and colloids; health and biosciences; toxicology and ecotoxicology; nano- and microstructure exposure, risk assessment, and release from consumer products; etc.)

Dr. Antonio R. Montoro Bustos
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • ICP-MS
  • nanomaterials
  • micromaterials
  • characterization
  • quantification
  • applications
  • metrology
  • hyphenated techniques
  • single-particle and single-cell analysis

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 161 KiB  
Editorial
ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures
by Antonio R. Montoro Bustos
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 578; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070578 - 26 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1039
Abstract
Since its commercial introduction in the 1980s, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has evolved to become arguably the most versatile and powerful technique for the multi-elemental and multi-isotopic analysis of metals, metalloids, and selected non-metals at ultratrace levels [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

17 pages, 2246 KiB  
Article
Single-Particle ICP-MS/MS Application for Routine Screening of Nanoparticles Present in Powder-Based Facial Cosmetics
by Deja Hebert, Jenny Nelson, Brooke N. Diehl and Phoebe Zito
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(19), 2681; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192681 - 30 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2024
Abstract
The short- and long-term impacts of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products are not fully understood. Current European Union (EU) regulations enforce transparency on products containing NPs in cosmetic formulations; however, those set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are lacking. This study [...] Read more.
The short- and long-term impacts of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products are not fully understood. Current European Union (EU) regulations enforce transparency on products containing NPs in cosmetic formulations; however, those set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are lacking. This study demonstrates the potential of single-particle inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (spICP-MS/MS) as a screening method for NPs present in powder-based facial cosmetics (herein referred to as FCs). A proposed spICP-MS/MS method is presented along with recommended criteria to confirm particle presence and particle detection thresholds in seven FCs. FC products of varying colors, market values, and applications were analyzed for the presence of Bi, Cr, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sn, Ag, Al, and Zn NPs based on their ingredient lists as well as those commonly used in cosmetic formulations. The presence of NPs smaller than 100 nm was observed in all FC samples, and no correlations with their presence and market value were observed. Here, we report qualitative and semi-quantitative results for seven FC samples ranging in color, brand, and shimmer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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12 pages, 2698 KiB  
Article
Exploring Pt-Pd Alloy Nanoparticle Cluster Formation through Conventional Sizing Techniques and Single-Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma—Sector Field Mass Spectrometry
by Omar Martinez-Mora, Kristof Tirez, Filip Beutels, Wilfried Brusten, Luis F. Leon-Fernandez, Jan Fransaer, Xochitl Dominguez-Benetton and Milica Velimirovic
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2610; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182610 - 21 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1475
Abstract
Accurate characterization of Pt-Pd alloy nanoparticle clusters (NCs) is crucial for understanding their synthesis using Gas-Diffusion Electrocrystallization (GDEx). In this study, we propose a comprehensive approach that integrates conventional sizing techniques—scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS)—with innovative single-particle inductively coupled [...] Read more.
Accurate characterization of Pt-Pd alloy nanoparticle clusters (NCs) is crucial for understanding their synthesis using Gas-Diffusion Electrocrystallization (GDEx). In this study, we propose a comprehensive approach that integrates conventional sizing techniques—scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS)—with innovative single-particle inductively coupled plasma—sector field mass spectrometry (spICP-SFMS) to investigate Pt-Pd alloy NC formation. SEM and DLS provide insights into morphology and hydrodynamic sizes, while spICP-SFMS elucidates the particle size and distribution of Pt-Pd alloy NCs, offering rapid and orthogonal characterization. The spICP-SFMS approach presented enables detailed characterization of Pt-Pd alloy NCs, which was previously challenging due to the absence of multi-element capabilities in conventional spICP-MS systems. This innovative approach not only enhances our understanding of bimetallic nanoparticle synthesis, but also paves the way for tailoring these materials for specific applications, marking a significant advancement in the field of nanomaterial science. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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20 pages, 3537 KiB  
Article
Isotope Dilution Analysis for Particle Mass Determination Using Single-Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: Application to Size Determination of Silver Nanoparticles
by Maite Aramendía, Diego Leite, Javier Resano, Martín Resano, Kharmen Billimoria and Heidi Goenaga-Infante
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(17), 2392; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13172392 - 22 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1583
Abstract
This paper describes methodology based on the application of isotope dilution (ID) in single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spICP-ToFMS) mode for the mass determination (and sizing) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). For this purpose, and considering that the analytical signal in spICP-MS [...] Read more.
This paper describes methodology based on the application of isotope dilution (ID) in single-particle inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry (spICP-ToFMS) mode for the mass determination (and sizing) of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). For this purpose, and considering that the analytical signal in spICP-MS shows a transient nature, an isotope dilution equation used for online work was adapted and used for the mass determination of individual NPs. The method proposed measures NP isotope ratios in a particle-to-particle approach, which allows for the characterization of NP mass (and size) distributions and not only the mean size of the distribution. For the best results to be obtained, our method development (undertaken through the analysis of the reference material NIST RM 8017) included the optimization of the working conditions for the best precision and accuracy in isotope ratios of individual NPs, which had been only reported to date with multicollector instruments. It is shown that the precision of the measurement of these ratios is limited by the magnitude of the signals obtained for each NP in the mass analyzer (counting statistics). However, the uncertainty obtained for the sizing of NPs in this approach can be improved by careful method optimization, where the most important parameters are shown to be the selection of the spike isotopic composition and concentration. Although only AgNPs were targeted in this study, the method presented, with the corresponding adaptations, could be applied to NPs of any other composition that include an element with different naturally available isotopes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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12 pages, 2424 KiB  
Article
Extraction of Silicon-Containing Nanoparticles from an Agricultural Soil for Analysis by Single Particle Sector Field and Time-of-Flight Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
by Zhizhong Li, Madjid Hadioui and Kevin J. Wilkinson
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(14), 2049; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13142049 - 11 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1608
Abstract
The increased use of silica and silicon-containing nanoparticles (Si-NP) in agricultural applications has stimulated interest in determining their potential migration in the environment and their uptake by living organisms. Understanding the fate and behavior of Si-NPs will require their accurate analysis and characterization [...] Read more.
The increased use of silica and silicon-containing nanoparticles (Si-NP) in agricultural applications has stimulated interest in determining their potential migration in the environment and their uptake by living organisms. Understanding the fate and behavior of Si-NPs will require their accurate analysis and characterization in very complex environmental matrices. In this study, we investigated Si-NP analysis in soil using single-particle ICP-MS. A magnetic sector instrument was operated at medium resolution to overcome the impact of polyatomic interferences (e.g., 14N14N and 12C16O) on 28Si determinations. Consequently, a size detection limit of 29 ± 3 nm (diameter of spherical SiO2 NP) was achieved in Milli-Q water. Si-NP were extracted from agricultural soil using several extractants, including Ca(NO3)2, Mg(NO3)2, BaCl2, NaNO3, Na4P2O7, fulvic acid (FA) and Na2H2EDTA. The best extraction efficiency was found for Na4P2O7, for which the size distribution of Si-NP in the leachates was well preserved for at least one month. On the other hand, Ca(NO3)2, Mg(NO3)2 and BaCl2 were relatively less effective and generally led to particle agglomeration. A time-of-flight ICP-MS was also used to examine the nature of the extracted Si-NP on a single-particle basis. Aluminosilicates accounted for the greatest number of extracted NP (~46%), followed by NP where Si was the only detected metal (presumably SiO2, ~30%). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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12 pages, 1833 KiB  
Article
Size Uncertainty in Individual Nanoparticles Measured by Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
by Shuji Yamashita, Shin-ichi Miyashita and Takafumi Hirata
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 1958; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13131958 - 28 Jun 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1830
Abstract
Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for size measurements of individual nanoparticles (NPs). Here, uncertainties in size analysis based upon two calibration approaches were evaluated: (i) the use of particle size standard and (ii) the use of ion standard [...] Read more.
Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for size measurements of individual nanoparticles (NPs). Here, uncertainties in size analysis based upon two calibration approaches were evaluated: (i) the use of particle size standard and (ii) the use of ion standard solution. For particle size standard approach, the source of uncertainty to determine the target NP diameter was related to the variation in the signal intensities of both target NPs and particle size standard, and the size distribution of the particle size standard. The relative uncertainties of the 50 nm silver NP as the target were 15.0%, 9.9%, and 10.8% when particle size standards of 30 nm, 60 nm, and 100 nm silver NPs were used, respectively. As for the ion standard solution approach, the sources of uncertainty were the concentration of working standard solution, sample flow rate, transport efficiency, slope of calibration curve, and variation in the signal intensity of the ion standard solution and of the target NPs. The relative uncertainties for the 50 nm silver NP were 18.5% for 1 ng/g, 7.6% for 10 ng/g, and 4.7% for 100 ng/g solutions. The lower uncertainty obtained with a high concentration working standard solution is recommended to improve precision on particle size determinations by spICP-MS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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18 pages, 1282 KiB  
Article
Agglomeration Behavior and Fate of Food-Grade Titanium Dioxide in Human Gastrointestinal Digestion and in the Lysosomal Environment
by Francesca Ferraris, Andrea Raggi, Jessica Ponti, Dora Mehn, Douglas Gilliland, Sara Savini, Francesca Iacoponi, Federica Aureli, Luigi Calzolai and Francesco Cubadda
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 1908; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13131908 - 22 Jun 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1928
Abstract
In the present study, we addressed the knowledge gaps regarding the agglomeration behavior and fate of food-grade titanium dioxide (E 171) in human gastrointestinal digestion (GID). After thorough multi-technique physicochemical characterization including TEM, single-particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS), CLS, VSSA determination and ELS, the GI [...] Read more.
In the present study, we addressed the knowledge gaps regarding the agglomeration behavior and fate of food-grade titanium dioxide (E 171) in human gastrointestinal digestion (GID). After thorough multi-technique physicochemical characterization including TEM, single-particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS), CLS, VSSA determination and ELS, the GI fate of E 171 was studied by applying the in vitro GID approach established for the regulatory risk assessment of nanomaterials in Europe, using a standardized international protocol. GI fate was investigated in fasted conditions, relevant to E 171 use in food supplements and medicines, and in fed conditions, with both a model food and E 171-containing food samples. TiO2 constituent particles were resistant to GI dissolution, and thus, their stability in lysosomal fluid was investigated. The biopersistence of the material in lysosomal fluid highlighted its potential for bioaccumulation. For characterizing the agglomeration degree in the small intestinal phase, spICP-MS represented an ideal analytical tool to overcome the limitations of earlier studies. We demonstrated that, after simulated GID, in the small intestine, E 171 (at concentrations reflecting human exposure) is present with a dispersion degree similar to that obtained when dispersing the material in water by means of high-energy sonication (i.e., ≥70% of particles <250 nm). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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16 pages, 3678 KiB  
Article
An Approach Based on an Increased Bandpass for Enabling the Use of Internal Standards in Single Particle ICP-MS: Application to AuNPs Characterization
by Antonio Bazo, Maite Aramendía, Flávio V. Nakadi and Martín Resano
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(12), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13121838 - 10 Jun 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1746
Abstract
This paper proposes a novel approach to implement an internal standard (IS) correction in single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP ICP-MS), as exemplified for the characterization of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in complex matrices. This approach is based on the use of [...] Read more.
This paper proposes a novel approach to implement an internal standard (IS) correction in single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP ICP-MS), as exemplified for the characterization of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in complex matrices. This approach is based on the use of the mass spectrometer (quadrupole) in bandpass mode, enhancing the sensitivity for the monitoring of AuNPs while also allowing for the detection of PtNPs in the same measurement run, such that they can serve as an internal standard. The performance of the method developed was proved for three different matrices: pure water, a 5 g L−1 NaCl water solution, and another water solution containing 2.5% (m/v) tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)/0.1% Triton X-100. It was observed that matrix-effects impacted both the sensitivity of the NPs and their transport efficiencies. To circumvent this problem, two methods were used to determine the TE: the particle size method for sizing and the dynamic mass flow method for the determination of the particle number concentration (PNC). This fact, together with the use of the IS, enabled us to attain accurate results in all cases, both for sizing and for the PNC determination. Additionally, the use of the bandpass mode provides additional flexibility for this characterization, as it is possible to easily tune the sensitivity achieved for each NP type to ensure that their distributions are sufficiently resolved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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16 pages, 2863 KiB  
Article
Improving the Detectability of Microplastics in River Waters by Single Particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
by Celia Trujillo, Josefina Pérez-Arantegui, Ryszard Lobinski and Francisco Laborda
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(10), 1582; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13101582 - 9 May 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2180
Abstract
Detection of microplastics in environmental samples requires fast, sensitive and selective analytical techniques, both in terms of the size of the microparticles and their concentration. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) allows the detection of plastic particles down to ca. 1 [...] Read more.
Detection of microplastics in environmental samples requires fast, sensitive and selective analytical techniques, both in terms of the size of the microparticles and their concentration. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) allows the detection of plastic particles down to ca. 1 µm and down to concentrations of 100 particles per mL. In SP-ICP-MS, detection of carbon-containing particles is hampered by the presence of other forms of carbon (carbonates, organic matter, microorganisms…). An acidic pre-treatment of river water samples with 10% (v/v) nitric acid for 24 h allowed the reduction of the presence of dissolved carbon to ultrapure water levels and the digestion of potential microorganisms in the samples, recovering polystyrene microparticles up to 80%. Carbon-containing particles were detected in most of the samples analysed from Spanish and French Pyrenean rivers. The presence of microplastics in these samples was confirmed by Raman microscopy and their morphology was defined by electron microscopy combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The developed SP-ICP-MS method is suitable for the rapid screening of river waters for the presence of microplastics, which can then be analysed by inherently slower but more selective techniques (e.g., Raman microscopy). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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12 pages, 2118 KiB  
Article
Towards Automated and High-Throughput Quantitative Sizing and Isotopic Analysis of Nanoparticles via Single Particle-ICP-TOF-MS
by Benjamin T. Manard, Veronica C. Bradley, C. Derrick Quarles, Jr., Lyndsey Hendriks, Daniel R. Dunlap, Cole R. Hexel, Patrick Sullivan and Hunter B. Andrews
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(8), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13081322 - 9 Apr 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2881
Abstract
The work described herein assesses the ability to characterize gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of 50 and 100 nm, as well as 60 nm silver shelled gold core nanospheres (Au/Ag NPs), for their mass, respective size, and isotopic composition in an automated and unattended [...] Read more.
The work described herein assesses the ability to characterize gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) of 50 and 100 nm, as well as 60 nm silver shelled gold core nanospheres (Au/Ag NPs), for their mass, respective size, and isotopic composition in an automated and unattended fashion. Here, an innovative autosampler was employed to mix and transport the blanks, standards, and samples into a high-efficiency single particle (SP) introduction system for subsequent analysis by inductively coupled plasma–time of flight–mass spectrometry (ICP-TOF-MS). Optimized NP transport efficiency into the ICP-TOF-MS was determined to be >80%. This combination, SP-ICP-TOF-MS, allowed for high-throughput sample analysis. Specifically, 50 total samples (including blanks/standards) were analyzed over 8 h, to provide an accurate characterization of the NPs. This methodology was implemented over the course of 5 days to assess its long-term reproducibility. Impressively, the in-run and day-to-day variation of sample transport is assessed to be 3.54 and 9.52% relative standard deviation (%RSD), respectively. The determination of Au NP size and concentration was of <5% relative difference from the certified values over these time periods. Isotopic characterization of the 107Ag/109Ag particles (n = 132,630) over the course of the measurements was determined to be 1.0788 ± 0.0030 with high accuracy (0.23% relative difference) when compared to the multi-collector–ICP-MS determination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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12 pages, 2711 KiB  
Article
Capabilities of Single Cell ICP-MS for the Analysis of Cell Suspensions from Solid Tissues
by Roberto Álvarez-Fernández García, Lucía Gutiérrez Romero, Jörg Bettmer and Maria Montes-Bayón
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010012 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2317
Abstract
Single cell elemental (SC) analysis of isogenic cell cultures can be done using inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) detection. However, 2D cell cultures are just models to simplify the complexity of real tissue samples. Here, we show for the first time the capabilities of [...] Read more.
Single cell elemental (SC) analysis of isogenic cell cultures can be done using inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS) detection. However, 2D cell cultures are just models to simplify the complexity of real tissue samples. Here, we show for the first time the capabilities of the technique (SC-ICP-MS) to analyze single cell suspensions of isolated cells from tissues. An optimized cocktail of proteolytic and collagenolytic enzymes was applied in a single preparation step with cellular yields up to 28% using 0.5 g of fresh rat spleen and liver, respectively. The retrieved cells revealed adequate morphology and stability to be examined by SC-ICP-MS. Quantitative elemental analysis of P, S, Cu, and Fe from disaggregated cells from rat spleen and liver tissues revealed levels of Fe of 7–16 fg/cell in the spleen and 8–12 fg/cell in the liver, while Cu was about 3–5 fg/cell in the spleen and 1.5–2.5 fg/cell in the liver. Evaluation of the transmembrane protein transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) expression levels in disaggregated cells was also conducted by using a Nd-labelled antibody against this cell surface biomarker. Quantitative results showed significantly lower expression in the disaggregated cells than in the cell model HepG2, in agreement with the overexpression of this biomarker in tumor cells. In this proof of concept study, the tissue disaggregation protocol has shown to maintain the elemental intracellular content of cells as well as the presence of relevant antigens. This opens a completely new area of research for SC-ICP-MS in tissue samples as a complementary strategy with validation capabilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

51 pages, 1517 KiB  
Review
Application of Single Particle ICP-MS for the Determination of Inorganic Nanoparticles in Food Additives and Food: A Short Review
by Katrin Loeschner, Monique E. Johnson and Antonio R. Montoro Bustos
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(18), 2547; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13182547 - 12 Sep 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2871
Abstract
Due to enhanced properties at the nanoscale, nanomaterials (NMs) have been incorporated into foods, food additives, and food packaging materials. Knowledge gaps related to (but not limited to) fate, transport, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of nanomaterials have led to an expedient need to expand [...] Read more.
Due to enhanced properties at the nanoscale, nanomaterials (NMs) have been incorporated into foods, food additives, and food packaging materials. Knowledge gaps related to (but not limited to) fate, transport, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of nanomaterials have led to an expedient need to expand research efforts in the food research field. While classical techniques can provide information on dilute suspensions, these techniques sample a low throughput of nanoparticles (NPs) in the suspension and are limited in the range of the measurement metrics so orthogonal techniques must be used in tandem to fill in measurement gaps. New and innovative characterization techniques have been developed and optimized for employment in food nano-characterization. Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, a high-throughput nanoparticle characterization technique capable of providing vital measurands of NP-containing samples such as size distribution, number concentration, and NP evolution has been employed as a characterization technique in food research since its inception. Here, we offer a short, critical review highlighting existing studies that employ spICP-MS in food research with a particular focus on method validation and trends in sample preparation and spICP-MS methodology. Importantly, we identify and address areas in research as well as offer insights into yet to be addressed knowledge gaps in methodology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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Graphical abstract

16 pages, 1752 KiB  
Review
The Potential of ICP-MS as a Complementary Tool in Nanoparticle–Protein Corona Analysis
by Ana Fuentes-Cervantes, Julia Ruiz Allica, Francisco Calderón Celis, José M. Costa-Fernández and Jorge Ruiz Encinar
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1132; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061132 - 22 Mar 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2762
Abstract
The prolific applicability of nanomaterials has made them a common citizen in biological systems, where they interact with proteins forming a biological corona complex. These complexes drive the interaction of nanomaterials with and within the cells, bringing forward numerous potential applications in nanobiomedicine, [...] Read more.
The prolific applicability of nanomaterials has made them a common citizen in biological systems, where they interact with proteins forming a biological corona complex. These complexes drive the interaction of nanomaterials with and within the cells, bringing forward numerous potential applications in nanobiomedicine, but also arising toxicological issues and concerns. Proper characterization of the protein corona complex is a great challenge typically handled with the combination of several techniques. Surprisingly, despite inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) being a powerful quantitative technique whose application in nanomaterials characterization and quantification has been consolidated in the last decade, its application to nanoparticle–protein corona studies is scarce. Furthermore, in the last decades, ICP-MS has experienced a turning point in its capabilities for protein quantification through sulfur detection, hence becoming a generic quantitative detector. In this regard, we would like to introduce the potential of ICP-MS in the nanoparticle protein corona complex characterization and quantification complementary to current methods and protocols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures)
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