Elemental analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Elements and metals in cell culture media can be identified and quantified via Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. This method outlines the accurate determination and quantification of elements and metals.

Summary

Samples first undergo a digestion process to extract the elements and metals from the sample matrix. This process is achieved by adding strong acids to the sample and refluxing the mixture to concentrate the analytes of interest.

The sample is then run on an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer which passes the sample through an extremely hot plasma torch to excite the elements into a higher energy state. Once the elements are ionized, the sample runs through the mass spectrometer which generates an electric field that separates the individual elements according to their mass to charge (m/z) ratio. Standard solutions with known element concentrations are run and used as calibrators.

The 3 elemental packages offered are listed below with the analytes quantified in each service.

Standard Elements Quantified

Calcium

Magnesium

Phosphorus

Potassium

Selenium

Sodium Sulfur

Trace Elements Quantified

Barium

Bismuth

Cadmium

Cobalt

Chromium

Copper

Iron

Lithium

Manganese

Molybdenum

Nickel

Lead

Strontium

Zinc

Elemental Analysis for 12 Metals in Cell Culture Media