multi-element determination of homogenized food samples

다원소 분석을 위한 식품 시료 균질화 및 분해

Elemental analysis is an analytical process for determining the elemental composition of various samples. It can be used to control the intake of metals into human bodies (especially heavy metals1) since their high concentrations may cause unwanted health problems. Heavy metals are also one of the main environmental contaminants, therefore, control of their presence in the environment is necessary2. Moreover, elemental analysis can be employed to determine the geographical origin of food products3 and to control the quality of food and water resources4. In addition, it is used for the determination of micro- and macronutrients in soils5 and to gain insights into geological processes throughout history by examining the chemical composition of minerals and sediments6. Studies have also been made to determine the presence of rare metals in electrical and electronic waste for further metal regeneration7, to evaluate the success of drug treatments8, and to verify the elemental composition of metal implants9.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) are commonly used techniques for the elemental analysis of various samples10. They allow simultaneous determination of multiple elements with limits of detection (LOD) and limits of quantification (LOQ) as low as ng/L. In general, ICP-MS has lower LOD values11 and a wider linear concentration range compared to ICP-OES12. Other techniques to determine elemental composition are microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry13 and several variants of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), including flame atomic absorption spectroscopy, electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy2, cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy, and hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy14. Furthermore, elemental determination with low LOD and LOQ is possible with different electroanalytical methods, especially with anodic stripping voltammetry15,16. Of course, there are other methods to determine the elemental composition of samples, but they are not as frequently employed as the above-mentioned methods.
Direct elemental determination of solid samples is feasible using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence17. However, for elemental determination with ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and AAS it is necessary to convert solid samples into a liquid state. For this purpose, acid digestion is performed using acids and auxiliary reagents (in most cases H2O2). Acid digestion is carried out at elevated temperature and pressure, converting the organic part of the sample into gaseous products and converting the metal elements into water-soluble salts, thus dissolving them in the solution18.
There are two main types of acid digestion, open vessel digestion and closed vessel digestion. Open vessel digestion is cost-effective14 but has limitations, such as the maximum digestion temperature, which coincides with the boiling temperature of acids at atmospheric pressure. The sample can be heated on hot plates, heating blocks, water baths, sands baths2, and by microwaves19. By heating the sample in that manner, much of the generated heat is lost to the surroundings20, which extends the digestion time14. Other disadvantages of open vessel digestion include greater chemical consumption, the greater possibility of contamination from the surrounding environment, and possible loss of analytes due to the formation of volatile components and their evaporation from the reaction mixture21.
Closed vessel systems are more convenient for the digestion of organic and inorganic samples compared to open vessel systems. Closed vessel systems utilize a variety of energy sources to heat the samples, such as conduction heating and microwaves22. Digestion methods which use microwaves include microwave-induced combustion23, single reaction chamber systems24, and commonly used microwave-assisted wet acid digestion (MAWD)25,26. MAWD allows digestion at higher operating temperatures, ranging between 220 &#176;C and 260 &#176;C and maximum pressures up to 200 bar, depending on the instrument&#39;s working conditions27.
The efficiency and rate of MAWD depend on several factors, including the chemical composition of the samples, the maximum temperature, the temperature gradient, the pressure in the reaction vessel, the amount of acids added, and the concentration of acids used28. In MAWD, complete acid digestion can be achieved in a few minutes due to the elevated reaction conditions compared to longer-lasting digestions in open vessel systems. Lower volumes and concentrations of acids are required in MAWD, which is in line with current green chemistry guidelines29. In MAWD, a smaller amount of sample compared to open vessel digestion is needed to perform acid digestion, usually up to 500 mg of sample is sufficient30,31,32. Larger sample quantities may be digested, but they require a larger amount of chemicals.
Since the instrument for MAWD automatically controls the reaction conditions and the person does not come in direct contact with the chemicals during heating, MAWD is safer to operate than open vessel digestions. However, the person should always proceed with caution when adding chemicals to the reaction vessels to prevent them from coming into contact with the body and causing harm. Reaction vessels also need to be opened slowly as the pressure is built up inside them during acid digestion.
Although acid digestion is a useful technique for preparing samples for elemental determination, the person performing it should be aware of its possible limitations. Acid digestion may not be suitable for all samples, especially those with complex matrices and those that are highly reactive or could react explosively. Therefore, sample composition should always be evaluated to select the appropriate chemicals and reaction conditions for complete digestion that dissolves all desired elements in the solution. Other concerns that the user must consider, and address are impurities and loss of analytes at every step of sample preparation. Acid digestion must always be performed according to specific rules or using protocols.
The protocol described below provides instructions for the homogenization of food samples in a laboratory-sized mixer, a procedure for cleaning the mixer&#39;s components, properly weighing the sample, adding chemicals, performing acid digestion by MAWD, cleaning the reaction vessels after the digestion is complete, preparing the samples for elemental determination, and performing a quantitative multi-element determination with ICP-MS. By following the instructions given below, one should be able to prepare a sample suitable for elemental determination and perform the measurements of digested samples.

저자 스포트라이트: 식품 샘플의 원소 분석에서 기술 및 과제

ICP-MS를 사용한 다중 원소 측정을 위한 균질화 및 마이크로파 지원 습식 산 분해를 사용한 식품 시료 준비

Our research aims to determine the elemental composition of different food samples using different spectroscopic devices to, for example, control the quality of food samples. Besides ICP-MS, our laboratory can also perform elemental analysis of the digested food samples with ICP-OES, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and ion chromatography. However, we can also perform elemental analysis with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.Current experimental challenges that we face are mostly in the sample preparation process. Our goal is to improve the sample throughput and to optimize the cleaning procedure to minimize any carryover of the sample. The information in the article is about sample homogenization, acid digestion, and elemental analysis to better understand critical procedures for sample preparation and subsequent analysis as we highlight important steps, suggestions, and limitations of the entire process.We will focus on the optimization of the entire processes for samples such as vegetables, wine, ice creams, E-liquids, and in the future, even inorganic samples, which require different sample preparation techniques.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Multi-Element Determination of Homogenized Food Samples at JoVE.com

균질화된 식품 샘플의 다중 원소 측정

먼저 여과된 분해 식품 샘플 2.5mL를 25mL 유리 용량 플라스크에 피펫팅합니다. 초순수로 플라스크의 부피를 구성하십시오. 희석된 샘플을 15밀리리터 플라스틱 튜브로 옮기고 자동 시료 주입기의 적절한 위치에 놓습니다.그런 다음 ICP-MS 기기의 환기 및 냉각기를 켭니다. 맥동 없이 자동 시료 주입기에서 기기로 헹굼 용액이 지속적으로 흐를 수 있도록 소프트웨어를 프로그래밍하십시오. 아르곤 및 헬륨 가스 실린더를 열어 기기에 전원을 공급합니다.그런 다음 계측기를 시작하고 튜닝 솔루션으로 보정합니다. 반정량 분석으로 대략적인 원소 농도를 결정한 후 소프트웨어에서 정량적 원소 분석을 위한 방법을 만듭니다. 분석할 원소를 선택하고 검량선을 구성하는 데 필요한 표준물질 용액의 수와 농도를 결정합니다.자동 피펫으로 표준물질 용액을 준비하려면 필요한 부피의 다원소 표준물질 용액을 25밀리리터 유리 부피 플라스크에 추가합니다. 각 플라스크에 1%의 질산을 얹습니다. 1%의 질산 용액으로 교정 블랭크를 준비합니다.검량선 방법론을 기반으로 샘플에서 선택한 요소의 정량 분석을 수행합니다. 측정이 완료되면 플라즈마를 끕니다. 아르곤 및 헬륨 가스 공급 장치를 닫습니다.그런 다음 ICP-MS 냉각기와 환기 시스템을 끕니다. 측정된 모든 원소에 대한 선형 농도 범위는 리터당 1에서 50마이크로그램 사이였습니다. 4개의 식품 시료 모두에서 측정된 모든 분석물의 회수율은 80%에서 120% 사이였으며, 이는 분석 방법의 정확성을 나타냅니다.

multi-element-determination-of-homogenized-food-samples

Research

JoVE Journal

Chemistry

Multi-Element Determination of Homogenized Food Samples

164 조회수.  University of Maribor. 먼저 여과된 분해 식품 샘플 2.5mL를 25mL 유리 용량 플라스크에 피펫팅합니다. 초순수로 플라스크의 부피를 구성하십시오. 희석된 샘플을 15밀리리터 플라스틱 튜브로 옮기고 자동 시료 주입기의 적절한 위치에 놓습니다.그런 다음 ICP-MS 기기의 환기 및 냉각기를 켭니다. 맥동 없이 자동 시료 주입기에서 기기로 헹굼 용액이 지속적으로 흐를 수 있도록 소프트웨어를 프로?...

비디오: 균질화된 식품 샘플의 다중 원소 측정

Preparation of Food Samples Using Homogenization and Microwave-Assisted Wet Acid Digestion for Multi-Element Determination with ICP-MS

Sample preparation is crucial for elemental determination, and various techniques are available, one of which involves homogenization followed by acid digestion. Special care is required during sample handling in the preparation stage to eliminate or minimize potential contamination and analyte loss. Homogenization is a process that simultaneously reduces particle size and uniformly distributes sample components. Following homogenization, the sample undergoes acid digestion, wherein it is digested with acids and auxiliary chemicals at elevated temperatures, transforming solid samples into a liquid state. In this process, metals in the original sample react with acids to form water-soluble salts. Samples prepared through acid digestion are suitable for elemental analysis using techniques such as inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical methods, and other analytical techniques. This work details the preparation of food samples for multi-element determination using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The step-by-step procedure involves the homogenization process using a laboratory-sized mixer with ceramic blades, followed by acid digestion in closed vessels using microwave-assisted wet acid digestion. A mixture of 5.0 mL of 68 wt% HNO3 and 1.0 mL of 30 wt% H2O2 serves as an auxiliary reagent. This guide provides an explanation of the processes involved in both stages.

The presented protocol describes sample homogenization with a laboratory mixer, acid digestion of food samples using a mixture of 68 wt% HNO3 and 30 wt% H2O2&#160;via microwave-assisted wet acid digestion, and multi-element determination performed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Sample preparation is crucial for elemental determination, and various techniques are available, one of which involves homogenization followed by acid ...

연구

화학

Homogenization and Acid Digestion of Food Samples for Multi-Elemental Determination

To begin, use a clean ceramic knife to manually cut food samples into smaller pieces. Transfer the samples to 250-milliliter glass beakers. Then place the samples in a dryer at 105 degrees Celsius until there is no change in weight.Next, transfer the dried sample into a mixer beaker. Grind the sample until it turns into a fine powder or a homogenous paste. With a clean plastic spatula, transfer the homogenized sample into a 50-milliliter glass beaker.Next, weigh 250 milligrams of the sample into an open reaction vessel on an analytical balance. Once the weighing is complete, cover the reaction vessel with its lid. Then transfer it to a fume hood.Now open the cover lids of the reaction vessels. Then pipette five milliliters of 68%nitric acid and one milliliter of 30%hydrogen peroxide into each reaction vessel. With a 200-microliter pipette, add 37.5 microliters of ICP multi-element standard solution into reaction vessels for a spike recovery test.Ensure that each unspiked and spiked sample is prepared in triplicate. Place the cover lids on the reaction vessels and screw the thread cover on the reaction vessels to tighten the cover lids. Allow the samples to react with the acids for two to three minutes.To perform microwave-assisted wet acid digestion, distribute the closed reaction vessels symmetrically in the microwave rack. Insert the rack into the microwave chamber and mount it on a holder. Then close the microwave door.Digest the samples using the selected digestion program, while monitoring the change in reaction conditions on the screen. Once the digestion is complete, remove the rack from the oven chamber. Close the door of the instrument and switch it off.Now slowly open the lids of the reaction vessels to release any gases formed during digestion. Turn the reaction vessels towards the fume hood. With a glass funnel, quantitatively transfer the digested sample into a clean 25-milliliter glass volumetric flask.Dilute the sample with ultrapure water up to the mark on the flask. Then close the mouth of the flask with a stopper and mix the contents well. Next, connect a 20-milliliter plastic syringe to a polyamide syringe filter.Fill the syringe with the diluted sample. Then filter its contents into a 50-milliliter plastic centrifuge tube. Homogenization resulted in fine sample particulates that were uniform in size and evenly distributed.Acid digestion caused a steady increase in temperature with time.

다원소 측정을 위한 식품 시료의 균질화 및 산 분해

To begin, pipette 2.5 milliliters of the filtered digested food samples into 25-milliliter glass volumetric flasks. Make up the volume of the flask with ultrapure water. Transfer the diluted samples into 15-milliliter plastic tubes and place them in appropriate positions in the autosampler.Next, switch on the ventilation and the chiller of the ICP-MS instrument. Program the software to allow for continuous flow of the rinsing solution from the autosampler to the instrument without pulsating. Open the argon and helium gas cylinders to supply the instrument.Then, start up the instrument and calibrate it with the tuning solution. After determining the approximate element concentrations with a semi-quantitative analysis, create a method in the software for a quantitative elemental analysis. Choose the elements to be analyzed and decide on the number and concentrations of the solutions of standard needed to construct a calibration curve.To prepare the solutions of standard with automatic pipettes, add the required volumes of multi-element standard solution into a 25-milliliter glass volumetric flask. Top off each flask with 1%nitric acid. Prepare a calibration blank with only 1%nitric acid solution.Perform the quantitative analysis of the selected elements in samples based on the calibration curve methodology. Once the measurements are complete, switch off the plasma. Close the argon and helium gas supplies.Then, switch off the ICP-MS chiller and the ventilation system. The linear concentration ranges for all measured elements were in the range from one to 50 micrograms per liter. The recovery percentage for all analytes measured in all four food samples was in the range of 80%to 120%indicative of the accuracy of the analytical method.