The authors acknowledge the financial support of the Slovenian Research Agency (Grant Nos. P2-0414, P2-0118, J1-2470, NK-0001, and J1-4416).

1. Sample homogenization
<ol>
	<li>Using a clean ceramic knife, manually cut the food samples (broccoli, mushrooms, sausages, and noodles) into smaller pieces to speed up the drying process. Prepare enough samples for a minimum of 6 replicates of the acid digestion (ensure that the minimum mass of the dried samples is 1500 mg). 
	NOTE: Increasing the surface area of the sample exposes a larger portion of the sample to the heated surrounding air, increasing the rate of evaporation of the water.</li>
	<li>Place the sample in a 250 mL glass beaker and dry it at 105 &#176;C to a constant weight using a dryer.</li>
	<li>Remove the glass beaker with the sample from the dryer and insert it in the desiccator.</li>
	<li>Allow the sample to cool down to room temperature. 
	NOTE: Samples must be weighed at a constant temperature to ensure that the weight accurately reflects the mass. Temperature variations can affect the volume and density of the samples measured.</li>
	<li>Open the desiccator and transfer the glass beaker with the sample on the analytical balance. Measure the weight of the glass beaker with the sample.</li>
	<li>After the weighing is completed, put the sample back into the dryer. 
	NOTE: If the sample shrank significantly during drying, one could transfer it to a smaller glass beaker using a plastic spatula for more convenient weighing.</li>
	<li>Repeat the process as described in steps 1.3-1.6 until a constant weight of the sample is achieved.</li>
	<li>Place the dried heterogeneous sample into the mixer beaker (see Table of Materials), ensuring it does not exceed the maximum volume of the mixer beaker.</li>
	<li>Insert the mixer beaker into the mixer and close the guard door (Figure 1).</li>
	<li>Press the start button to activate the blades for grinding and mixing the sample.</li>
	<li>Perform the grinding until the sample turns into a fine powder or a homogenous paste. To achieve such a product, repeat the grinding process several times.</li>
	<li>When the sample is homogenized, switch off the mixer, open the guard door, and remove the mixer beaker.</li>
	<li>Remove the homogenized sample from the mixer beaker and transfer it to a clean 50 mL glass beaker using a clean plastic spatula (Figure 2). 
	NOTE: If the sample is too hard and could potentially damage the mixer&#39;s components, such as the blades and mixer beaker, it can be homogenized by other means, such as crushing it in mortars. Mixers are usually unsuitable for homogenizing hard materials, frozen samples, or easily flammable samples, which could damage the mixer&#39;s components. The use of organic solvents in the mixer is discouraged. 
	&#8203;CAUTION: Use safety gear and ensure that the mixer&#39;s door is adequately closed as the mixer&#39;s blades rotate at high speeds.</li>
</ol>
2. Mixer cleaning
<ol>
	<li>Add ultrapure water (see Table of Materials) to the mark of the empty mixer beaker.</li>
	<li>Insert the mixer beaker into the mixer and perform the standard mixing procedure.</li>
	<li>Take the beaker out of the mixer and pour out the wastewater. If necessary, repeat the process with ultrapure water several times until the water remains clean even after mixing.</li>
	<li>Remove the contaminated blades and diaphragm seal from the mixer and clean them thoroughly with ultrapure water. 
	NOTE: Use neutral detergents to improve cleaning efficiency, especially when dealing with samples with a high fat content, as fat easily adheres to the surface of the laboratory inventory. 
	CAUTION: Wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves, when removing and cleaning the blades to reduce the risk of potential injuries from their sharp edges.</li>
	<li>Dry the cleaned components in the dryer at 105 &#176;C and reinsert them into the mixer. 
	&#8203;NOTE: Ensure that the mixer&#39;s components are completely dry before reinstalling them in the mixer, to prevent carry-over of the water to the following sample.</li>
</ol>
3. Sample weighing
<ol>
	<li>Remove the cover lid from the 100 mL trifluoromethoxyl-polytetrafluoroethylene TFM-PTFE reaction vessel33.</li>
	<li>Place the open reaction vessel on the analytical balance and ensure that the balance is leveled and zeroed before each measurement (Figure 3). 
	NOTE: Weighing must be performed at room temperature. Avoid areas where severe temperature fluctuations and air flow could affect the measured weight. Ensure that the weighing area is clean and free of any contaminants.</li>
	<li>Transfer the homogenized sample into the reaction vessel using a plastic spatula and weigh 250 mg of the sample. Do not weigh the sample below the minimum weight limit of the analytical balance.</li>
	<li>Once the weighing is complete, place the cover lid on the reaction vessel to protect the sample from contamination. 
	NOTE: Exceeding the weight limit of the digestion procedure can result in incomplete digestion. Handle the sample and reaction vessels with care to avoid any external contamination.</li>
</ol>
4. Acid addition
<ol>
	<li>Pour approximately 40.0 mL of 68 wt% HNO3 and 5.0 mL of 30 wt% H2O2 into separate 50 mL glass beakers, respectively. 
	NOTE: Chemicals must be of high purity with trace metal impurities of less than 1.0 &#181;g/L (ppb), ideally in the ng/L (ppt) range. Trace metal impurities affect the accuracy and repeatability of elemental determination.</li>
	<li>Place the reaction vessels in a fume hood, open the cover lids, and add the below mentioned volumes of 68 wt% HNO3 and 30 wt% H2O2 with 1 mL or 5 mL automatic pipettes, according to the following specifications:
	<ol>
		<li>Broccoli, mushrooms, sausages, and noodles; for 250 mg of sample add 5.0 mL 68 wt% HNO3 and 1.0 mL 30 wt% H2O2. Prepare three replicates for every sample.</li>
		<li>To determine the accuracy of the method (in terms of recovery, Rec), use the procedure described in step 4.2.1 and add 37.5 &#181;L of 100 mg/L ICP multi-element standard solution (see Table of Materials) into the reaction vessels using a 200 &#181;L automatic pipette. For every sample, prepare three replicates. 
		NOTE: The volume of 37.5 &#181;L was selected as it corresponds to an increase of 15.0 &#181;g/L for the spiked solutions of samples compared with the concentration in the non-spiked solutions of samples. Moreover, the increase in concentration for the spiked solution of samples corresponds to the final concentration that is still in the linear concentration range for every analyte measured.</li>
		<li>Prepare a sample blank using the same volume of 68 wt% HNO3 and 30 wt% H2O2 as used for the digestion of food samples in step 4.2.1. For a sample blank, do not add the sample to the reaction vessels. 
		CAUTION: HNO3 used for digestion is corrosive and produces fumes. For this reason, acid addition must be performed in a fume hood. Standard laboratory protective equipment must be employed (gloves, safety goggles, and laboratory coat). If there is contact with acid, the affected area should be immediately rinsed under the stream of cold water, and medical help should be sought.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Place the cover lid on reaction vessels and allow samples to react with the added 68 wt% HNO3 and 30 wt% H2O2 for 2-3 min.</li>
	<li>Screw the thread cover on the vessel and tighten the cover lids.</li>
	<li>Shake the reaction vessel using light hand movements to fully incorporate the samples into chemicals. 
	NOTE: Do not leave the specimens on the walls or lids of the reaction vessels, as there is a possibility that they will not be completely digested.</li>
</ol>
5. Microwave-assisted wet acid digestion
<ol>
	<li>Turn on the microwave system (see Table of Materials) for acid digestion by pressing the start button (Figure 4).</li>
	<li>Open the microwave oven door and remove the rack.</li>
	<li>Distribute the closed reaction vessels symmetrically in the rack to ensure even irradiation of the samples by microwaves.</li>
	<li>Insert the rack into the microwave chamber and mount it on a holder (Figure 5).</li>
	<li>Close the microwave oven door.</li>
	<li>Set a suitable digestion program on the microwave oven touch screen using a pen shaped tool. Choose an appropriate temperature gradient, the final temperature, and the number of samples to be digested. The recommended digestion program for different food samples is listed below:
	<ol>
		<li>Broccoli, mushrooms, sausages, and noodles: 10 min increase to&#160;160 &#176;C, 10 min increase to&#160;200 &#176;C, 15 min at 200 &#176;C, maximum power 900 W.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Start the digestion program and monitor the change in reaction conditions on the screen. Stop the digestion process if the temperature does not increase according to the prescribed program. 
	NOTE: During digestion, sudden temperature spikes may be seen on the microwave oven screen. They occur when the samples react exothermically with the chemicals. The microwave system will automatically regulate the temperature by adjusting the output power.</li>
	<li>Wait until microwave-assisted digestion is completed and the temperature of the sample decreases.</li>
	<li>Open the microwave oven door and remove the rack from the microwave oven chamber. Close the door and switch off the instrument.</li>
	<li>Remove the reaction vessels from the rack and wait for them to cool down to room temperature.</li>
	<li>Slowly open the lid covers manually to release the gases formed during acid digestion. Turn the reaction vessels in the direction of the fume hood (Figure 6).</li>
	<li>Completely remove the cover and rinse the cover and the walls of the reaction vessel with a small amount of ultrapure water.</li>
	<li>Quantitatively transfer the contents of the reaction vessel into a clean 25 mL glass volumetric flask through a glass funnel by repeated rinsing of the cover and reaction vessel with ultrapure water.</li>
	<li>Dilute the sample with ultrapure water to the mark of the volumetric flask. Close the volumetric flask with a stopper and mix the content of the volumetric flask. 
	NOTE: Further dilution of the digested samples with ultrapure water should be performed as they should contain less than 5% (V/V) of residual acid34 and less than 2 g/L of dissolved elements, also referred to as total dissolved solids35.</li>
	<li>Take a 20 mL plastic syringe and connect it with a polyamide syringe filter (25 mm diameter, 0.20 &#181;m pore size). Fill the plastic syringe with the diluted sample and filter its content into a 50 mL plastic centrifuge tube by applying pressure. Use a new plastic syringe and syringe filter for every sample to avoid any cross-contamination. 
	NOTE: Samples need to be filtered to remove any insoluble materials or solid particles that may remain undigested after MAWD. These particles may interfere with elemental determination measurements by clogging the instrument components. When filtering the samples, ensure to discard the first couple of drops. Use hydrophilic filters (made of polyamide) for aqueous solutions. Hydrophobic filters (PTFE) are not suitable for the filtration of aqueous solutions as they require a higher applied pressure, which could result in membrane rupture36.</li>
	<li>Close the 50 mL plastic centrifuge tube with a screw cap and put the sample in the refrigerator until the measurements. 
	NOTE: Digested samples are stored in the refrigerator at lower temperatures to preserve them and extend their storage time.</li>
</ol>
6. Reaction vessel cleaning
<ol>
	<li>After the digested samples were transferred to 50 mL volumetric flasks, add 5.0 mL of 68 wt% HNO3 and 5.0 mL of ultrapure water with 5 mL automatic pipettes into the reaction vessels.</li>
	<li>Close the reaction vessels with the cover lids and insert them into the rack. Transfer the rack to the microwave oven chamber.</li>
	<li>Apply the following microwave program: 15 min increase to 160 &#176;C, 10 min increase to 180 &#176;C, maximum power 900 W.</li>
	<li>Monitor reaction conditions during heating. After the heating is completed, let the reaction vessels cool down.</li>
	<li>Open the microwave oven, remove the reaction vessels from the rack, and slowly open them in the fume hood.</li>
	<li>Discard the content of the reaction vessels into plastic waste containers.</li>
	<li>Rinse the reaction vessels with ultrapure water to remove any excess material or chemicals.</li>
	<li>Dry the reaction vessels in the dryer at 105 &#176;C before the next use. 
	&#8203;NOTE: The same microwave procedure (time, power, temperature gradient, and volume of chemicals) used for the acid digestion of samples may be used for cleaning the reaction vessels. Alternatively, the reaction vessels can be cleaned without the microwave system by submerging them in concentrated HNO3 or HCl for several hours and rinsing them with ultrapure water.</li>
</ol>
7. Multi-element determination with ICP-MS
<ol>
	<li>Take the 50 mL plastic centrifuge tubes containing the digested samples from the refrigerator and allow them to warm to room temperature.</li>
	<li>Dilute the samples by a factor of 10 to decrease the concentration of acid in the digested sample and to decrease the concentration of the component of the sample matrix. Using an automatic pipette, transfer 2.50 mL of the sample into a 25 mL glass volumetric flask and then fill it up to the mark with ultrapure water.</li>
	<li>Transfer the diluted samples into the 15 mL plastic tubes and place them into the appropriate positions in the autosampler.</li>
	<li>Prepare the ICP-MS instrument (see Table of Materials) for the measurements:
	<ol>
		<li>Switch on the ventilation and the chiller that supplies the ICP-MS with cooling water and cools its components.</li>
		<li>Use the compatible software to ensure that the rinsing solution (1 wt% HNO3) flows continuously from the autosampler to the ICP-MS without pulsating.</li>
		<li>Open Ar (99.999% purity) and He (99.999% purity) gas cylinders to supply the ICP-MS with both gasses. Check the gas flow in the software and adjust it if necessary. 
		NOTE: Use collision cell with He gas when spectral interferences are expected due to the formation of polyatomic ions (e.g., 40Ar16O+ interfering with 56Fe+)37.</li>
		<li>Start up the plasma and calibrate the instrument using the tuning solution (see Table of Materials).</li>
		<li>Once the instrument is calibrated (torch position, gain voltage, lens voltage, mass/resolution, pulse/analog (P/A) calibration, database (DB) calibration, and validation), select the desired measurement method and perform the measurements.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>When working with unknown samples, perform a semi-quantitative determination to obtain information on what elements are present in the sample and their approximate concentration. 
	NOTE: It is advisable to additionally dilute the samples for the semi-quantitative determination as the detectors have a limit of the concentration of elements they can detect at once. Lower sample concentrations can extend the lifetime of the instrument components.</li>
	<li>After obtaining the data on the approximate concentrations of the elements in the samples, create a method for the quantitative elemental determination in the software. Select the operating conditions of the ICP-MS (Table 1) and select the desired elements (in the present case Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn). Determine the number and concentrations of solutions of the standard required to create a calibration curve (sometimes referred to as an analytical curve or working curve) (Table 1). 
	NOTE: Prepare at least six different concentrations as calibration points for the calibration curve.</li>
	<li>Prepare solutions of standard for the calibration curve. Using automatic pipettes, pipette the required volume of 100 mg/L multi-element standard solutions into 25 mL glass volumetric flasks, to prepare solutions of standards with the following concentrations: 1.0 &#181;g/L, 2.5 &#181;g/L, 5.0 &#181;g/L, 10.0 &#181;g/L, 20.0 &#181;g/L, 30.0 &#181;g/L, 40.0 &#181;g/L, and 50.0 &#181;g/L. Fill the flasks to the mark with 1 wt% HNO3. Additionally, prepare a calibration blank using the 1 wt% HNO3 solution.</li>
	<li>Transfer the prepared solutions of standard and samples into the 15 mL plastic tubes, place them into the autosampler, and start the instrument following the procedure described in step 7.4.</li>
	<li>Perform the quantitative measurement of the selected elements using the calibration curve methodology.</li>
	<li>Once the measurements are completed, turn off the plasma, close the Ar and He gas supplies, switch off the ICP-MS chiller, and turn-off the ventilation system.</li>
</ol>

Food Sample Homogenization and Digestion for Multi-Element Analysis

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Homogenization 
To ensure reproducible results in elemental determination, it is necessary to homogenize samples before acid digestion due to their complex and inhomogeneous structure and composition. Homogenization aims to eliminate constitutional and distributional heterogeneity. Mixing the sample minimizes distributional heterogeneity by evenly redistributing components throughout the sample. Similarly, by bringing the particle size down to a uniform size, constitutional heterogeneity is reduced<...

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.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Ar gas</td>
			<td>Messer</td>
			<td>7440-37-1</td>
			<td>Ar 5.0 gas (purity 99.999%).</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AS-10 Autosampler system</td>
			<td>Shimadzu</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Autosampler connected to the ICP-MS, containing 68 ports for samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Automatic pipettes</td>
			<td>Sartorius</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>200 &#181;L, 1 mL, and 5 mL automatic pipettes.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Balance XSE104</td>
			<td>Mettler Toledo, Columbus, Ohio, USA</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Analytical balance scale with a maximum weighing mass of 120 g.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ceramic knife</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Ceramic knife used for cutting fresh food samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dessicator</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Glass desiccator with lumps of silica gel.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ETHOS LEAN</td>
			<td>Milestone, Sorisole, Italy</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Microwave system for wet acid digestion in closed 100 mL vessels made of TFM-PTFE.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fume hood</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Laboratory fume hood with adjustable air flow.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass beakers RASOTHERM</td>
			<td>CarlRoth GmbH + Co.KG</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>50 mL, 250 mL glass beakers</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Glass funnels</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Small glass funnels fitting into the neck of volumetric flasks.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>He gas</td>
			<td>Messer</td>
			<td>7440-59-7</td>
			<td>He 5.0 gas (purity 99.999%).</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrogen peroxide</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>7722-84-1</td>
			<td>Hxdrogen peroxide 100 volumes 30 wt.% solution. Laboratory reagent grade.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ICP multi-element standard solution VIII</td>
			<td>Supelco</td>
			<td>109492</td>
			<td>100 mg/L ICP multi-element standard solution containing 24 elements (Al, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Te, Tl, Zn) in 2 % dilute nitric acid.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ICPMS 2030</td>
			<td>Shimadzu</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry system for multi-element analysis of digested samples.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ICP-MS Tuning Solution A</td>
			<td>CarlRoth GmbH + Co.KG</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>250 mL tuning solution containing 6 elements (Be, Bi, Ce, Co, In, Mn) in 1 % nitric acid.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KIMTECH Purple Nitrile gloves</td>
			<td>Kimberly-Clark GmbH</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Disposable Purple Nitrile gloves (S, M or L).</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laboratory coat</td>
			<td>Any available supplier</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mixer B-400</td>
			<td>B&#220;CHI Labortechnik AG, Flawil, Switzerland</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Laboratory mixer with ceramic blades.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nitric acid</td>
			<td>ThermoFisher Scientific</td>
			<td>7697-37-2</td>
			<td>Nitric acid, trace analysis grade, 68 wt%, density 1.42, Primar Plus, For Trace Metal Analysis.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic centrifuge tubes</td>
			<td>Isolab</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>50 mL plastic centrifuge tubes with screw caps, single use.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic syringes Injekt</td>
			<td>B. Braun</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>2 pice, single use 20 mL syringes.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic tubes for autosampler</td>
			<td>Shimadzu</td>
			<td>046-00147-04</td>
			<td>Plastic tubes for autosampler, 15 mL capacity, 16 mm diameter, 100 mm length.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Plastic waste containers</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Plastic containers for the removal of chemicals after the cleaning procedure of reaction vessels.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Protective googles</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Samples (broccoli, sausage, noodles, zucchini, mushrooms)</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Fresh samples, which were dried to a constant weight and homogenized during the procedure. The samples were purchased from a local shop.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Spatula</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Plastic spatula.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterilizator Instrumentaria ST 01/02</td>
			<td>Instrumentaria</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Dryer with adjustable temperature.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe filters</td>
			<td>CHROMAFIL Xtra</td>
			<td>729212</td>
			<td>Syringe filters with polypropylene housing and polyamide hydrophilic membrane. Membrane diameter 25 mm, membrane pore size 0.2 &#181;m.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ultrapure water</td>
			<td>ELGA Labwater, Veolia Water Technologies.</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>Ultrapure water with a resistivity of 18.2 M&#937;cm, obtained with laboratory water purification system.</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Volumetric flasks</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td>25 mL glass volumetric flasks.</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

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.

Homogenization 
All samples were dried to a constant mass with the laboratory dryer to eliminate any moisture. Transferring the sample to a desiccator allowed it to cool to room temperature without binding moisture from the surrounding environment. The food samples were then homogenized using the laboratory mixer to obtain a fine powder. The resulting homogenized particles were uniform in size and evenly distributed, ensuring that subsamples (samples drawn from a larger sample) used for acid digesti...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Author Spotlight: Technologies and Challenges in Elemental Analysis of Food Samples at JoVE.com

Author Spotlight: Technologies and Challenges in Elemental Analysis of Food Samples

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.

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 ...

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Research

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Chemistry

1.8K Views.  University of Maribor. 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 via microwave-assisted wet acid digestion, and multi-element determination performed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Video: Author Spotlight: Technologies and Challenges in Elemental Analysis of Food Samples

Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Poly(ethylene glycol) and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation

One of the main benefits to using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macromers in hydrogel formation is synthetic versatility. The ability to draw from a large variety of PEG molecular weights and configurations (arm number, arm length, and branching pattern) affords researchers tight control over resulting hydrogel structures and properties, including Young&#8217;s modulus and mesh size. This video will illustrate a rapid, efficient, solvent-free, microwave-assisted method to methacrylate PEG precursors into poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDM). This synthetic method provides much-needed starting materials for applications in drug delivery and regenerative medicine. The demonstrated method is superior to traditional methacrylation methods as it is significantly faster and simpler, as well as more economical and environmentally friendly, using smaller amounts of reagents and solvents. We will also demonstrate an adaptation of this technique for on-resin methacrylamide functionalization of peptides. This on-resin method allows the N-terminus of peptides to be functionalized with methacrylamide groups prior to deprotection and cleavage from resin. This allows for selective addition of methacrylamide groups to the N-termini of the peptides while amino acids with reactive side groups (e.g.&#160;primary amine of lysine, primary alcohol of serine, secondary alcohols of threonine, and phenol of tyrosine) remain protected, preventing functionalization at multiple sites. This article will detail common analytical methods (proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (;H-NMR) and Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF)) to assess the efficiency of the functionalizations. Common pitfalls and suggested troubleshooting methods will be addressed, as will modifications of the technique which can be used to further tune macromer functionality and resulting hydrogel physical and chemical properties. Use of synthesized products for the formation of hydrogels for drug delivery and cell-material interaction studies will be demonstrated, with particular attention paid to modifying hydrogel composition to affect mesh size, controlling hydrogel stiffness and drug release.

Microwave-assisted Functionalization of Polyethylene glycol and On-resin Peptides for Use in Chain Polymerizations and Hydrogel Formation

This video will illustrate a rapid, efficient method to methacrylate poly(ethylene glycol), enabling chain polymerizations and hydrogel synthesis. It will demonstrate how to similarly introduce methacrylamide functionalities into peptides, detail common analytical methods to assess functionalization efficiency, provide suggestions for troubleshooting and advanced modifications, and demonstrate typical hydrogel characterization techniques.

One of the main benefits to using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macromers in hydrogel formation is synthetic versatility. The ability to draw from a large ...

Preparation of Silica Nanoparticles Through Microwave-assisted Acid-catalysis

Microwave-assisted synthetic techniques were used to quickly and reproducibly produce silica nanoparticle sols using an acid catalyst with nanoparticle diameters ranging from 30-250 nm by varying the reaction conditions. Through the selection of a microwave compatible solvent, silicic acid precursor, catalyst, and microwave irradiation time, these microwave-assisted methods were capable of overcoming the previously reported shortcomings associated with synthesis of silica nanoparticles using microwave reactors. The siloxane precursor was hydrolyzed using the acid catalyst, HCl. Acetone, a low-tan &#948; solvent, mediates the condensation reactions and has minimal interaction with the electromagnetic field. Condensation reactions begin when the silicic acid precursor couples with the microwave radiation, leading to silica nanoparticle sol formation. The silica nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering data and scanning electron microscopy, which show the materials&#39; morphology and size to be dependent on the reaction conditions. Microwave-assisted reactions produce silica nanoparticles with roughened textured surfaces that are atypical for silica sols produced by St&#246;ber&#39;s methods, which have smooth surfaces.

Silica nanoparticles were prepared using acid-catalysis of a siloxane precursor and microwave-assisted synthetic techniques resulting in the controlled growth of nanomaterials ranging from 30-250 nm in diameter. The growth dynamics can be controlled by varying the initial silicic acid concentration, time of the reaction, and temperature of reaction.

Microwave-assisted synthetic techniques were used to quickly and reproducibly produce silica nanoparticle sols using an acid catalyst with nanoparticle ...

Au-Interaction of Slp1 Polymers and Monolayer from Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 - QCM-D, ICP-MS and AFM as Tools for Biomolecule-metal Studies

In this publication the gold sorption behavior of surface layer (S-layer) proteins (Slp1) of Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 is described. These biomolecules arrange in paracrystalline two-dimensional arrays on surfaces, bind metals, and are thus interesting for several biotechnical applications, such as biosorptive materials for the removal or recovery of different elements from the environment and industrial processes. The deposition of Au(0) nanoparticles on S-layers, either by S-layer directed synthesis 1 or adsorption of nanoparticles, opens new possibilities for diverse sensory applications. Although numerous studies have described the biosorptive properties of S-layers 2-5, a deeper understanding of protein-protein and protein-metal interaction still remains challenging. In the following study, inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the detection of metal sorption by suspended S-layers. This was correlated to measurements of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), which allows the online detection of proteinaceous monolayer formation and metal deposition, and thus, a more detailed understanding on metal binding.
The ICP-MS results indicated that the binding of Au(III) to the suspended S-layer polymers is pH dependent. The maximum binding of Au(III) was obtained at pH 4.0. The QCM-D investigations enabled the detection of Au(III) sorption as well as the deposition of Au(0)-NPs in real-time during the in situ experiments. Further, this method allowed studying the influence of metal binding on the protein lattice stability of Slp1. Structural properties and protein layer stability could be visualized directly after QCM-D experiment using atomic force microscopy (AFM). In conclusion, the combination of these different methods provides a deeper understanding of metal binding by bacterial S-layer proteins in suspension or as monolayers on either bacterial cells or recrystallized surfaces.

Au-Interaction of Slp1 Polymers and Monolayer from Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 - QCM-D, ICP-MS and AFM as Tools for Biomolecule-metal Studies

To obtain basic information on the sorption and recycling of gold from aqueous systems the interaction of Au(III) and Au(0) nanoparticles on S-layer proteins were investigated. The sorption of protein polymers was investigated by ICP-MS and that of proteinaceous monolayers by QCM-D. Subsequent AFM enables the imaging of the nanostructures.

In this publication the gold sorption behavior of surface layer (S-layer) proteins (Slp1) of Lysinibacillus sphaericus JG-B53 is described. These ...

Standards for Quantitative Metalloproteomic Analysis Using Size Exclusion ICP-MS

Metals are essential for protein function as cofactors to catalyze chemical reactions. Disruption of metal homeostasis is implicated in a number of diseases including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, but the exact role these metals play is yet to be fully elucidated. Identification of metalloproteins encounters many challenges and difficulties. Here we report an approach that allows metalloproteins in complex samples to be quantified. This is achieved using size exclusion chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (SEC-ICP-MS). Using six known metalloproteins, the size exclusion column can be calibrated and the respective trace elements (iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, iodine) can be used for quantification. SEC-ICP-MS traces of human brain and plasma are presented. The use of these metalloprotein standards provides the means to quantitatively compare metalloprotein abundances between biological samples. This technique is poised to help shed light on the role of metalloproteins in neurodegenerative disease as well as other diseases where imbalances in trace elements are implicated.

Size exclusion chromatography hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful tool to measure changes in the abundance of metalloproteins directly from biological samples. Here we describe a set of metalloprotein standards used to estimate molecular mass and the amount of metal associated with unknown proteins.

Metals are essential for protein function as cofactors to catalyze chemical reactions. Disruption of metal homeostasis is implicated in a number of ...

One-pot Microwave-assisted Conversion of Anomeric Nitrate-esters to Trichloroacetimidates

The goal of the following procedure is to provide a demonstration of the one-pot conversion of a 2-azido-1-nitrate-ester to a trichloroacetimidate glycosyl donor. Following azido-nitration of a glycal, the product 2-azido-1-nitrate ester can be hydrolyzed under microwave-assisted irradiation. This transformation is usually achieved using strongly nucleophilic reagents and extended reaction times. Microwave irradiation induces hydrolysis, in the absence of reagents, with short reaction times. Following denitration, the intermediate anomeric alcohol is converted, in the same pot, to the corresponding 2-azido-1-trichloroacetimidate.

A 2-azido-1-nitrate-ester can be converted to the corresponding 2-azido-1-trichloroacetimidate in a one-pot procedure. The goal of the manuscript is to demonstrate utility of the microwave reactor in carbohydrate synthesis.

The goal of the following procedure is to provide a demonstration of the one-pot conversion of a 2-azido-1-nitrate-ester to a trichloroacetimidate ...

Reducing Willow Wood Fuel Emission by Low Temperature Microwave Assisted Hydrothermal Carbonization

Biomass is a sustainable fuel, as its CO2 emissions are reintegrated in biomass growth. However, the inorganic precursors in the biomass cause a negative environmental impact and slag formation. The selected short rotation coppice (SRC) willow wood has a high ash content (<img alt="Equation 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/58970/58970eq1.jpg" /> = 1.96%) and, therefore, a high content of emission and slag precursors. Therefore, the reduction of minerals from SRC willow wood by low temperature microwave assisted hydrothermal carbonization (MAHC) at 150 &#176;C, 170 &#176;C, and 185 &#176;C is investigated. An advantage of MAHC over conventional reactors is an even temperature conductance in the reaction medium, as microwaves penetrate the whole reactor volume. This allows a better temperature control and a faster cooldown. Therefore, a succession of depolymerization, transformation and repolymerization reactions can be analyzed effectively. In this study, the analysis of the mass loss, ash content and composition, heating values and molar O/C and H/C ratios of the treated and untreated SCR willow wood showed that the mineral content of the MAHC coal was reduced and the heating value increased. The process water showed a decreasing pH and contained furfural and 5-methylfurfural. A process temperature of 170 &#176;C showed the best combination of energy input and ash component reduction. The MAHC allows a better understanding of the hydrothermal carbonization process, while a large-scale industrial application is unlikely because of the high investment costs.

A protocol for the emission precursor depletion from low quality biomass by low temperature microwave assisted hydrothermal carbonization treatment is presented. This protocol includes the microwave parameters and the analysis of the biocoal product and process water.

Biomass is a sustainable fuel, as its CO2 emissions are reintegrated in biomass growth. However, the inorganic precursors in the biomass cause a negative ...

Microwave-Assisted Preparation of 1-Aryl-1H-pyrazole-5-amines

A synthetic process for the preparation of a variety of 1-aryl-1H-pyrazole-5-amines was developed. The microwave-mediated nature of this method makes it efficient in both time and resources and utilizes water as the solvent. 3-Aminocrotononitrile or an appropriate &#945;-cyanoketone is combined with an aryl hydrazine and dissolved in 1 M HCl. The mixture is then heated in a microwave reactor at 150 &#176;C, typically for 10-15 min. The product can be readily obtained by basifying the solution with 10% NaOH and isolating the desired compound with a simple vacuum filtration. The use of water as a solvent in this reaction lends to its ease and utility in production, and this method is easily reproducible with a variety of functional groups. Typical isolated yields range from 70-90%, and reactions can be performed on the milligram to gram scale with little to no change in observed yields. Some of the applications of these molecules and their derivatives include pesticides, anti-malarials, and chemotherapeutics, among many others.

Microwave-Assisted Preparation of 1-Aryl-1H-pyrazole-5-amines

1-Aryl-1H-pyrazole-5-amines are prepared from aryl hydrazines combined with either 3-aminocrotononitrile or an &#945;-cyanoketone in a 1 M HCl solution using a microwave reactor. Most reactions are done in 10-15 minutes and pure product can be obtained via vacuum filtration with typical isolated yields of 70-90%.

A synthetic process for the preparation of a variety of 1-aryl-1H-pyrazole-5-amines was developed. The microwave-mediated nature of this method makes it ...

A Microwave-Assisted Direct Heteroarylation of Ketones Using Transition Metal Catalysis

Heteroarylation introduces heteroaryl fragments to organic molecules. Despite the numerous available reactions reported for arylation via transition metal catalysis, the literature on direct heteroarylation is scarce. The presence of heteroatoms such as nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen often make heteroarylation a challenging research field due to catalyst poisoning, product decomposition and the rest. This protocol details a highly efficient direct &#945;-C(sp3) heteroarylation of ketones under microwave irradiation. Key factors for successful heteroarylation include the use of XPhos Palladacycle Gen. 4 Catalyst, excess base to suppress side reactions and the high temperature and pressure achieved in a sealed reaction vial under microwave irradiation. The heteroarylation compounds prepared by this method were fully characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (13C NMR) and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). This methodology has several advantages over literature precedents including broad substrate scope, rapid reaction time, greener procedure and operational simplicity by eliminating the preparation of intermediates such as silyl enol ether. Possible applications for this protocol include, but are not limited to, diversity-oriented synthesis for the discovery of biologically active small molecules, domino synthesis for the preparation of natural products and ligand development for new transition metal catalytic systems.

Heteroaryl compounds are important molecules utilized in organic synthesis, medicinal and biological chemistry. A microwave-assisted heteroarylation using palladium catalysis provides a rapid and efficient method to attach heteroaryl moieties directly to ketone substrates.

Heteroarylation introduces heteroaryl fragments to organic molecules. Despite the numerous available reactions reported for arylation via transition metal ...

Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))

Dyshomeostasis of iron metabolism is accounted in the pathophysiological framework of numerous diseases, including cancer and several neurodegenerative conditions. Excessive iron results in free redox-active Fe(II) and can cause devastating effects within the cell like oxidative stress (OS) and death by lipid peroxidation known as ferroptosis (FPT). Therefore, quantitative measurements of ferrous (Fe(II)) and ferric (Fe(III)) iron rather than total Fe-determination is the key for closer insight into these detrimental processes. Since Fe(II)/(III) determinations can be hampered by fast redox-state shifts and low concentrations in relevant samples, like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), methods should be available that analyze quickly and provide low limits of quantification (LOQ). Capillary electrophoresis (CE) offers the advantage of fast Fe(II)/Fe(III) separation and works without a stationary phase, which could interfere with the redox balance or cause analyte sticking. CE combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as a detector offers further improvement of detection sensitivity and selectivity. The presented method uses 20 mM HCl as a background electrolyte and a voltage of +25 kV. Peak shapes and concentration detection limits are improved by conductivity-pH-stacking. For reduction of 56[ArO]+, ICP-MS was operated in the dynamic reaction cell (DRC) mode with NH3 as a reaction gas. The method achieves a limit of detection (LOD) of 3 &#181;g/L. Due to stacking, higher injection volumes were possible without hampering separation but improving LOD. Calibrations related to peak area were linear up to 150 &#181;g/L. Measurement precision was 2.2% (Fe(III)) to 3.5% (Fe(II)). Migration time precision was &#60;3% for both species, determined in 1:2 diluted lysates of human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells. Recovery experiments with standard addition revealed accuracy of 97% Fe(III) and 105 % Fe(II). In real-life bio-samples like CSF, migration time can vary according to varying conductivity (i.e., salinity). Thus, peak identification is confirmed by standard addition.

Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry CE-ICP-MS for Quantification of Iron Redox Species FeII, FeIII

This iron redox speciation method is based on capillary electrophoresis-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with sample stacking combined with short analysis in one run. The method quickly analyzes and provides low limits of quantification for iron redox species across a diverse range of tissues and biofluid samples.

Dyshomeostasis of iron metabolism is accounted in the pathophysiological framework of numerous diseases, including cancer and several neurodegenerative ...

Evaluation of Oxidative Stress in Biological Samples Using the Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances Assay

Despite its limited analytical specificity and ruggedness, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay has been widely used as a generic metric of lipid peroxidation in biological fluids. It is often considered a good indicator of the levels of oxidative stress within a biological sample, provided that the sample has been properly handled and stored. The assay involves the reaction of lipid peroxidation products, primarily malondialdehyde (MDA), with thiobarbituric acid (TBA), which leads to the formation of MDA-TBA2 adducts called TBARS. TBARS yields a red-pink color that can be measured spectrophotometrically at 532 nm. The TBARS assay is performed under acidic conditions (pH = 4) and at 95 &#176;C. Pure MDA is unstable, but these conditions allow the release of MDA from MDA bis(dimethyl acetal), which is used as the analytical standard in this method. The TBARS assay is a straightforward method that can be completed in about 2 h. Preparation of assay reagents are described in detail here. Budget-conscious researchers can use these reagents for multiple experiments at a low cost rather than buying an expensive TBARS assay kit that only permits construction of a single standard curve (and thus can only be used for one experiment). The applicability of this TBARS assay is shown in human serum, low density lipoproteins, and cell lysates. The assay is consistent and reproducible, and limits of detection of 1.1 &#956;M can be reached. Recommendations for the use and interpretation of the spectrophotometric TBARS assay are provided.

The goal of the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay is to assess oxidative stress in biological samples by measuring the production of lipid peroxidation products, primarily malondialdehyde, using visible wavelength spectrophotometry at 532 nm. The method described here can be applied to human serum, cell lysates, and low density lipoproteins.

Despite its limited analytical specificity and ruggedness, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay has been widely used as a generic ...