Diode laser thermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for analysis of biological microsamples
| Authors | |
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| Year of publication | 2013 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | A new sample introduction technique to inductively coupled plasma, diode laser thermal vaporization (DLTV)1 is presented. In contrast to existing sample introduction systems based on laser ablation, the technique employs low-cost components, such as a diode laser, a simple laboratory-built chamber and common filter paper as a sample carrier. Well-defined submicroliter sample volumes are deposited on a preprinted filter paper and dried samples are vaporized in the prototype laser ablation chamber equipped with the diode laser. The diode laser power is sufficient to induce pyrolysis of the preprinted paper with deposited samples and the generated aerosol is carried out into the ICP MS. The prototype chamber design is kept as simple as possible: it is made of glass tube and equipped with a near infrared continuous-wave diode laser attached to a common syringe pump serving as a translational stage for fast line scan along the paper strip. The minimal dead volume reduces turbulent flow and provides very fast wash-out. The prototype can hold up to 24 samples; analysis time per sample ~ 8 s has been achieved. Selection of optimal conditions, experimental arrangement, linear scan speed and other parameters is discussed. The limits of detection of Co, Ni, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sn and Pb deposited on the pre-printed paper were found to be in a low pg range. The technique was applied to determination of lead in whole blood without any sample treatment. Using a multielemental calibration set prearranged on the carrier, LDTV ICP MS provided rapid and reproducible quantitative analysis and it presents an alternative to conventional nebulizer-based analysis of metals in liquid samples. Advantages are also easy preparation, archiving and transportation of samples on the paper strip and high throughput due to minimization of memory effects. |
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