TY - CONF A1 - Abad Andrade, Carlos Enrique T1 - Versatility of nitrogen microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometry in elemental and isotopic analysis N2 - The introduction of Nitrogen-based Microwave Inductively Coupled Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MICAP-MS) addresses the necessity for a plasma source that matches the capabilities of traditional argon-based Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) while exploiting the availability and cost-effectiveness of nitrogen gas. MICAP-MS uses nitrogen plasma, offering significant advantages such as reduced operational costs and eliminating specific isobaric interferences common in argon plasma systems [1]. This presentation explores the principles of MICAP-MS, highlighting its similarities to conventional ICP-MS in terms of analytical performance while emphasizing unique benefits like eliminating interferences from argon-based polyatomic species. MICAP-MS exhibits robust performance using nitrogen gas of varying purities—including ultra-high purity and industrial-grade nitrogen—without compromising analytical results [2]. We have applied MICAP-MS for multielement analysis in soil samples, serving as a proof of concept for environmental monitoring applications. The technique achieved figures of merit comparable to traditional ICP-MS, even when analyzing real-world samples with complex matrices [2]. MICAP-MS demonstrated high tolerance to high-concentration matrices, maintaining accuracy and precision without extensive sample preparation or matrix separation [3]. In clinical diagnostics, MICAP-MS was employed for the precise and traceable quantification of calcium, iron, and selenium in human serum using isotope dilution analysis [4]. These elements often face interferences in argon-based ICP-MS due to argon-associated isobaric interferences (40Ca+, 56Fe+, and 80Se+); however, MICAP-MS effectively overcomes these challenges, providing traceable and accurate determinations. The stability of the microwave plasma in MICAP-MS facilitates precise isotopic analysis. This capability investigated age-induced lithium isotope fractionation in lithium-ion batteries, offering critical insights into battery aging mechanisms and performance degradation [5]. MICAP-MS is a versatile analytical tool that combines the operational benefits of nitrogen plasma with the strengths of traditional ICP-MS. Its ability to handle complex matrices, reduce interferences, and perform precise elemental and isotopic analyses across various applications makes it a valuable instrument. T2 - European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 02.03.2025 KW - MICAP-MS KW - Nitrogen plasma KW - Isotope dilution analysis KW - Matrix tolerance KW - Argon interference elimination KW - Trace analysis PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63485 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Herter, Sven-Oliver T1 - Synthesis and application of isotopic labelled ergot alkaloids N2 - Ergot alkaloids form a toxicologically relevant group of mould toxins (mycotoxins) that are among the most common contaminants of food and animal feed worldwide. Reliable controls are essential to minimise health risks and economic damage. Due to their toxicological relevance, EU limit values for 12 priority ergot alkaloids have been introduced for the first time in 2022 and range from 500 µg/kg in rye milling products down to 20 ug/kg Processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children[1]. High-performance liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry is used to quantify low concentrations of ergots in food, however the European standard analytical procedure cannot be applied due to the lack of isotopically labelled reference standards. The complex structure of the ergot alkaloids makes a total synthesis extremely challenging, expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, we are focusing on different semi-preparative methods (electrochemistry, organic synthesis, heterogeneous catalysis) to specifically N-demethylate the C8 carbon atom of the lysergic acid moiety. The norergot alkaloid formed is then isotopically labelled using an electrophilic methyl source, i.e. iodomethane or dimethyl sulphate to obtain the specific isotopic labelled ergot alkaloid. Initial experiments have shown that N-demethylation of the ergot alkaloid ergotamine is possible by both electrochemical and wet-chemical organic synthesis. The next step is to adapt the previously determined reaction conditions to enable the synthesis of norergotamine on a mg scale. T2 - 41. International Conference on Environmental & Food Monitoring CY - Amsterdam, Netherlands DA - 20.11.2023 KW - Reference materials KW - Metrology KW - Isotope dilution analysis KW - Calibration standards PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-59234 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -