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LA-ICP-MS an new tool for development of methods for imaging of biological and clinical samples
(2012)
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was utilized for spatially resolved bioimaging of the distribution of silver and gold nanoparticles in individual fibroblast cells upon different incubation experiments. High spatial resolution was achieved by optimization of scan speed, ablation frequency, and laser energy. Nanoparticles are visualized with respect to cellular substructures and are found to accumulate in the perinuclear region with increasing incubation time. On the basis of matrix-matched calibration, we developed a method for quantification of the number of metal nanoparticles at the single-cell level. The results provide insight into nanoparticle/cell interactions and have implications for the development of analytical methods in tissue diagnostics and therapeutics.
Future challenges for ICP-MS
(2013)
The impact of nanoparticles, NPs, at the single cell level has become a major field of toxicological research and different analytical methodologies are being investigated to obtain biological and toxicological information to better understand the mechanisms of cell–NP interactions. Here, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in the single cell measurement mode (SC-ICP-MS) is proposed to study the uptake of silver NPs, AgNPs, with a diameter of 50 nm by human THP-1 monocytes in a proof-ofprinciple experiment. The main operating parameters of SC-ICP-MS have been optimized and applied for subsequent quantitative analysis of AgNPs to determine the number of particles in individual cells using AgNP suspensions for calibration. THP-1 cells were incubated with AgNP suspensions with concentrations of 0.1 and 1 µg/mL for 4 and 24 hours. The results reveal that the AgNP uptake by THP-1 monocytes is minimal at the lower dose of 0.1 µg/mL (roughly 1 AgNP per cell was determined), whereas a large cell-to-cell variance dependent on the exposure time is observed for a 10 times higher concentration (roughly 7 AgNPs per cell). The method was further applied to monitor the AgNP uptake by THP-1 cells differentiated macrophages incubated at the same AgNP concentration levels and exposure times demonstrating a much higher AgNP uptake (roughly from 9 to 45 AgNPs per cell) that was dependent on exposure concentration and remained constant over time. The results have been compared and validated by sample digestion followed by ICP-MS analysis as well as with other alternative promising techniques providing single cell analysis.
In this work, we describe a simple solvothermal route for the synthesis of Eu3+-doped gadolinium orthovanadate nanocrystals (Eu:GdVO4−PAA) functionalized with poly(acrylic)acid (PAA), that are applicable as cell labeling probes for multimodal cellular imaging. The Eu3+ doping of the vanadate matrix provides optical functionality, due to red photoluminescence after illumination with UV light. The Gd3+ ions of the nanocrystals reduce the T1 relaxation time of surrounding water protons, allowing these nanocrystals to act as a positive MRI contrast agent with a r1 relaxivity of 1.97 mM−1 s−1. Low background levels of Eu3+, Gd3+, and V5+ in biological systems make them an excellent label for elemental microscopy by Laser Ablation (LA)-ICP-MS. Synthesis resulted in polycrystalline nanocrystals with a hydrodynamic diameter of 55 nm and a crystal size of 36.7 nm, which were further characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The multifunctional nanocrystals were subsequently used for intracellular labeling of both human adipose-derived stem cells (MSCs) and A549 (adenocarcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial) cells.
Polyethylene (PE) frits were used to quantify sulphur in copper and its alloys by isotope dilution combined with LA-ICP-MS as an alternative approach to conventional sample preparation: the copper samples were spiked, the spiked samples were dissolved, the resulting solutions were absorbed in the PE frits and finally the PE frits were analysed by LA-ICP-MS. A prerequisite for such a support material is a low sulphur blank and thus PE was selected for this purpose. The absorption efficiency of the PE frits was studied for varying sulphur amounts ranging from 2 mg S to 80 mg S showing that more than 99.5% of the loaded sulphur was absorbed by the frit. The so prepared PE frits were measured by LA-ICP-MS and yielded a good linearity (R2 ¼ 0.999) for the sulphur ion intensities corresponding to sulphur amounts up to 40 mg S; the associated sensitivity is approximately 3.4 x 10⁴ cps μg⁻¹ for ³²S. For the validation of the developed procedure the reference materials BAM-M376a, BAM-228 and BAM-227 were applied such that 2 μg S, 5 μg S and 11 μg S were absorbed in the PE frits, respectively. These samples were pre-quantified for the adsorbed sulphur amount by external calibration LA-ICP-MS yielding sulphur amounts of 0.9 μg, 5.1 μg and 8.5 μg (quantified for ³²S only), respectively. Relative Standard deviations of the isotope ratios were below 5% in average (n ¼ 3 lines) in all cases (except for the pure spike solution). These samples were then analysed by LA-ICP-IDMS and the measurement results were validated by comparing them with the results obtained by conventional ICP-IDMS. The obtained relative expanded measurement uncertainties ranged between 10% and 26%. Pearson's coefficient was used to express the correlation between both techniques; the obtained value was 0.999 demonstrating a strong correlation. Contrary to most published LA-ICP-IDMS procedures, the developed procedure enables SI-traceability for the measurement results. The metrological traceability to the SI for the sulphur mass fractions in copper was established by an unbroken chain of comparisons, each accompanied by an uncertainty budget. Thus, the measurement results are considered reliable, acceptable and comparable within the stated measurement uncertainty. The metrological traceability chain from the kg down to mass fraction in the samples obtained by LA-ICP-IDMS is presented as well.
Quantification of metals in single cells by LA-ICP-MS comparison of single spot analysis and imaging
(2018)
LA-ICP-MS is increasingly used for single cell analysis in two different detection modes using either the imaging mode with subcellular resolution or alternatively single spot analysis of cells with a larger laser spot size. This study compares the analytical figures of merit of both detection modes (signal to noise, precision, accuracy, throughput), as well as ease of operation and data evaluation. Adherent 3T3 fibroblast cells were stained with two metal dyes (mDOTA-Ho, Ir-DNA-intercalator) and several dozen cells were measured using both modes. We found a ten times higher throughput for single spot analysis, which has as well a straightforward data analysis, shortening the total analysis time further. The signal to noise ratio for single spot analysis was found to be slightly better compared to the signal to noise of pixels in imaging. The mean metal intensity per single cell differed by only 10% between both modes and obtained distributions were found to show no statistically significant differences. Using matrix matched calibration based on standards spotted onto nitrocellulose membrane, we achieved detection limits (10 σ) of 12 fg for Ir and 30 fg for Ho and quantified 57 ± 35 fg Ir and 1,192 ± 707 fg Ho per single cell. Compared to a conventional ICP-MS measurement of a digest of ~60,000 cells, 54 % of Ir content and 358 % Ho content was found using quantitative LA-ICP-MS. The difference might be a consequence of the two metal dyes binding to different structures of the cell and therefore might behave differently in sample preparation for conventional and LA-ICP-MS.
Iron nanoparticles (NPs) metabolism is directly associated to human health due to their use as anemia treatment and should be studied in detail in cells. Here we present a speciation strategy for the determination of the metabolic products of iron oxide nanoparticles coated by tartaric and adipic acids in enterocytes-like cell models (Caco-2 and HT-29). Such methodology is based on the use of SDS-modified reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as Fe selective detector. Post-column isotope dilution analysis is used as quantification tool by adding Fe-57 as isotopically enriched standard. To assess the separation capability of the method, two different iron nanostructures: iron sucrose nanoparticles -Venofer®- used as model suspension and iron tartrate/adipate-modified nanoparticles, both of about 4 nm (core size) were evaluated. The two nanostructures were injected into the system showing good peak profiles and quantitative elution recoveries (>80%) in both cases. In addition, both nanoparticulate fractions could be based-line separated from ionic iron species, which needed to be complexed with 1mM citrate to elute from the column. Exposed cells up to 0.5mM of iron tartrate/adipate-modified nanoparticles were specifically treated to extract the internalized NPs and the extracts examined using the proposed strategy. The obtained results revealed the presence of three different fractions corresponding to nanoparticle aggregates, dispersed nanoparticles and soluble iron respectively in a single chromatographic run. Quantitative experiments (column recoveries ranging from 60 to 80%) revealed the presence of the majority of the Fe in the nanoparticulated form (>75%) by summing up the dispersed and aggregate particles. Such experiments point out the high uptake and low solubilization rate of the tartrate/adipate NPs making these structures highly suitable as Fe supplements in oral anemia treatments.
Recent recommendations by the Food and Drug Administration1 and the European Medicines Agency2 are to limit the clinical use of linear gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) due to convincing evidence of deposition in tissues. Macrocyclic GBCA continued to be considered safe, provided that patients have normal renal function. To date, given the low sensitivity of conventional MRI, there has been a debate about the signal increase following the injections of a macrocyclic GBCA.
In this paper, we describe the labelling of antibodies by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with diameters of 10 and 60 nm with detection by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Additionally, the AuNPs labelling strategy is compared with commercially available labelling reagents based on MeCAT (metal coded affinity tagging). Proof of principle experiments based on dot blot experiments were performed. The two labelling methods investigated were compared by sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD). The absolute LODs achieved were in the range of tens of picograms for AuNP labelling compared to a few hundred picograms by the MeCAT labelling.
The mechanism of action of zirconium permanent modifiers on graphite surfaces was investigated in order to understand its influence on the analytical signal in atomic and molecular absorption spectrometry (AAS/MAS). For this, the molecule formation of CaF was studied, which is used for the indirect analytical determination of fluorine in high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS). The kinetics of this reaction was established by monitoring its molecular spectrum at different atomisation temperatures. An Arrhenius plot showed a pseudo-first order reaction with respect to fluorine (n = 1). An intermediate state was isolated, and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods: scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEMEDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS), and Raman microspectroscopy. We propose here a mechanism, where ZrO2 acts as a heterogeneous catalyst: after a pyrolytic step, an intermediate state of ZrO(OCaF) is activated, and at higher temperatures, CaF(g) is released from the zirconium-coated graphite surface. No evidence of the formation of zirconium carbide was found. Consequently, as the CaF formation is catalysed by a heterogeneous catalyst, surface modifications with ZrO2 nanoparticles and ZrO xerogels were investigated in order to increase the surface area. Their influence was evaluated in the molecule formation of CaF, CaCl, CaBr, and CaI. Graphite furnace modification with zirconium oxide nanoparticles proves to be the best choice for fluorine analysis with a signal enhancement of more than eleven times with respect a non-coated graphite furnace. However, the influence of zirconium modifications in the analytical signals of Cl, and I is lower than the F signals or even negative in case of the Br. Understanding zirconium modifiers as heterogeneous catalysts offers a new perspective to AAS and MAS, and reveals the potential of surface analytical methods for development of improved permanent modifiers and graphite furnace coatings.
Complementarity of molecular and elemental mass spectrometric imaging of Gadovist™ in mouse tissues
(2019)
Drug biodistribution analyses can be considered a key issue in pharmaceutical discovery and development. Here, mass spectrometric imaging can be employed as a powerful tool to investigate distributions of drug compounds in biologically and medically relevant tissue sections. Both matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–mass spectrometric imaging as molecular method and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometric imaging as elemental detection method were applied to determine drug distributions in tissue thin sections. Several mouse organs including the heart, kidney, liver, and brain were analyzed with regard to distribution of Gadovist™, a gadolinium-based contrast agent already approved for clinical investigation. This work demonstrated the successful detection and localization of Gadovist™ in several organs. Furthermore, the results gave evidence that gadolinium-based contrast agents in general can be well analyzed by mass spectrometric imaging methods. In conclusion, the combined application of molecular and elemental mass spectrometry could complement each other and thus confirm analytical results or provide additional information.
Single-particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (sp-ICP-MS) has become an effective tool for the detection and quantification of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs). While sizing of NPs suspended in water is relatively straightforward by sp-ICP-MS, accurate mass quantification of NPs in complex media, such as consumer products and natural systems still remains a challenge. When NPs are suspended in a complex medium, the matrix may affect the analyte sensitivity and lead to inaccurate NP sizing. Here, we investigate the use of an online microdroplet calibration system to size NPs in a single step. In this setup, microdroplets—which are used as the calibrant to determine elemental sensitivities—and nebulized NP-containing solutions are introduced concurrently into the ICP via a dual-inlet sample introduction system. Because calibrant microdroplets and analyte NPs experience the same plasma conditions, both the microdroplets and the NPs are subjected to the same matrix-related signal enhancement or suppression. In this way, the microdroplet calibration standards are automatically matrix matched with the NP-containing solution. The online microdroplet calibration system is combined with an ICP-TOFMS instrument for simultaneous measurement of multiple elements in microdroplets and NPs. We investigate the ability of online microdroplet calibration to compensate for matrix effects through a series of experiments, in which Ag and Au NPs are measured with variable plasma-sampling positions, varying concentrations of HCl and HNO3, varying concentrations of single element solutions, and high concentrations of a salt matrix, i.e. phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Through these experiments, we demonstrate that the online microdroplet calibration strategy provides a matrix-independent mass quantification of analyte NPs in the presence of several established types of matrix effects, including acid effects, space-charge effects, and ionisation suppression. In results presented here, we focus on the size determination of the NPs.
We have efficiently produced collagen-rich microstructures in fibroblast multicellular spheroids (MCSs) as a three-dimensional in vitro tissue analog to investigate silver (Ag) nanoparticle (NP) penetration. The MCS production was examined by changing the seeding cell number (500 to 40,000 cells) and the growth period (1 to 10 days). MCSs were incubated with Ag NP suspensions with a concentration of 5 μg/mL for 24 h. For this study, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to visualize Ag NP localization quantitatively. Thin sections of MCSs were analyzed by LA-ICP-MS with a laser spot size of 8 μm to image distributions of 109Ag, 31P, 63Cu, 66Zn, and 79Br. A calibration using a NP suspension was applied to convert the measured Ag intensity into the number of NPs present. The determined numbers of NPs ranged from 30 to 7200 particles in an outer rim of MCS. The particle distribution was clearly correlated with the presence of 31P and 66Zn and was localized in the outer rim of proliferating cells with a width that was equal to about twice the diameter of single cells. Moreover, abundant collagens were found in the outer rim of MCSs. For only the highest seeding cell number, NPs were completely captured at the outer rim, in a natural barrier reducing particle transport, whereas Eosin (79Br) used as a probe of small molecules penetrated into the core of MCSs already after 1 min of exposure.
An immunohistochemical method is described to visualize the distribution of metallothioneins 1/2 (MT 1/2) and metallothionein 3 (MT 3) in human ocular tissue. It is making use of (a) antibodies conjugated to gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) acting as labels, and (b) laser ablation (LA) coupled to inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Water-soluble fluorescent AuNCs (with an average size of 2.7 nm) were synthesized and then conjugated to antibody by carbodiimide coupling. The surface of the modified AuNCs was then blocked with hydroxylamine to avoid nonspecific interactions with biological tissue. Immunoassays for MT 1/2 and MT 3 in ocular tissue sections (5 μm thick) from two post mortem human donors were performed. Imaging studies were then performed by fluorescence using confocal microscopy, and LA-ICP-MS was performed in the retina to measure the signal for gold. Signal amplification by the >500 gold atoms in each nanocluster allowed the antigens (MT 1/2 and MT 3) to be imaged by LA-ICP-MS using a laser spot size as small as 4 μm. The image patterns found in retina are in good agreement with those obtained by conventional fluorescence immunohistochemistry which was used as an established reference method.
We are using LA-ICP-MS to quantify metals in biological cells and thin cuts of tissues from varies organs. Different applications will be presented to demonstrate the state of the art of bioimaging to visualize the elemental distribution pattern in soft bio-materials (tissue, single cells) of metals, metal containing stains and metal-tagged antibodies. For this purpose, different strategies for metal tagging will be presented and will be compared in terms of analytical figures of merit. First applications for detection of biomarkers in animal and human tissue samples will be presented.
In a first example, we have applied LA-ICP-MS to visualize the local distribution of proteins, which are used as bio-markers for neurodegenerative diseases. For this purpose, brain tissues from mice experiments have been stained by metal-tagged antibodies. House-keeping proteins have been investigated as internal cellular standards. Additionally, ink-jet printing of metal doped inks onto the surface of tissue samples has been applied for drift corrections and quantification. Validation of our results are achieved in comparison to immune-histochemical staining and optical microscopy.
In a second example, we used specific metal-tagged antibodies for detection of biomarker specific for prostate cancer. For this purpose, micro tissue arrays are incubated with metal-tagged antibodies for bioimaging of samples from many patients using simultaneous detection of all relevant biomarkers and their tags.
For improvement of sensitivity in the next example application nanoparticle tagged antibodies for detection of metallothionines in eye lens tissue samples will be discussed.
Recently we have used our tagging and staining strategies to determine the cell cycle of single cells, which is of future interest for toxicological studies.
Finally, future trends in elemental microscopy and mass cytometry imaging will be discussed.
An overview about different analytical approaches will be presented of how to detect metals in individual biological cells by use of ICP-MS. For this purpose, we are using different sample introduction systems for ICP-MS for detection, imaging and quantification of metals at cellular levels.
By use of laser ablation, we have studied the up-take by and distribution of nanoparticles in single cells. Recently we have developed staining techniques to measure protein and DNA content of cells and identifying the cell status by immunoassays using metal-tagging of antibodies. New research based on cell arrays will be shortly discussed.
Using pneumatic nebulization and microdroplet generation, we have also studied the up-take of nanoparticles and toxic metals as well as essential elements in single cells using different ICP-MS mass spectrometric concepts (sector field instrument, triple-quad instrument, time of flight (CyTOF) instrument).
The different ICP-MS based methods will be compared concerning their analytical figures of merit and their strengths and weaknesses will be evaluated.
We are using laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS to image the local distribution of elements (metals and hetero-elements) directly or (metallo-)proteins by metal-tagged antibodies in cells and tissue indirectly. Different applications will be discussed to demonstrate the state of the art and to visualize the elemental distribution pattern in soft bio-materials (tissue, single cells). In the first application Pt-containing drugs for cancer treatment are investigated and elemental distribution pattern are shown for tissue samples from animal experiments. Different standardization and quantification schemes including isotope dilution analysis will be discussed. In the second application, which is dedicated to toxicological research, the up-take of nano-particles by single cells are discussed and metal containing stains are used to visualize the distribution of nano-particles, proteins and DNA in a single cell simultaneously. This information is correlated with the distribution of the nanoparticles to identify the cell compartments where nano-particles are enriched. Quantification schemes have been developed to transform the measured intensities into number of particles up taken by the cells. In the third and last application LA-ICP-MS is applied to visualize the local distribution of proteins, which are used as bio-markers for prostate cancer. For this purpose, biopsy samples from patients have been simultaneously stained by eight differently metal-tagged antibodies in a multiplex approach. Detection of house-keeping proteins serves as internal standards to overcome differences in protein expression. Additionally ink-jet printing of metal doped inks onto the surface of these tissue samples has been applied for internal standardization and drift corrections.
Finally future trends to develop an “elemental microscope” will be discussed.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a well-established analytical method for multi-elemental analysis in particular for elements at trace and ultra-trace levels. It has found acceptance in various application areas during the last decade. ICP-MS is also more and more applied for detection in the life sciences. For these applications, ICP-MS excels by a high sensitivity, which is independent of the molecular structure of the analyte, a wide linear dynamic range and by excellent multi-element capabilities. Furthermore, methods based on ICP-MS offer simple quantification concepts, for which usually (liquid) standards are applied, low matrix effects compared to other conventional bioanalytical techniques, and relative limits of detection (LODs) in the low pg g−1 range and absolute LODs down to the attomol range.
In this chapter, we focus on new applications where the multi-element capability of ICP-MS is used for detection of lanthanoides or rare earth elements, which are applied as elemental stains or tags of biomolecules and in particular of antibodies.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is based on formation of positively charged atomic ions in a high-frequency inductively coupled Argon plasma at atmospheric pressure. The ions are extracted and transferred from the plasma source into a mass analyzer operated at high vacuum via an interface equipped with a sampling and a skimmer cone. The ions are separated in the mass analyzer according to their charge to mass ratio. The ions are converted at a conversion dynode and are detected by use of a secondary electron multiplier or a Faraday cup.
From an analytical point of view, ICP-MS is a well-established method for multi-elemental analysis in particular for elements at trace- and ultra-trace levels. Furthermore, methods based on ICP-MS offer simple quantification concepts, for which usually (liquid) standards are applied, low matrix effects compared to other conventional analytical techniques, and relative limits of detection (LODs) in the low pg g−1 range and absolute LODs down to the attomol range. For these applications, ICP-MS excels by a high sensitivity which is independent of the molecular structure and a wide linear dynamic range. It has found acceptance in various application areas and during the last decade ICP-MS is also more and more applied for detection of rare earth elements particularly in the life sciences.
Due to the fact that all molecules introduced into the high temperature of the plasma in the ion source were completely dissociated and broken down into atoms, which are subsequently ionized, all elemental species information is completely lost. However, if the different species are separated before they enter the plasma by using adequate fractionation or separation techniques, then ICP-MS can be used as a very sensitive element-specific detector. We will discuss this feature of ICP-MS in this chapter in more detail at hand of the speciation of gadolinium-containing contrast agents.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is based on formation of positively charged atomic ions in a high-frequency inductively coupled Argon plasma at atmospheric pressure. The ions are extracted and transferred from the plasma source into a mass analyzer operated at high vacuum via an interface equipped with a sampling and a skimmer cone. The ions are separated in the mass analyzer according to their charge to mass ratio. The ions are converted at a conversion dynode and are detected by use of a secondary electron multiplier or a Faraday cup.
From an analytical point of view, ICP-MS is a well-established method for multi-elemental analysis in particular for elements at trace- and ultra-trace levels. Furthermore, methods based on ICP-MS offer simple quantification concepts, for which usually (liquid) standards are applied, low matrix effects compared to other conventional analytical techniques, and relative limits of detection (LODs) in the low pg g−1 range and absolute LODs down to the attomol range. For these applications, ICP-MS excels by a high sensitivity which is independent of the molecular structure and a wide linear dynamic range. It has found acceptance in various application areas and during the last decade ICP-MS is also more and more applied for detection of rare earth elements particularly in the life sciences.
Due to the fact that all molecules introduced into the high temperature of the plasma in the ion source were completely dissociated and broken down into atoms, which are subsequently ionized, all elemental species information is completely lost. However, if the different species are separated before they enter the plasma by using adequate fractionation or separation techniques, then ICP-MS can be used as a very sensitive element-specific detector. We will discuss this feature of ICP-MS in this chapter in more detail at hand of the speciation of gadolinium-containing contrast agents.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a well-established analytical method for multi-elemental analysis in particular for elements at trace and ultra-trace levels. It has found acceptance in various application areas during the last decade. ICP-MS is also more and more applied for detection in the life sciences. For these applications, ICP-MS excels by a high sensitivity, which is independent of the molecular structure of the analyte, a wide linear dynamic range and by excellent multi-element capabilities. Furthermore, methods based on ICP-MS offer simple quantification concepts, for which usually (liquid) standards are applied, low matrix effects compared to other conventional bioanalytical techniques, and relative limits of detection (LODs) in the low pg g−1 range and absolute LODs down to the attomol range.
In this chapter, we focus on new applications where the multi-element capability of ICP-MS is used for detection of lanthanoides or rare earth elements, which are applied as elemental stains or tags of biomolecules and in particular of antibodies.
A simple metal staining procedure for identification and visualization of single cells by LA-ICP-MS
(2017)
High lateral resolution of metal detection in single cells by use of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) demands powerful staining methods. In this work different staining procedures for the single cell analysis with LA-ICP-MS were optimized. An iridium intercalator was utilized to stain the cell nuclei whereas the whole cell was stained by the use of maleimido-mono-amide-DOTA (mDOTA) complexing lanthanide(III) ions. The content of the artificially introduced metals per cell was quantified using a matrix matched calibration approach based on cellulose membranes onto which standards were spotted by a microarray spotter. Absolute metal stain amounts in the range of 2.34 to 9.81 femtomole per cell were determined. The metal staining procedures allow direct identification and visualization of single cells and their cell compartments by element microscopy without the use of bright field images of the sample.
Metalloproteins, which represent about 30 % of the total proteome, are often important markers for distinguishing between healthy and diseased states of patients. As such markers have become increasingly important in clinical diagnostics, some of these proteins are routinely analysed in clinical laboratories. Reliable and comparable results are the basis for the investigation of changes in the proteome due to different health conditions. Nevertheless, for many proteins the results achieved with different routine measurement procedures or in different laboratories vary widely, thus hampering medical insights and the development of treatments. Reference measurement procedures with results traceable to the International System of Units (SI) will also help to greatly improve the performance of routine measurement procedures and, this way, they support the understanding of changes in the metallome.
Quantification of nanoparticle (NP) uptake in cells or tissues is very important for safety assessment. Often, electron microscopy based approaches are used for this purpose, which allow imaging at very high resolution. However, precise quantification of NP numbers in cells and tissues remains challenging. The aim of this study was to present a novel approach, that combines precise quantification of NPs in individual cells together with high resolution imaging of their intracellular distribution based on focused ion beam/ scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) slice and view approaches.
Actual research demonstrates that LA-ICP-MS is capable of being used as an imaging tool with cellular resolution. The aim of this investigation was the method development for LA-ICP-MS to extend the versatility to quantitative and multiplexing imaging of single eukaryotic cells. For visualization of individual cells selected, lanthanide-labeled antibodies were optimized for immuno-imaging of single cells with LA-ICP-MS. The molar content of the artificial introduced labels per cell was quantified using self-made nitrocellulose-coated slides for matrix-matched calibration and calculated amounts were in the range of 3.1 to 17.8 atmol per cell. Furthermore, the quantification strategy allows a conversion of 2D intensity profiles based on counts per second (cps) to quantitative 2D profiles representing the molar amount of the artificial introduced elemental probes per pixel for each individual cell.
We developed new procedures for internal standardization and calibration to be used for laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for elemental micro mapping imaging of biological samples like Western blot membranes and tissue sections. These procedures are based on printing of metal spiked inks onto the top of thin layer samples for simultaneous internal standardization and calibration of LA-ICP-MS. In the case of internal standardization the ink is spiked with indium as an internal standard and homogenously printed over the entire membrane (size 56 cm2) prior to LA-ICP-MS detection, a standard deviation (RSD) value of 2% was achieved. In the second approach the metal content of lanthanide tagged proteins and antibodies after biological work flows was quantified by LA-ICP-MS on nitro-cellulose membranes. In this case the inks spiked with varying metals were printed with different densities on the same nitrocellulose membranes in well-defined squares to produce matrix-matched calibration standards. For validation and calibration the ink squares were excised and the specific metal content was measured by liquid ICP-MS after solubilization of the membrane slice. For the printed calibration standard limits of detection (LOD) of <4 fmol for different metals and relative process standard deviations of 12% only were determined via LA-ICP-MS.
By adding a gold core to silica nanoparticles (BrightSilica), silica-like nanoparticles are generated that, unlike unmodified silica nanoparticles, provide three types of complementary information to investigate the silica nano-biointeraction inside eukaryotic cells in situ. Firstly, organic molecules in proximity of and penetrating into the silica shell in live cells are monitored by surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The SERS data show interaction of the hybrid silica particles with tyrosine, cysteine and phenylalanine side chains of adsorbed proteins. Composition of the biomolecular corona of BrightSilica nanoparticles differs in fibroblast and macrophage cells. Secondly, quantification of the BrightSilica nanoparticles using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) micromapping indicates a different interaction of silica nanoparticles compared to gold nanoparticles under the same experimental conditions. Thirdly, the metal cores allow the investigation of particle distribution and interaction in the cellular ultrastructure by cryo nanoscale X-ray tomography (cryo-XT). In 3D reconstructions the assumption is confirmed that BrightSilica nanoparticles enter cells by an endocytotic mechanism. The high SERS intensities are explained by the beneficial plasmonic properties due to agglomeration of BrightSilica. The results have implications for the development of multi-modal qualitative and quantitative characterization in comparative nanotoxicology and bionanotechnology.
The analysis of single cells is a growing research field in many disciplines such as toxicology, medical diagnosis, drug and cancer research or metallomics, and different methods based on microscopic, mass spectrometric, and spectroscopic techniques are under investigation. This review focuses on the most recent trends in which inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and ICP optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) are applied for single-cell analysis using metal atoms being intrinsically present in cells, taken up by cells (e.g., nanoparticles), or which are artificially bound to a cell. For the latter, especially element tagged antibodies are of high interest and are discussed in the review. The application of different sample introduction systems for liquid analysis (pneumatic nebulization, droplet generation) and elemental imaging by laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) of single cells are highlighted. Because of the high complexity of biological systems and for a better understanding of processes and dynamics of biologically or medically relevant cells, the authors discuss the idea of 'multimodal spectroscopies.'
The cellular response to nanoparticle exposure is essential in various contexts, especially in nanotoxicity and nanomedicine. Here, 14-nm gold nanoparticles in 3T3 fibroblast cells are investigated in a series of pulse-chase experiments with a 30-min incubation pulse and chase times ranging from 15 min to 48 h. The gold nanoparticles and their aggregates are quantified inside the cellular ultrastructure by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry micromapping and evaluated regarding the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals. In this way, both information about their localization at the micrometre scale and their molecular nanoenvironment, respectively, is obtained and can be related. Thus, the nanoparticle pathway from endocytotic uptake, intracellular processing, to cell division can be followed. It is shown that the ability of the intracellular nanoparticles and their accumulations and aggregates to support high SERS signals is neither directly related to nanoparticle amount nor to high local nanoparticle densities. The SERS data indicate that aggregate geometry and interparticle distances in the cell must change in the course of endosomal maturation and play a critical role for a specific gold nanoparticle type in order to act as efficient SERS nanoprobe. This finding is supported by TEM images, showing only a minor portion of aggregates that present small interparticle spacing. The SERS spectra obtained after different chase times show a changing composition and/or structure of the biomolecule corona of the gold nanoparticles as a consequence of endosomal processing.
Speciation and imaging of Gd containing MRI contrast agents in environmental samples by ICP-MS
(2014)
In this work, a routinely applicable approach is presented to characterize metal NPs. Individual droplets generated from a microdroplet generator (MDG) were merged into an aerosol generated by a pneumatic nebulizer (PN) and introduced into an ICPMS. The MDG offers high transport efficiency of individual and discrete droplets and was therefore used to establish a calibration function for mass quantification of NPs which were introduced through the PN following the single particle procedure as described elsewhere. The major advantages of such a combined configuration include fast processing of large sample volumes, fast exchanges of different sample matrixes, and the calibration of the NP signal using traceable elemental standards, thus avoiding the need to use NP reference materials or other, not always thoroughly characterized, commercially available NPs. The transport efficiency of the sample introduction is calculated based on the fact that 100% of the calibrant reaches the plasma through the MDG, whereas for the PN a NP suspension containing a known number concentration is used. Alternatively, bulk analysis of the NP material allows transport efficiency determination without any additional information from reference NPs. With this method, we could determine the size of standard silver NPs at 60.4 ± 1.0 nm and 80.0 ± 1.4 nm, respectively, which agrees with the size ranges given by the supplier (60.8 ± 6.6 nm and 79.8 ± 5.4 nm). Furthermore, we were also able to determine the NPs number concentration of the sample (Ag/Au) with a deviation of 3.2% the expected value.
The study of the distribution of the cytostatic drugs cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin along the kidney may help to understand their different nephrotoxic behavior. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) allows the acquisition of trace element images in biological tissues. However, results obtained are affected by several variations concerning the sample matrix and instrumental drifts. In this work, an internal standardization method based on printing an Ir-spiked ink onto the surface of the sample has been developed to evaluate the different distributions and accumulation levels of the aforementioned drugs along the kidney of a rat model. A conventional ink-jet printer was used to print fresh sagittal kidney tissue slices of 4 μm. A reproducible and homogenous deposition of the ink along the tissue was observed. The ink was partially absorbed on top of the tissue. Thus, this approach provides a pseudo-internal standardization, due to the fact that the ablation sample and internal standard take place subsequently and not simultaneously. A satisfactory normalization of LA-ICP-MS bioimages and therefore a reliable comparison of the kidney treated with different Pt-based drugs were achieved even for tissues analyzed on different days. Due to the complete ablation of the sample, the transport of the ablated internal standard and tissue to the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is practically taking place at the same time. Pt accumulation in the kidney was observed in accordance to the dosages administered for each drug. Although the accumulation rate of cisplatin and oxaliplatin is high in both cases, their Pt distributions differ. The strong nephrotoxicity observed for cisplatin and the absence of such side effect in the case of oxaliplatin could explain these distribution differences. The homogeneous distribution of oxaliplatin in the cortical and medullar areas could be related with its higher affinity for cellular transporters such as MATE2-k.
The development of iron oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications requires accurate histological evaluation. Prussian blue iron staining is widely used but may be unspecific when tissues contain substantial endogenous iron. Here we tested whether microscopy by laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is sensitive enough to analyze accumulation of very small iron oxide particles (VSOP) doped with europium in tissue sections.
In this book many practical hints are given and analytical problems are discussed by the authors from their own experiences. A critical assessment of the methods is given, which is most important for decision makers to select a good combination of complementary methods to solve practical analytical problems.
A method for the analysis of Pt–protein complexes in biological samples, previously subjected to cisplatin treatment, has been developed. Proteins were separated by gel electrophoresis, and those bound to Pt were detected with high sensitivity by LA-ICP-(SF)-MS. Pt-containing spots were in-gel digested with trypsin, and the peptides produced identified using nHPLC-ESI-LTQ-FT-MS/MS. The influence of protein separation conditions, staining and gel processing prior to laser ablation on Ptprotein bonds preservation have been evaluated using standard proteins incubated with cisplatin. 2-DE separation under non-reducing conditions followed by either Coomassie blue brilliant or silver staining is appropriate for Pt–protein complexes, achieving a good separating resolution of the proteins in biological samples. Direct LA-ICP-MS analysis of glycerol-treated dried gels for Pt–protein monitoring resulted in better sensitivity, more reliable relative Pt signals and a simpler and less time-consuming approach compared to the analysis of blotted membranes. Ablation of gels allowed tackling protein identification of Pt-spots in the remaining non-ablated material in the gel, making it unnecessary to run several gels in parallel for separate Pt detection and protein identification. By using this approach, Pt coordinated to proteins, such as α-2-macroglobulin, transferrin, albumin or hemoglobin, was detected in the serum from a rat treated in vivo with cisplatin after nrSDS-PAGE separation. Furthermore, the first complete LA-ICP-MS metalloprotein contour map in a 2-DE gel has been produced, in this case for the detection of Pt–protein complexes in renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs) incubated with cisplatin. Several proteins were identified in those spots containing Pt, which may have a connection with the drug-induced nephrotoxicity mainly affecting this cell type in the kidney.
Measurement and detection of labelled antibodies: New applicacations in oncology and pathology
(2011)
We have studied the binding of the toxic element Cd to plant proteins and have used for this purpose spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) plants treated with 50 µM Cd(II) as a model system. Laser ablation ICP-MS has been applied for the screening of Cd-binding proteins after separation by native anodal polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (AN-PAGE) and electroblotting onto membranes. The main Cd-carrying protein band was isolated and investigated by nano-electrospray ionizationFourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry after tryptic digestion. By this procedure, the main Cd-binding protein was identified as ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). The latter enzyme has been discussed in the literature to be affected in its activity by oxidative stress induced by Cd. However, in this paper it is demonstrated for the first time that RuBisCO directly binds Cd and thus may be directly altered by this toxic element. A commercially available protein standard was used to verify direct binding of Cd(II) to the protein, even without metabolisation. The resulting metalprotein complex was shown to be stable enough to survive AN-PAGE separation and electroblotting. By the use of size exclusion chromatography coupled with ICP-MS it was demonstrated that the RuBisCO protein standard shows similar metal binding properties to Cd. Furthermore, essential elements such as Mn(II), Fe(II) and Cu(II), which are known to possibly replace the RuBisCO activator Mg(II), were investigated in addition to Zn(II). Again, similar binding properties in comparison to the plant protein were observed.
A new laser ablation (LA)-ICP-MS method for single cell and cell nucleus imaging was developed. Therein, iodine was employed as an elemental dye for fibroblast cells and for thin tissue sections. At an incubation time of 60 s, iodine is located mainly within the cell nuclei. This effect was illustrated in fibroblast cells, and iodine signal within the cell nucleus was as high as 5 × 104 cps at 4 µm laser spot size. The surrounding cytoplasm was iodinated as well, but to a lesser extent. The spatial resolution attained was sufficient to detect even smaller cell nuclei within a liver biopsy tissue. Furthermore, iodine was successfully employed for biomolecule labeling and we demonstrated that iodine signal increased with increasing thickness of a palatine tonsil tissue. Thus, the use of iodine as an internal standard to correct for tissue inhomogeneities in LA-ICP-MS was investigated for the simultaneous detection of two tumor markers (Her 2 and CK 7) in breast cancer tissue. Additionally, lanthanide background resulting from glass ablation can be corrected for by Eu standardization.
A laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS)-based methodology is presented for Pt, Cu, and Zn bioimaging on whole kidney 3 µm sagittal sections from rats treated with pharmacological doses of cisplatin, which were sacrificed once renal damage had taken place. Pt turned out to accumulate in the kidney cortex and corticomedullary junction, corresponding to areas where the proximal tubule S3 segments (the most sensitive cells to cisplatin nephrotoxicity) are located. This demonstrates the connection between platinum accumulation and renal damage proved by histological examination of HE-stained sections and evaluation of serum and urine biochemical parameters. Cu and Zn distribution maps revealed a significant displacement in cells by Pt, as compared to control tissues. A dramatic decrease in the Pt accumulation in the cortex was observed when cilastatin was coadministered with cisplatin, which can be related to its nephroprotective effect. Excellent imaging reproducibility, sensitivity (LOD 50 fg), and resolution (down to 8 µm) were achieved, demonstrating that LA–ICP–MS can be applied as a microscopic metal detector at cellular level in certain tissues. A simple and quick approach for the estimation of Pt tissue levels was proposed, based on tissue spiking.
We optimized multiplexed immunohistochemistry (IHC) on breast cancer tissue. Up to 20 tumor markers are routinely evaluated for one patient, and thus, a common analysis results in a series of time consuming staining procedures. As an alternative, we used lanthanides for labeling of primary antibodies, which are applied in IHC. Laser ablation (LA) ICPMS was elaborated as a detection tool for multiplexed IHC of tissue sections. In this study, we optimized sample preparation steps and LA ICPMS parameters to achieve a sufficient signal-to-background ratio. The results prove the high selectivity of applied antibodies, which was sustained after labeling. Up to three tumor markers (Her 2, CK 7, and MUC 1) were detected simultaneously in a single multiplex analysis of a 5 µm thin breast cancer tissue at a laser spot size of 200 µm. Furthermore, the LA ICPMS results indicate a significantly higher expression level of MUC 1 compared to Her 2 and CK 7, which was not obvious from the conventionally stained tissue sections.
The analysis of biomolecules requires highly sensitive and selective detection methods capable of tolerating a complex, biological matrix. First applications of biomolecule detection by ICP-MS relied on the use of heteroelements as a label for quantification. However, the combination of immunoassays and ICP-MS facilitates multiparametric analyses through elemental tagging, and provides a powerful alternative to common bioanalytical methods. This approach extends the detection of biomarkers in clinical diagnosis, and has the potential to provide a deeper understanding of the investigated biological system. The results might lead to the detection of diseases at an early stage, or guide treatment plans. Immunoassays are well accepted and established for diagnostic purposes, albeit ICP-MS is scarcely applied for the detection of immune-based assays. However, the screening of biomarkers demands high throughput and multiplex/multiparametric techniques, considering the variety of analytes to be queried. Finally, quantitative information on the expression level of biomarkers is highly desirable to identify abnormalities in a given organism. Thus, it is the aim of this review to introduce the fundamentals, and to discuss the enormous strength of ICP-MS for the detection of different immunoassays on the basis of selected applications, with a special focus on LA-ICP-MS.
The paper presents a new multi-parametric protein microarray embracing the multi-analyte capabilities of laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The combination of high throughput reverse phase protein microarrays with element tagged antibodies and LA-ICP-MS makes it possible to detect and quantify many proteins or biomarkers in multiple samples simultaneously. A proof of concept experiment is performed for the analysis of cytochromes particularly of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play an important role in the metabolism of xenobiotics such as toxicants and drugs. With the aid of the LA-ICP-MS based multi-parametric reverse phase protein microarray it was possible to analyse 8 cytochromes in 14 different proteomes in one run. The methodology shows excellent detection limits in the lower amol range and a very good linearity of R² ≥ 0.9996 which is a prerequisite for the development of further quantification strategies.
Future challenges for ICP-MS
(2013)
Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was optimized for speciation analysis of gadolinium-based contrast agents in environmental samples, in particular surface river waters and plants. Surface water samples from the Teltow channel, near Berlin, were investigated over a distance of 5 km downstream from the influx of a wastewater treatment plant. The total concentration of gadolinium increased significantly from 50 to 990 ngL-1 due to the influx of the contrast agents. After complete mixing with the river water, the concentration remained constant over a distance of at least 4 km. Two main substances [Dotarem® (Gd-DOTA) and Gadovist® (Gd-BT-DO3A)] have been identified in the river water using standards. A gadolinium-based contrast agent, possibly Gd-DOTA (Dotarem®), was also detected in water plant samples taken from the Teltow channel. Therefore, uptake of contrast agents [Gadovist® (Gd-BTDO3A), Magnevist® (Gd-DTPA), Omniscan® (Gd-DTPA-BMA), Dotarem® (Gd-DOTA), and Multihance® (Gd-BOPTA)] by plants was investigated in a model experiment using Lepidium sativum (cress plants). HILICICP-MS was used for identification of different contrast agents, and a first approach for quantification using aqueous standard solutions was tested. For speciation analysis, all investigated contrast agents could be extracted from the plant tissues with a recovery of about 54 % for Multihance® (Gd-BOPTA) up to 106 % for Gadovist® (Gd-BT-DO3A). These experiments demonstrate that all contrast agents investigated are transported from the roots to the leaves where the highest content was measured.
Quantitative analysis of cytochrome P450 (CYP) patterns of cells and tissues is an important aspect in toxicological and pharmacological research as this group of enzymes is largely involved in the metabolism of toxic compounds and drugs. Here we present a method for the multi-parametric and simultaneous quantitative determination of several cytochromes P450 in liver microsomes of untreated and inducer treated rats. The method is based on the binding of specifically lanthanide labelled antibodies to electrophoretically separated and blotted CYP proteins and their subsequent identification and quantification by LA-ICP-MS. CYP1A1, CYP2B1, CYP2C11, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1 were simultaneously quantified and the patterns between microsomal samples were compared. Microsomes of rats treated with 3-methylcholanthrene, phenobarbital and dexamethasone showed increased levels of CYP1A1, CYP2B1 and CYP3A1, respectively. These results coincide with data obtained by independent methods for CYP quantification, i.e. ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity for CYP1A1 and pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase for CYP2B1. The presented method is useful for multi-parametric CYP profiling and has further large potential with respect to the number of analysed parameters/proteins and sensitivity.
The aim of this series of two reviews is to introduce the basic concepts of ICP and GD sector field instruments, to discuss their peculiarities and performance, to present selected analytical applications for demonstration of the 'state of the art' and, finally, to identify possible future trends and developments. Part I focuses on fundamentals, instrumentation and operation of instruments to give an overview of the capabilities of the actual commercially available instrumentation, whereas selected applications will be discussed in detail in part II.
Part I of this series of two reviews focused on fundamentals, instrumentation and operation of sector field instruments to give a proper overview of the capabilities of the actual commercially available instrumentation. In part II, selected applications of the last decade are discussed in detail concluding with pinpointing possible future trends and current developments.
Speciation of Se in fish is needed to elucidate the metabolism of this element in living organisms in the marine environment. In this paper, selenium concentration and its species distribution in several organs and tissues (liver, gills, kidney, muscle and gastrointestinal tract) of African catfish fed with a selenium-enriched garlic based diet was studied. The intention of this paper is focused on both the investigation of selenium distribution in the soluble protein fraction and the detection of selenoaminoacids. Thus, two different procedures have been developed. In the first procedure, screening of selenium in proteins in the Tris-buffer soluble fraction of different tissues was carried out by size exclusion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SEC-ICP-MS) and by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) after sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) separation and electroblotting onto membranes. For the amino acid analysis, several sample treatments for Se-species extraction, based on enzymatic hydrolysis, were compared. The best results were obtained for incubation at controlled temperature. Application of several sample treatments in conjunction with different chromatographic techniques (reverse phase, anion exchange and ion exchange/size exclusion) was crucial to unambiguous Se-species identification. In Se-enriched African catfish a noticeable increase in the content of selenium in different organs was observed, except for the liver, where the Se level remained unaltered. The kidney was the Se-target organ in animals fed with enriched Se food. Selenomethionine (SeMet) was the main Se species identified in fillet extracts, whereas the presence of selenocysteine (SeCys) was detected in the liver and both SeMet and SeCys were present in the kidney.
Neue Anwendungen der anorganischen Massenspektrometrie in den Lebens- und Materialwissenschaften
(2011)
Short course on ICP-MS
(2017)
ICP-MS is a well-established analytical method which excels by high accuracy, high dynamic range and extremely low limits of detection for most metals. Furthermore ICP-MS offers a very high multi-element coverage so that many elements of the periodic table can be detected simultaneously. In this series of lectures, we want to focus on the historical developments, fundamentals, instrumentation and novel applications of ICP-MS in the life and material sciences.
Spectral interferences
(2017)
ICP-MS is a well-established analytical method which excels by high accuracy, high dynamic range and extremely low limits of detection for most metals. Furthermore ICP-MS offers a very high multi-element coverage so that many elements of the periodic table can be detected simultaneously. In this series of lectures, we want to focus on the historical developments, fundamentals, instrumentation and novel applications of ICP-MS in the life and material sciences.
Non-spectral interferences
(2017)
ICP-MS is a well-established analytical method which excels by high accuracy, high dynamic range and extremely low limits of detection for most metals. Furthermore ICP-MS offers a very high multi-element coverage so that many elements of the periodic table can be detected simultaneously. In this series of lectures, we want to focus on the historical developments, fundamentals, instrumentation and novel applications of ICP-MS in the life and material sciences.
ICP-MS is a well-established analytical method which excels by high accuracy, high dynamic range and extremely low limits of detection for most metals. Furthermore ICP-MS offers a very high multi-element coverage so that many elements of the periodic table can be detected simultaneously. In this series of lectures, we want to focus on the historical developments, fundamentals, instrumentation and novel applications of ICP-MS in the life and material sciences.
ICP-MS is a well-established analytical method which excels by high accuracy, high dynamic range and extremely low limits of detection for most metals. Furthermore ICP-MS offers a very high multi-element coverage so that many elements of the periodic table can be detected simultaneously. In this series of lectures, we want to focus on the historical developments, fundamentals, instrumentation and novel applications of ICP-MS in the life and material sciences.
ICP-MS is a well-established analytical method which excels by high accuracy, high dynamic range and extremely low limits of detection for most metals. Furthermore ICP-MS offers a very high multi-element coverage so that many elements of the periodic table can be detected simultaneously. In this series of lectures, we want to focus on the historical developments, fundamentals, instrumentation and novel applications of ICP-MS in the life and material sciences.
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimen from biopsy materials are a widespread sample format for pathologists and medical researchers. Pathologists are archiving vast numbers of FFPE samples which can be stored for decades. Conventional immunohistochemical staining (IHC) of biomarkers on FFPE tissue sections is one of the most important analytical techniques for cancer diagnosis and pathology in general. However standardization for IHC samples and quality management is tedious and differs significantly from clinic to clinic. Combining established IHC staining strategies with modern mass spectrometry mediated methods would increase it`s potential and enable access of large FFPE archives for multiplexed quantitation purposes. In this work element mass spectrometry and a new ink-jet printed internal standardization approach was successfully combined with IHC staining to facilitate quantitative multiplex assays for archived FFPE samples. The printing strategy improves elemental image resolution and reproducibility of paraffin embedded breast cancer tissue sections in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) using conventional IHC staining as a model system to investigate the new capabilities of this technique. For the internal standardization we applied a conventional CD-ink-jet printer to print a metal spiked ink onto the top of thin layer tissue sections with constant density. Printing was carried out in a direct comparison to an iodination of the tissue section as previously described as an alternative standardization method. The use of the printed internal standard allowed correction of the fluctuation during the laser ablation process and compensated instrumental drift effects. Mediated by the ink correction approach we achieved better signal-to-background-ratios (SBR) of 74 and better spatial resolution of 30 µm compared to iodination (SBR=23). This improved performance was demonstrated on tumorous areas in FFPE breast cancer tissue sections and allowing detection of Her-2 in tumorous areas of this tissue with significantly improved contrast.