Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry as a Powerful Tool for Spatially Resolved Analysis: An Experiment for Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Laboratory

Abstract

A new experiment using laser ablation with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was designed for chemistry undergraduate students. While most analytical methods only provide information on the amount of the analyte, LA-ICP-MS allows extra information on the distribution of the element in the sample. Because it achieves excellent limits of detection (sub μg·g–1) and high spatial resolution (micrometer scale), it is a powerful technique for imaging any sample. A thin section of mouse tissue was used as a model sample to demonstrate these abilities. The student’s task was to determine the distribution of the essential elements Zn, Cu, and Pt (Pt introduced into the tumor tissue from the cytostatic drug (cis Pt)) and quantify their amount.

Development of an ICP-MS Instrument Simulator: Software for Teaching Elemental Analysis to Undergraduates

“…The technique has widespread applications in environmental, , forensic, industrial, and health measurements; , hence, its fundamentals and applications are featured in many analytical chemistry courses. There are a few examples of ICP-MS experiments aimed at undergraduates. − However, opportunities for undergraduates to gain practical experience of ICP-MS are not widespread, owing to the high purchase and running cost of the instrumentation along with the large footprint of some types of ICP-MS and their associated services. In 2018, a simulation was developed to provide students with experience with tuning an ICP-MS instrument .…”