From Seawater to Shellfish: Microplastics… Find Out What’s Slowly Killing you, and the Best Way to Stay Happy as a Clam

The analysis of single particles, such as microplastics by ICP-MS, is done by the detection and counting of carbon-based particles (13C). This method requires the ICP-MS to enable short dwell times to reduce background and a fast processing software. Additionally, the detection limit of the single particles can be improved by using a dedicated highly efficient sample introduction system that operates at much lower sample flow rates compared to conventional nebulizers and spray chamber designs. Microplastic studies have been conducted by ICP-MS by measuring 13C in 1, 2, and 5 um polystyrene microbeads, which are used as a calibration standard.

The HE-SIS is made up of three key components: a MicroMist HE nebulizer, Lotis HE spray chamber, and our patent pending MicroJet gas adapter. The combination of these proprietary designs is what differentiates Glass Expansion’s HE-SIS from other commercially available systems. It may be coupled to many different ICP-MS platforms for a wide variety of applications, including single-cell, single-particle, nanoparticle, and low-volume sample studies, with up to 95% transport efficiency. In addition to high performance, it is also important to provide a simple and reliable means of installation. Therefore, every HE-SIS is designed to suit a specific instrument model, including an instrument-specific mounting bracket support. Here are the key takeaways with the few examples presented:

Key Takeaways
Glass Expansion’s HE-SIS is 2–4x more sensitive than another commercially available system.
When used for SC-ICP-MS, the HE-SIS has exhibited nearly 90% transport efficiency for analyzing cell sizes ranging from 6–20 µm diameters, which includes but is not limited to yeast, several types of bacteria, and human cells.
Nanoplastics and microplastics can be quantitated in SP-ICP-MS applications with impressive transport efficiencies of 80% or more.