Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
07:49
Novel Whole-tissue Quantitative Assay of Nitric Oxide Levels in Drosophila Neuroinflammatory Response
Published on: December 4, 2013
8.3K
Nitric Oxide Analysis Down to ppt Levels by Optical-Feedback Cavity-Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy
Lucile Richard1, Daniele Romanini2, Irène Ventrillard3
1LIPhy, University Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, F-38000 Grenoble, France. lucile.richard@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 23, 2018
Summary
This study presents a new trace gas analyzer for precise nitric oxide (NO) monitoring. The instrument achieves rapid response times and a low detection limit for accurate NO measurements.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Spectroscopy
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Accurate monitoring of trace nitric oxide (NO) is crucial across various applications.
- Existing methods may lack the required sensitivity or response time for certain NO monitoring needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and optimize a trace gas analyzer for sensitive nitric oxide measurements.
- To demonstrate the capabilities of Optical Feedback Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (OFCEAS) for NO detection.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Optical Feedback Cavity Enhanced Absorption Spectroscopy (OFCEAS).
- Employed an interband cascade laser emitting at 5.3 μm for NO absorption.
- Optimized the instrument for trace-level gas analysis.
Main Results:
- Achieved a detection limit of 0.9 parts per trillion (ppt) with 12-minute averaging.
- Demonstrated a rapid response time, reaching 50 ppt in 180 ms.
- Identified the necessity of accounting for optical saturation effects in absolute concentration calibration for mid-infrared measurements.
Conclusions:
- The developed OFCEAS instrument offers high sensitivity and fast response for trace NO monitoring.
- Mid-infrared spectroscopy requires careful calibration, considering optical saturation, unlike near-infrared methods.
- This analyzer is suitable for applications demanding precise and timely nitric oxide measurements.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Nitric Oxide Signaling Pathway
6.3K
Nitric oxide (NO), an inorganic gas, acts as a potent second messenger in most animal and plant tissues. NO diffuses out of the cells that produce it and enters the neighboring cells to generate a downstream response. NO synthase (NOS) catalyzes NO production by the deamination of the amino acid arginine. There are three isoforms of NOS. Endothelial cells have endothelial NOS (eNOS), nerve and muscle cells have neuronal NOS (nNOS), and macrophages produce inducible NOS (iNOS) upon exposure...
6.3K
01:25Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Interference
2.1K
Interference leads to systematic error in atomic absorption (AA) measurements by enhancing or diminishing the analytical signal or the background. These interferences can be grouped into three main categories: spectral interference, chemical interference, and physical interference.
Spectral interference occurs when signals from other elements or molecules overlap with the analyte signal, falsely elevating or masking the analyte's absorbance. This interference can be corrected using Zeeman,...
Spectral interference occurs when signals from other elements or molecules overlap with the analyte signal, falsely elevating or masking the analyte's absorbance. This interference can be corrected using Zeeman,...
2.1K
01:14Molecular Spectroscopy: Absorption and Emission
4.6K
Molecules possess discrete energy levels called quantum states. Unlike atoms, which have simpler energy levels, molecules possess additional rotational and vibrational energy levels. Each energy level is separated by an energy gap, with the gaps between adjacent electronic, vibrational, and rotational levels varying significantly. The three types of energy levels in a diatomic molecule are shown in Figure 1.
4.6K
01:27Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview
3.6K
Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) is a technique used to analyze elements by measuring electromagnetic radiation (EMR) absorbed by atoms, which causes them to transition to a higher-energy orbit. The most crucial step in AAS is atomization, where the analyte is converted into gas-phase atoms, typically through a flame or furnace. Some of these atoms become thermally excited in the flame, while most remain in the ground state.
When irradiated by EMR of a particular wavelength, these...
When irradiated by EMR of a particular wavelength, these...
3.6K
01:22Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
1.7K
An atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) comprises several components: a radiation source, an atomizer, a monochromator, and a detector. The radiation source can be a hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) or an electrodeless-discharge lamp (EDL), both of which provide a narrow emission line of the required wavelength. However, some instruments use continuum sources and high-resolution monochromators to achieve a narrow range of radiation.
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...
The atomizer used in AAS can be either a flame atomizer or an...
1.7K
01:21Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
1.1K
For AAS measurements, samples must be introduced as clear solutions, often requiring extensive preliminary treatment to dissolve materials like soils, animal tissues, and minerals. Common methods for sample preparation include treatment with hot mineral acids, wet ashing, combustion in closed containers, high-temperature ashing, or fusion with reagents.
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing...
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing...
1.1K