Design, Optimization, and Application of a 3D-Printed Polymer Sample Introduction System for the ICP-MS Analysis of...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Conventional sample introduction systems (SIS) for ICP-MS present limitations for single particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS) due to high sample needs and low efficiency.
• There is a need for improved SIS to enhance spICP-MS capabilities for accurate particle analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the first completely 3D-printed, polymer sample introduction system (SIS) specifically designed for single particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS) analysis.
• To optimize the SIS geometry using numerical simulations and assess its performance with nanodispersions and cell suspensions.

Main Methods:

• Development of a 3D-printed polymer SIS featuring a microconcentric pneumatic nebulizer and a single-pass spray chamber with sheath gas flow.
• Numerical simulations were employed for system geometry optimization.
• Aerosol characteristics and operational conditions were investigated using optical particle counting and spICP-MS measurements.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed SIS demonstrated four times higher particle detection efficiency compared to a standard system.
• The new system exhibited a significantly improved signal-to-noise ratio and a ~20% lower size detection limit.
• The upper limit for transportable particle diameters was extended to approximately 25 µm.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed polymer SIS is a highly effective advancement for spICP-MS analysis.
• This innovative system overcomes limitations of traditional methods, enabling more sensitive and broader-range particle characterization.
• The developed SIS offers superior performance for analyzing nanodispersions and cell suspensions.