3D Printed All-in-One Sample Introduction System for ICP-MS: Integrating Chip-Based Array Monolithic Microextraction,...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) requires efficient sample introduction for ultratrace analysis.
• Analyzing rare-earth elements (REEs) in biological samples like cells presents challenges due to low concentrations and sample volume limitations.
• Existing sample introduction systems may lack sensitivity, efficiency, or cost-effectiveness for specific applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel, all-in-one sample introduction system for ICP-MS using three-dimensional printing (3DP).
• To enable the sensitive determination of ultratrace rare-earth elements (REEs) within cellular samples.
• To demonstrate the advantages of 3DP in creating customized, high-performance analytical instrumentation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an integrated microfluidic chip with cell lysis and microextraction capabilities using 3DP.
• Integration of a microvalve control unit and a microflow total consumption high-efficiency nebulizer (MTHEN) into the 3DP system.
• Direct connection of the 3DP-MTHEN to an ICP-MS instrument for analysis of REEs in MCF-7 cells.

Main Results:

• The 3DP system achieved high sample transport efficiency (81.1%) at a low flow rate (6 μL min⁻¹).
• ICP-MS sensitivity was significantly enhanced (4.7-6.0 times) compared to a commercial nebulizer, with lower detection limits (0.7-13.3 ng L⁻¹).
• The 3DP-MTHEN offered a substantial cost reduction ($13 vs $1550) and demonstrated excellent performance for ultratrace REE determination in cells.

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional printing is a viable technology for fabricating advanced, integrated sample introduction systems for ICP-MS.
• The developed 3DP system provides a sensitive, efficient, and cost-effective solution for ultratrace elemental analysis in limited-volume samples, particularly cells.
• This approach holds significant potential for advancing cellular elemental analysis and other microscale analytical applications.