ICP Mass Spectrometry Correction Using Direct Internal Standard Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ICP mass spectrometry devices face measurement errors due to variations in ionization efficiency and behavior in the plasma or mass spectrometer, which affect the analysis of chemical forms of elements in liquid samples.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that incorporates an internal standard element introduction step, followed by chromatogram acquisition and correction steps to correct measurement errors by mixing an internal standard element with the liquid sample and using its chromatogram to adjust the first chromatogram acquired from the sample.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If mass spectrometry is performed on ionized elements in liquid sample using ICP mass spectrometry device, then qualitative and quantitative determination of elements can be performed with high sensitivity, but chemical form of each component cannot be separated and analyzed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoidchemical form analysis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The analysis process is segmented into two distinct pathways: one for separation (liquid chromatograph) and one for detection (ICP mass spectrometry). The liquid chromatograph separates components by chemical form while the ICP mass spectrometry device detects elements with high sensitivity, and the results are integrated to achieve both chemical form analysis and sensitive detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If liquid sample is introduced into ICP mass spectrometry device via liquid chromatograph to separate chemical forms, then chemical form analysis becomes possible, but measurement errors occur due to variation in ionization efficiency and behavior in plasma or mass spectrometer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical form separation capabilityVSAvoidquantitative accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid chromatograph acts as an intermediary that separates components before they enter the ICP mass spectrometry device. By separating chemical forms in advance, the subsequent measurement in the ICP mass spectrometry device is performed on already-separated components, allowing for more accurate quantitative analysis while maintaining chemical form differentiation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If internal standard element is mixed with liquid sample without interposing liquid chromatograph, then internal standard element can be introduced directly for error correction, but separation of internal standard element from sample components cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal standard introduction simplicityVSAvoidseparation capability for internal standard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The internal standard element introduction is extracted from the liquid chromatograph pathway and performed separately by direct mixing. This allows the internal standard to be introduced without undergoing chromatographic separation, simplifying the operation while the subsequent mass spectrometry detection can still distinguish the internal standard from sample components based on their different mass-to-charge ratios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for accurate correction of measurement errors, ensuring precise analysis of chemical forms of elements in liquid samples by compensating for variations in ionization efficiency and mass spectrometer behavior.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid sample is introduced into the ICP mass spectrometry device via the liquid chromatograph

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChromatography: Chromatography

Implementation Method 2

elements in a liquid sample are ionized using plasma generated by inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

elements in a liquid sample are ionized using plasma generated by inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 4

elements in a liquid sample are ionized using plasma generated by inductive coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 5

mass spectrometry is performed on the ionized elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMass spectrometry:

Data Source

PatentUS20250290903A1Mass spectrometry method, and ICP mass spectrometry device

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

In a sample introduction step, a liquid sample is introduced into an ICP mass spectrometry device via a liquid chromatograph. In an internal standard element introduction step, a solution of an internal standard element is mixed with the liquid sample introduced in the sample introduction step without interposing the liquid chromatograph to introduce the internal standard element. In a first chromatogram acquisition step, a first chromatogram 81 is acquired by mass spectrometry for each component in the liquid sample introduced in the sample introduction step. In a second chromatogram acquisition step, a second chromatogram 82 is acquired by mass spectrometry for the internal standard element introduced in the internal standard element introduction step. In a first correction step, the first chromatogram 81 is corrected using the second chromatogram 82.