ICP-MS installed in Spain

The analytical spectrometry research group at the University of Oviedo in Asturias, Spain has implemented the Thermo Scientific XSERIES 2 ICP-MS to perform interference-free sulphur detection in proteins.

Within the analytical spectrometry research group, a small sub-group has been established that focuses on the development of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) based analytical methods for the quantification of biopolymers such as DNA and proteins. One of the principal issues faced by the group is the interference from gas-based polyatomics, such as oxygen, in the determination of sulphur when using a low resolution instrument. To eliminate these problems, the group selected the new ICP-MS with collision/reaction cell technology (CRC), which according to Thermo, has overcome these issues, offering high levels of accuracy, while also optimizing the efficiency of analyses.

The research group has coupled the ICP-MS with a reversed-phase capillary liquid chromatography system to facilitate precise determination of sulphur isotopes in standard proteins.

Dr. Jörg Bettmer of the University of Oviedo’s analytical spectrometry research group comments, “The Thermo Scientific XSERIES 2 ICP-MS was chosen because no other quadrupole-based system matches its capabilities in terms of accuracy, reliability and overall efficiency. The implementation of the instrument has allowed us to achieve reliable, interference-free detection of sulphur isotopes. It has enabled us to determine sulphur-containing standard proteins in an accurate and efficient manner that had not been previously possible.”

For more information about the instrument visit www.thermofisher.com