Quantitative Oberflächenanalyse binärer Metallsysteme durch Ionen-Streuungs-Spektrometrie und Sekundärionen-Massenspektrometrie

For standard samples of some binary metal systems (Ag-Cu, Cu-Al, Cr-Ag) surface analyses are performed, by Ion-Scattering-Spectrometry (ISS) as well as by Secondary-Ion-Mass-Spectrometry (SIMS). The calibration curves are found to be bent. Linearization is achieved for ISS in a log-log plot by a special yet simple calibration method: the ‘method of binary ratios’ which renders possible a determination of concentrations c between 0,1 and 0,9 with a standard deviation of merely 0,05·(1?c). For SIMS linearization of the calibration curves could not be achieved. Instead a calibration function with only three parameters was deduced. It validity could be confirmed. The determination of concentrations by making use of this function yields a relative standard deviation of approximately 0,15 · (1?c). Both methods of surface analysis—ISS and SIMS—are therefore suitable to give results with high precision and accuracy-at least for binary metal systems.     

Generalized Calibration Strategy in Analytical Chemistry

A novel calibration methodology named ‘the generalized calibration strategy’ (GCS) is presented that is aimed at verifying and improving the accuracy of analytical determinations. It is based on integration of calibration methods together with such operations as standard addition and sample dilution. At each stage of the sample dilution, the analytical result is estimated on the basis of six values, which are differently resistant to errors caused by interference and non-linearity effects. The process of stepwise elimination of both effects is controlled by comparison of these values. A dedicated flow system is presented. The GCS can be adapted to calibration by all well-known methods: conventional, internal standard, and indirect. This novel calibration strategy has been tested on indirect determination of chlorites in water samples by UV/Vis spectrophotometry.     

Comparison of quantification strategies for one-point standard addition calibration: The homoscedastic case

Two quantification strategies for one-point standard addition calibration have been compared mathematically. One strategy involved the extrapolation of measurement points to their intercept with the x-axis to determine the analyte content in the unknown sample, and the other strategy is based upon direct calculation of the analyte content in the unknown sample using the instrumental responses obtained during measurement. The cases of both conventional standard addition calibration (C-SAC) and sequential standard addition calibration (S-SAC) have been considered. The homoscedastic situation has been considered, where the absolute precision of the instrumental response is constant. It has been determined that the precision ratio of the two strategies is dependent on surprisingly simple parameters: such as the sample to standard mass ratio (for C-SAC) and the analyte content ratio (for S-SAC).     

Experimental and statistical validation of HPLC analysis of hydroquinone and its 4-methoxyphenol, 4-ethoxyphenol and 4-benzyloxyphenol ethers in cosmetic products

Summary The isocratic HPLC analysis of hydroquinone and its derived ethers in cosmetic preparations, as described in the sixth Directive 95/32/EC of the European Commission, was investigated with a view to determining the fundamental validation parameters of the technique. The calibration lines are highly linear with coefficients of determination >0.9996; the slopes of the calibration equations as well as the slopes normalised to the standard deviations indicate increased sensitivities for all compounds. The method is very reproducible; both the repeatability and the intermediate precision confirm a system performance of <2% variation; the limits of repeatability and intermediate precision are consistently <6% for every compound studied. The detection limits correspond to concentrations of 0.03 and 0.02% (m:m) for hydroquinone and the derived ethers, respectively. Application of the response factor calculation gives reliable results and signifies a practical and economic advantage when compared to laborious calibration with several replicate standard injections. Comparison of the response factor and calibration techniques did not reveal significant differences. The obviously insufficiently efficient extraction preceding chromatographic analysis might constitute the only drawback of the method, especially when the concentrations applied border the allowable.     

HovaCAL®—a generator for multi-component humid calibration gases

Process control, breath analysis for medical purpose or the investigation of biological samples are new applications of ion mobility spectrometry or differential mobility spectrometry coupled with rapid gas-chromatographic pre-separation. Especially if pre-concentration steps should be avoided, they require a realistic and flexible multi-compound calibration down to the ppt_V range including relative humidity values up to 100% for identification of analytes using mobility and retention time as well as for their quantification using the signal intensity as a measure. With HovaCAL® 3834SP-VOC, a novel calibration gas generator is presented that fulfils those requirements. The performance of HovaCAL® was validated for various compounds and mixtures with varying humidity comparing 3 particular equipments. Excellent results have been obtained with standard deviations of the provided concentrations of <8% and of <0.7% for the relative humidity range of 0–100%. Furthermore, standard deviation of the provided concentrations was <3% for varying experimental conditions. The long term stability of the provided concentrations for different instrumental parameters was proofed, standard deviations of <3% have been obtained. HovaCAL® enables for the first time a reliable calibration with complex humid mixtures down to the ppt_V range and—compared to permeation sources—a flexible and rapid change of compounds.     

A Calibration Strategy for Stripping Voltammetry of Lead on Silver Electrodes

This work presents a calibration strategy for stripping voltammetry which enables improving and testing accuracy, using as an example quantitative determination of lead ions on a silver electrode. The proposed procedure integrates the interpolative and extrapolative conventional calibration methods. In the proposed approach the accuracy of determination is verified by the evaluation of the statistical agreement of the results obtained in standard addition and a series of standard methodologies. In the experiments only the standard solutions used to perform quantification are required. The application of procedures of baseline subtraction may decrease the value of systematic error, therefore such an algorithm constitutes an essential part of the described methodology and has been given in detail. The proposed calibration strategy has been tested for the determination of Pb(II) ions in certified reference material (CRM) water samples.     

Comparison of linear and non-linear equations for univariate calibration

Univariate data accumulated for the purpose of calibration of chromatographic and spectroscopic methods often exhibit slight but definite curvature. In this paper the performance of a non-linear calibration equation with the capacity to account empirically for the curvature, y = a + bx(m), (m not equal to 1) is compared with the commonly used linear equation, y = a + bx, as well as the quadratic equation, y = a + bx + cx2. All equations were applied to high quality HPLC calibration data using unweighted least squares. Parameter estimates and their standard errors were calculated for each equation. Standard errors and 95% prediction intervals in analyte concentrations were estimated with the aid of the fitted equations and their respective covariance matrices. Results indicate that the non-linear and quadratic equations each provide a better fit than the linear equation to the data considered here, as judged by the Akaikes information criterion (AIC), the adjusted coefficient of multiple determination, the magnitude and scatter of residuals, standard errors in estimated analyte concentrations and lack of fit analysis of variance (ANOVA). While the difference between the equations y = a + bx + cx2 and y = a + bx(m) as judged by the same criteria is more marginal, this work suggests that the non-linear calibration equation should be considered when a curve is required to be fitted to low noise calibration data which exhibit slight curvature.     

玻璃标样结合硫内标归一定量技术在激光剥蚀-等离子体质谱分析硫化物矿物中的应用

以硬石膏矿物标样中Ca相对于S的灵敏度因子为基准,将玻璃标样中主量和痕量元素相对于Ca的灵敏度因子转换成元素相对于S的灵敏度因子,建立了多玻璃标样结合硫内标归一定量技术分析硫化物单矿物多元素的新方法。利用本方法分析了美国合成多金属硫化物矿物标样MASS-1中20种元素,主量元素分析结果的相对误差小于10%,痕量元素分析结果几乎都落在给定值±不确定度范围内。利用本方法对12个硫化物单矿物分析结果表明,绝大多数主量元素含量测定值的相对误差小于10%,且多数主量元素甚至优于以MASS-1为外标、内标归一定量法及内标校准法分析结果,而痕量元素与MASS-1校准结果较为一致。本方法克服了基体不匹配的问题,能比较准确地定量分析硫化物矿物中的主成分S,可用于定量校准硫化物矿物。     

Internal standard signal suppression by co-eluting analyte in isotope dilution LC-ESI-MS

The suppression of the internal standard by increasing concentrations of the co-eluting analyte in calibration series and plasma samples analysed by LC-ESI-MS was studied using the isotope dilution technique. A series of three analyte/deuterated analyte pairs including fexofenadine/d6-fexofenadine, dapsone/d4-dapsone and peudoephedrine/d3-ephedrine were investigated. Suppression of the internal standard signal was noticed in extracted plasma samples containing fexofenadine and d6-fexofenadine as internal standard, as well as in solvent based calibration solutions of the three pair of compounds noted above during LC-ESI-MS analysis at flow rates greater than 100 microL min(-1). This signal suppression effect was described by invoking Enke's model of electrospray ion generation. This model suggests that signal suppression can be ascribed to the competition between ionic species for charged surface sites present on the generated droplets during the electrospray process. The slopes of the calibration curves of the three analytes were close to unity (fexofenadien/d6-fexofenadine 0.964 +/- 0.008, pseudoephedrine/d3-ephedrine 1.02 +/- 0.080 and dapsone/d4-dapsone 0.905 +/- 0.048) as predicted by the model, indicating that quantitation should not be affected by the variation in the peak area of the internal standard.     

An expression of uncertainty in calibration using stepwise or separate dilution of a stock solution.

The traditional method for linear calibration can estimate the confidence intervals of calibration lines from a set of experimental data for a single calibration line. However, the following situations, often encountered in laboratories, are out of reach of the method, since the concentrations of the standard solutions are not independent of each other: (A) a standard solution is diluted from a more concentrated one in a stepwise way (stepwise dilution); (B) every standard solution for a calibration experiment is prepared from a stock solution, but the stock solution is newly prepared for each calibration (separate dilution with the variable concentration of the stock solution). This paper puts forward a theory to calculate the confidence intervals of calibration lines in the above situations. Analyses made up of sample weighing, dilution, HPLC measurement and calibration with the linear least-squares fitting are taken as examples. The proposed theory is numerically compared to the traditional method.     

A new strategy of solution calibration in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for multielement trace analysis of geological samples

Because multielement trace analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is often limited by the lack of suitable reference materials with a similar matrix composition, a novel quantification strategy using solution calibration was developed. For mass spectrometric multielement determination in geological samples a quadrupole-based LA-ICP-MS is coupled with an ultrasonic nebulizer (USN). In order to arrange matrix matching the standard solutions are nebulized with a USN during solution calibration and simultaneously a blank target (e.g. lithium borate) is ablated with a focused laser beam. The homogeneous geological samples were measured using the same experimental arrangement where a 2% nitric acid is simultaneously nebulized with the USN. Homogeneous targets were prepared from inhomogeneous geological samples by powdering, homogenizing and fusing with a lithium borate mixture in a muffle furnace at 1050?°C. Furthermore, a homogeneous geological glass was also investigated. The quantification of analytical results was performed by external calibration using calibration curves measured on standard solutions. In order to compare two different approaches for the quantification of analytical results in LA-ICP-MS, measured concentrations in homogeneous geological targets were also corrected with relative sensitivity coefficients (RSCs) determined using one standard solution only. The analytical results of LA-ICP-MS on various geological samples are in good agreement with the reference values and the results of other trace analytical methods. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for trace element determination (N = 6) is between 2 and 10%.     

A new strategy of solution calibration in laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for multielement trace analysis of geological samples

Because multielement trace analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is often limited by the lack of suitable reference materials with a similar matrix composition, a novel quantification strategy using solution calibration was developed. For mass spectrometric multielement determination in geological samples a quadrupole-based LA-ICP-MS is coupled with an ultrasonic nebulizer (USN). In order to arrange matrix matching the standard solutions are nebulized with a USN during solution calibration and simultaneously a blank target (e.g. lithium borate) is ablated with a focused laser beam. The homogeneous geological samples were measured using the same experimental arrangement where a 2% nitric acid is simultaneously nebulized with the USN. Homogeneous targets were prepared from inhomogeneous geological samples by powdering, homogenizing and fusing with a lithium borate mixture in a muffle furnace at 1050 degrees C. Furthermore, a homogeneous geological glass was also investigated. The quantification of analytical results was performed by external calibration using calibration curves measured on standard solutions. In order to compare two different approaches for the quantification of analytical results in LA-ICP-MS, measured concentrations in homogeneous geological targets were also corrected with relative sensitivity coefficients (RSCs) determined using one standard solution only. The analytical results of LA-ICP-MS on various geological samples are in good agreement with the reference values and the results of other trace analytical methods. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for trace element determination (N = 6) is between 2 and 10%.     

Multiclass and multiresidue screening of veterinary drugs and pesticides in infant formula using Quadrupole‐Orbitrap MS with PRM scan mode

A multiclass and multiresidue method for screening veterinary drugs and pesticides in infant formula was developed and validated using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to Quadrupole‐Orbitrap high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HRMS). A total of 49 veterinary drugs and pesticides investigated belong to 11 classes including antivirals, anticoccidials, macrolides, pyrethroids, insecticides, sulfonamides, beta‐agonists, sedatives, thyreostats, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, and other pharmacologically active substances. A generic sample preparation and highly selective acquisition mode of parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) were deliberately incorporated to perform efficient screening analysis. As a result, the screening target concentrations of the analytes varied from 1 to 500 μg/kg with ≤5% of false compliant rate as specified in Decision 2002/657/EC for screening analysis. The average recoveries ranged from 40.7 to 124.9% as well as the relative standard deviations from 4.2 to 26.6%, respectively. The matrix effects and interferences were effectively controlled by integrated application of dispersive solid phase extraction, PRM scan mode, and matrix‐matched standard calibration. The proposed method will be helpful to provide applicable strategy for screening residues in infant formula with surveillance purpose.     

External calibration strategy for trace element quantification in botanical samples by LA-ICP-MS using filter paper

The use of reference solutions dispersed on filter paper discs is proposed for the first time as an external calibration strategy for matrix matching and determination of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V and Zn in plants by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). The procedure is based on the use of filter paper discs as support for aqueous reference solutions, which are further evaporated, resulting in solid standards with concentrations up to 250 μg g⁻¹ of each element. The use of filter paper for calibration is proposed as matrix matched standards due to the similarities of this material with botanical samples, regarding to carbon concentration and its distribution through both matrices. These characteristics allowed the use of ¹³C as internal standard (IS) during the analysis by LA-ICP-MS. In this way, parameters as analyte signal normalization with ¹³C, carrier gas flow rate, laser energy, spot size, and calibration range were monitored. The calibration procedure using solution deposition on filter paper discs resulted in precision improvement when ¹³C was used as IS. The method precision was calculated by the analysis of a certified reference material (CRM) of botanical matrix, considering the RSD obtained for 5 line scans and was lower than 20%. Accuracy of LA-ICP-MS determinations were evaluated by analysis of four CRM pellets of botanical composition, as well as by comparison with results obtained by ICP-MS using solution nebulization after microwave assisted digestion. Plant samples of unknown elemental composition were analyzed by the proposed LA method and good agreement were obtained with results of solution analysis. Limits of detection (LOD) established for LA-ICP-MS were obtained by the ablation of 10 lines on the filter paper disc containing 40 μL of 5% HNO₃ (v v⁻¹) as calibration blank. Values ranged from 0.05 to 0.81  μg g⁻¹. Overall, the use of filter paper as support for dried aqueous standards showed to be a useful strategy for calibration and plant analysis by LA-ICP-MS.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic determination of cefonicid in human plasma and urine

A high-performance liquid chromatographic assay for determination of cefonicid concentrations in human plasma and urine samples has been developed using cefazolin as an internal standard. For the analysis of plasma samples two calibration curves were utilized covering the cefonicid concentration ranges of 0.05-1.0 microgram/ml and 1.0-50.0 micrograms/ml, respectively. Coefficients of variation of 7.4% or less were obtained for cefonicid concentrations of 0.05-50.0 micrograms/ml. Mean bias was +6.0% at 0.05 micrograms/ml cefonicid and between -2.1% and +1.6% for 1.0-50.0 micrograms/ml cefonicid. Plasma samples containing 30 ng/ml cefonicid could be well distinguished from blank plasma samples. Urine samples were analysed by using a calibration curve for cefonicid concentrations between 1.0 and 50.0 micrograms/ml. ranged from 8.6% at a cefonicid concentration of 1.0 microgram/ml to 0.5% at 50.0 micrograms/ml with a mean bias between -3.0% and +0.3%.     

Accurate quantification of endogenous androgenic steroids in cattle's meat by gas chromatography mass spectrometry using a surrogate analyte approach

Determination of endogenous steroids in complex matrices such as cattle's meat is a challenging task. Since endogenous steroids always exist in animal tissues, no analyte-free matrices for constructing the standard calibration line will be available, which is crucial for accurate quantification specially at trace level. Although some methods have been proposed to solve the problem, none has offered a complete solution. To this aim, a new quantification strategy was developed in this study, which is named “surrogate analyte approach” and is based on using isotope-labeled standards instead of natural form of endogenous steroids for preparing the calibration line. In comparison with the other methods, which are currently in use for the quantitation of endogenous steroids, this approach provides improved simplicity and speed for analysis on a routine basis. The accuracy of this method is better than other methods at low concentration and comparable to the standard addition at medium and high concentrations. The method was also found to be valid according to the ICH criteria for bioanalytical methods. The developed method could be a promising approach in the field of compounds residue analysis.     

Bayesian Methods for Ion Selective Electrodes

With the increasing use of ion‐selective electrodes in environmental and health applications, it is important to know the precision of estimated concentrations. A Bayesian model for non‐linear calibration is introduced which provides estimates of measurement precision by incorporating uncertainty in calibration parameters and inherent random noise in emf response. The analysis of lead in 17 soil samples demonstrates that large gains in precision are possible when calibrations are extended to include multiple electrodes and standard addition data. The results highlight the need for improved calibration and routine use of standard addition as ion selective electrodes become increasingly popular for demanding, real world applications.     

Rapid determination of rat plasma uridine levels by HPLC-ESI-MS utilizing the Captiva plates for sample preparation

A rapid, accurate and precise HPLC-ESI-MS method for the determination of rat plasma uridine concentrations was developed and is described here. Sample preparation involves methanol precipitation of plasma proteins in a 96-well Captiva protein precipitation filter plate. A clear extract is drawn through the filter plate with vacuum, followed by evaporation of the extract and subsequent reconstitution prior to chromatography on a reversed-phase column with an aqueous mobile phase [0.1% (v/v) glacial acetic acid]. Detection was accomplished by positive-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. A calibration curve ranging in concentration from 0.78 to 25 microM was constructed by best-fit, 1/x weighting linear regression analysis of the calibration standard concentrations vs peak height ratios of analyte with internal standard. The correlation coefficient was >0.995. The overall assay accuracy as shown by the back-calculated concentrations of the calibration curve ranged from 96.6 to 103% with RSD ranging from 4.5 to 20%. While this assay method was developed for the determination of uridine in rat plasma, it could be readily adapted for determination of uridine in plasma from other species, such as human.     

Novel Approach to Two-Component Analysis Based on the Generalized Calibration Strategy

The generalized calibration strategy (GCS), developed and previously applied to chemical analysis, has been adapted to two-component (2C) analysis. According to the 2C-GCS procedure, a set of 10 calibration solutions containing a sample and standards of two analytes in well-defined composition was diluted. The measurements performed at a given dilution stage allow the concentration of both analytes in a sample to be evaluated with six apparent concentrations calculated with various mathematical approaches. As a result, the method allows the detection, examination, and elimination of nonlinear and interference effects with multiplicative and additive characteristics. To perform 2C-GCS automatically and effectively, a dedicated flow sequential injection system was designed to be fully controlled by a computer. Caffeine and paracetamol were determined in synthetic and pharmaceutical samples using this calibration approach. The analytes were determined with good precision and accuracy with low consumption of sample and standard solutions. On the basis of this experimental model, the influence of effects and tendencies in the examined analytical system was detected and evaluated.     

Validation of methane measurement using headspace‐GC–MS and quantification by a stable isotope‐labeled internal standard generated in situ

A previous study has shown the possibility to identify methane (CH₄) using headspace‐GC–MS and quantify it with a stable isotope as internal standard. The main drawback of the GC–MS methods discussed in literature for CH₄ measurement is the absence of a specific internal standard necessary to perform quantification. However, it becomes essential to develop a safer method to limit the manipulation of gaseous CH₄ and to precisely control the injected amount of gas for spiking and calibration by comparison with external calibration. To avoid the manipulation of a stable isotope‐labeled gas, we have chosen to generate a labeled gas as an internal standard in a vial on the basis of the formation of CH₄ by the reaction of Grignard reagent methylmagnesium chloride with deuterated water. This method allows precise measurement of CH₄ concentrations in gaseous sample as well as in a solid or a liquid sample after a thermodesorption step in a headspace vial. A full accuracy profile validation of this method is then presented.