LC-ICP-MS/MS System

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The subject of this application is the procurement of an LC-ICP-MS/MS system for the analysis of trace elements in human and environmental samples in the ultra-trace range. Access to this technology is not available to the applicants and the instrumentation available does not meet the requirements of state-of-the-art elemental analysis in terms of sensitivity, specificity and throughput. LC-ICP-MS/MS systems are able to detect elements and their species down to the sub-ppt range and analyse them without interference. Thus, they are ideally suited for the execution of the projects listed in the application and are essential for the future viability of the applying research groups with regard to trace element research.The necessity to acquire an LC-ICP-MS/MS system is, among other things, due to the small amounts of analytes that have to be determined in different matrices. One of the research fields described above involves the establishment of microsampling methods for the biomonitoring of toxic metals in blood and urine. Microsampling requires only very small amounts of matrix (< 100 µl) and is therefore ideally used for studies where the collection of large amounts of sample or its storage is a problem, e.g. in developing countries. Consequently, highest demands must be met regarding the sensitivity of the analysis so that trace elements can be detected even at the lowest concentrations. Furthermore, the suitability of microsampling methods for speciation analysis will be evaluated. This requires the coupling of ICP-MS/MS with chromatography.Further projects include multi-element determinations in biosamples from studies with sometimes thousands of test persons. ICP-MS/MS systems are suitable for high throughput analysis because they can measure several elements in one determination and the time required per sample is therefore relatively low. If required, the species of the elements can be determined in selected samples to evaluate the toxicological relevance in detail. Another field of research is the influence of trace elements in certain diseases. As this is partly investigated in cell and mouse models, in which often only micro samples are available, the highest demands on trace element analysis must be met here as well.In summary, by acquiring an LC-ICP-MS/MS system, the working groups involved in the application can work on current projects more effectively and efficiently and react flexibly to new research questions. In addition, they are prepared to meet future requirements for years to come. Furthermore, the joint use of the system opens up new opportunities for collaborations between the working groups. The integration into the core facility of the LMU Klinikum makes trace element analysis accessible to all interested research groups.