Application of Single Particle ICP-MS for the Determination of Inorganic Nanoparticles in Food Additives and Food: A Short Review

Characterisation of titanium dioxide (nano)particles in foodstuffs and E171 additives by single particle inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry using a highly efficient sample introduction system

This study addressed primarily the characterisation and quantification of titanium dioxide (TiO2) (nano)particles (NPs) in a large variety of commercial foodstuffs. The samples were purchased from local markets in Spain before the ban of TiO2 food additive (E171) in the EU. The analyses were carried out by single particle inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry (spICP-MS/MS) in mass shift mode (oxidation of 48Ti to 48Ti16O (m/z = 64)) and using a highly efficient sample introduction system (APEX™ Ω). This novel analytical approach allowed accurate characterisation of a large panel of TiO2 NPs sizes ranging from ∼12 to ∼800 nm without isobaric interferences from 48Ca isotope, which is highly abundant in most of the analysed foodstuffs. TiO2 NPs were extracted from foodstuffs using sodium dodecyl sulphate (0.1%, w/v) and diluted with ultra-pure water to reach ∼ 1000 particles signals per acquisition. All the analysed samples contained TiO2 NPs with concentrations ranging from 1010 to 1014 particles kg-1, but with significant low recoveries compared to the total Ti determination. A selection of samples was also analysed using a similar spICP-MS/MS approach with a conventional sample introduction system. The comparison of results highlighted the improvement of the limit of detection in size (12 nm) by the APEX™ Ω system, providing nanoparticulate fractions ranging from ∼4% (cheddar sauce) up to ∼87% (chewing gum), which is among the highest nanoparticulate fractions reported in literature using a spICP-MS approach. In addition, two commercially available E171 additives were analysed using the previous approaches and other techniques in different European laboratories with the aim of methods inter-comparison. This study provides occurrence data related to TiO2 NPs in common commercial foodstuffs but it also demonstrates the potential of the novel analytical approach based on APEX™-ICP-MS/MS to characterise nano-size TiO2 particles in complex matrices such as foodstuffs.

ICP-MS-Based Characterization and Quantification of Nano- and Microstructures

Since its commercial introduction in the 1980s, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has evolved to become arguably the most versatile and powerful technique for the multi-elemental and multi-isotopic analysis of metals, metalloids, and selected non-metals at ultratrace levels [...].

Impact of nanopollution on plant growth, photosynthesis, toxicity, and metabolism in the agricultural sector: An updated review

Nanotechnology provides distinct benefits to numerous industrial and commercial fields, and has developed into a discipline of intense interest to researchers. Nanoparticles (NPs) have risen to prominence in modern agriculture due to their use in agrochemicals, nanofertilizers, and nanoremediation. However, their potential negative impacts on soil and water ecosystems, as well as plant growth and physiology, have caused concern for researchers and policymakers. Concerns have been expressed regarding the ecological consequences and toxicity effects associated with nanoparticles as a result of their increased production and usage. Moreover, the accumulation of nanoparticles in the environment poses a risk, not only because of the possibility of plant damage but also because nanoparticles may infiltrate the food chain. In this review, we have documented the beneficial and detrimental effects of NPs on seed germination, shoot and root growth, plant biomass, and nutrient assimilation. Nanoparticles exert toxic effects by inducing ROS generation and stimulating cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, thereby leading to cell death in several plant species. We have provided possible mechanisms by which nanoparticles induce toxicity in plants. In addition to the toxic effects of NPs, we highlighted the importance of nanomaterials in the agricultural sector. Thus, understanding the structure, size, and concentration of nanoparticles that will improve plant growth or induce plant cell death is essential. This updated review reveals the multifaceted connection between nanoparticles, soil and water pollution, and plant biology in the context of agriculture.