Sequential analysis of metal speciation in geological samples has been demonstrated using mass spectrometry (MS). Various speciation for metal occurrences, such as water-soluble, exchangeable, oxidable, reducible, and crystalline, have been sequentially extracted from geological samples using a homemade device, followed by online ionized for MS analysis. The metal speciation in geological samples was not only useful for revealing the formation mechanism of geological samples but also beneficial for guiding the separation and exploitation of metals. Compared with the conventional methodology, the present approach takes the advantages of short analysis time (1 h), low sample consumption (1.0 mg), and high recovery (>95%), providing a useful platform for the efficient quantitative speciation analysis of metals in geological samples. This chapter introduces the mechanism and application of the MS approach for the analysis of rare earth minerals, dinosaur fossils, soil, etc.
Part of the book: Heavy Metals
The cell serves as the fundamental building block of life, yet it operates as an extremely sophisticated chemical system. Single-cell analysis holds the potential to provide novel insights into cellular heterogeneity and their corresponding subpopulations at the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a label-free technique that enables the multiplexed analysis of proteins, peptides, lipids, and metabolites in individual cells. By now, the application of electrophoresis in single-cell analysis by MS has become widespread. In this chapter, we will summarize the recent application advancements of electrophoresis in single-cell analysis by MS, with a particular focus on sampling, separation, and ionization. Additionally, we will discuss potential future research directions for utilizing electrophoresis in single-cell analysis by MS.
Part of the book: Electrophoresis - Recent Advances, New Perspectives and Applications