Best of the Week: Hyperspectral Imaging, ICP-MS Analysis of Geological Samples, Product Roundup

This week, Spectroscopy published various articles that covered many topics in analytical spectroscopy. This week’s articles touch upon several important application areas such as clinical and environmental analysis, and several key techniques are highlighted, including inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most popular articles, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

New Hyperspectral Imaging Database Enhances Human Skin Research

Researchers at the University of Minho, Portugal, have developed a hyperspectral imaging database to capture the spectral properties of human facial skin. Led by Andreia E. Gomes, Sérgio M. C. Nascimento, and João M. M. Linhares, the project aimed to enhance applications such as medical diagnostics and digital rendering. Their study, published in Applied Spectroscopy, measured skin reflectance from 29 participants across different tones using controlled lighting conditions (1). The database addressed gaps in previous studies, which often focused on limited skin tones or lacked spatial detail (1). The findings reveal significant spectral variations across different facial regions, with potential uses in dermatology, digital media, and psychophysics (1). The data set provides a more accurate method for analyzing skin color than traditional point-contact spectrometers.

Unlocking the Power of Hyperspectral Imaging: A Game-Changer for Agriculture, Medicine, and More

A recent review in Heliyon highlighted the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI), a technology that merges spectroscopy and imaging to provide detailed spectral data for each pixel in an image (2). The review, authored by researchers from various international institutions, explores HSI's applications in agriculture, medicine, food safety, and environmental monitoring. HSI offers precise material analysis by capturing light across visible and infrared wavelengths, enabling early detection of plant stress, disease diagnosis, and water quality monitoring (2). Despite challenges like high costs and data processing complexities, HSI’s non-invasive nature makes it a valuable tool across industries.

The Importance of Routine Maintenance in ICP-MS

In this article, author Rob Thomas offers readers an excerpt of his latest book, Practical Guide to ICP-MS and Other AS Techniques: A Tutorial for Beginners. This excerpt talks about the importance of routine maintenance of inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments. This excerpt also goes over ICP-MS instrument components (3).

Equipment Roundup: Refeyn Ltd.’s MassFluidix HC Upgrade Enhances High-Concentration Analysis

In this Equipment Roundup, the editors of Spectroscopy feature Refeyn Ltd.’s upgraded MassFluidix HC system, optimizing efficiency and quality of mass photometry experiments (4).

Simultaneous Determination of 50 Elements in Geological Samples by ICP-MS Combined with ICP-OES

A combined method using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was developed to analyze 50 elements in geological samples, including stream sediment, soil, and rock (5). Samples were dissolved in HCl-HNO3-HF-HClO4, and optimal parameters for analysis were determined (5). Interference effects from both techniques were evaluated, and the isotopes 185Re and 103Rh were used as internal standards to compensate for signal drift (5). The method demonstrated good correlation between ICP-MS and ICP-OES results and was successfully applied to certified reference materials, providing accurate multielement determinations in geological samples.

References

1. Workman, Jr., J. New Hyperspectral Imaging Database Enhances Human Skin Research. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-hyperspectral-imaging-database-enhances-human-skin-research (accessed 2024-10-17).
2. Workman, Jr., J. Unlocking the Power of Hyperspectral Imaging: A Game-Changer for Agriculture, Medicine, and More. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/unlocking-the-power-of-hyperspectral-imaging-a-game-changer-for-agriculture-medicine-and-more (accessed 2024-10-17).
3. Thomas, R. The Importance of Routine Maintenance in ICP-MS. Spectroscopy 2024, 39 (s9), 24–31. DOI: 10.56530/spectroscopy.pk7184n1
4. Chasse, J. Equipment Roundup: Refeyn Ltd.’s MassFluidix HC Upgrade Enhances High-Concentration Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/equipment-roundup-refeyn-ltd-s-massfluidix-hc-upgrade-enhances-high-concentration-analysis (accessed 2024-10-17).
5. Gong, C.; Lu, H.; Zhang, K.; Ding, Y.; Wang, L. Simultaneous Determination of 50 Elements in Geological Samples by ICP-MS Combined with ICP-OES. Spectroscopy 2024, 39 (s9), 6–17. DOI: 10.56530/spectroscopy.xu1284x3