Single cell ICP-MS (SC-ICP-MS) is a new ICP-MS technique based on single particle (SP)-ICP-MS, which allows for the measurement of the metal content of individual single celled organisms. SC-ICP-MS allows for the quantification of both the amount of metal within the cell and the number of cells containing the metal, permitting for the measurement of intrinsic metal as well as the uptake of ionic and nanoparticulate (NP) contaminants.<br/>Freshwater algae were exposed to gold and silver nanoparticles over a period of four days. The amount of NPs in suspension (exposure) and the amount of metal taken up by the cells (dose) were measured by SC-ICP-MS at various time points throughout the exposure along with the toxicity (biological response). We show that the percentage of the cell population containing metal NPs increases with both time and initial exposure concentration. The uptake of multiple NPs into individual cells was observed for higher concentration exposures along with evidence for intercellular interactions with the NPs.

Single cell ICP-MS: Quantifying exposure and dose of gold and silver nanoparticles to freshwater algae

253rd National Meeting (2017)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.