Direct determination of zinc in plasma by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using palladium/magnesium and EDTA matrix modification with high temperature pyrolysis

Brian J Stevens,Blaine R Roberts,Irene Volitakis,Dominic J Hare,Robert A Cherny

doi:10.1039/c7ja00033b

Abstract

A new graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry method is presented for the analysis of zinc in small volume biological samples.

Highlights

Zinc (Zn) is a required co-factor in the action of over 200 enzymes and its measurement in biological tissues is of great importance in studies of metabolism and disease
Like many employing graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), we do not have access to Zeeman correction or use platform technology, and we were required to develop alternative methods for accurate and precise Zn measurement. In this Technical Note, we report a novel method employing a combination of matrix modi ers (Mg, palladium (Pd) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid [EDTA]) and high temperature to remove ClÀ interference, while simultaneously permitting the direct use of aqueous standards with deuterium correction
The highest pyrolysis temperature described hitherto was 800 C, with ammonium phosphate used as the matrix modi er.[12]

Summary

Introduction

Zinc (Zn) is a required co-factor in the action of over 200 enzymes and its measurement in biological tissues is of great importance in studies of metabolism and disease. It has been recently estimated that as many as 2 billion people worldwide are Zn de cient, causing a variety of clinical symptoms, including restricted growth, immune dysfunction and cognitive impairment.[1] For the elderly, Zn de ciency has major implications on health outcomes relevant to age-related illness.[2,3] Even in high income countries, Zn de ciency is highly prevalent and may signi cantly contribute to high incidence of cancer stemming from its essential role in DNA maintenance and repair.[4] Changes in the Zn status in various neurological diseases have been the focus of considerable attention in recent years.[5]. AThe Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. E-mail: blaine.roberts@ orey.edu.au; Tel: +61 3 9035 6635 bElemental Bio-imaging Facility, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia cCo-operative Research Centre for Mental Health, Australia; Web: http://www.

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Results

Conclusion