Call: +34 876 553 510
Email: abazo13@gmail.com
Address: c/Pedro Cerbuna 12, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Analítica – Zaragoza (Spain)
ABOUT ME
Antonio Bazo Sánchez obtained his degree in Chemistry at the University of Zaragoza (Spain) in 2020. After obtaining a Master degree in Nanostructured Materials for Nanotechnology Applications from the same university, he is currently a PhD student at the Department of Analytical Chemistry in the “Métodos Rápidos de Análisis con Técnicas Espectroscópicas – MARTE” research group. His research focuses on fundamentals and applications of single-particle/cell ICP-mass spectrometry (SP/SC-ICP-MS). The public defense of his PhD is planned for 2026.
PUBLICATIONS
2024
Bazo, Antonio; Bolea-Fernandez, Eduardo; Rua-Ibarz, Ana; Aramendía, Maite; Resano, Martín
En: Analytica Chimica Acta, vol. 1331, pp. 343305, 2024, ISSN: 0003-2670.
@article{BAZO2024343305,
title = {Intensity- and time-based strategies for micro/nano-sizing via single-particle ICP-mass spectrometry: A comparative assessment using Au and SiO2 as model particles},
author = {Antonio Bazo and Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez and Ana Rua-Ibarz and Maite Aramendía and Martín Resano},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003267024011061},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2024.343305},
issn = {0003-2670},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Analytica Chimica Acta},
volume = {1331},
pages = {343305},
abstract = {Background
Single-particle ICP-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a powerful method for micro/nano-particle (MNP) sizing. Despite the outstanding evolution of the technique in the last decade, most studies still rely on traditional approaches based on (1) the use of integrated intensity as the analytical signal and (2) the calculation of the transport efficiency (TE). However, the increasing availability of MNP standards and advancements in hardware and software have unveiled new venues for MNP sizing, including TE-independent and time-based approaches. This work systematically examines these different methodologies to identify and summarize their strengths and weaknesses, thus helping to determine their preferred application areas.
Results
Different SP-ICP-MS methods for MNP sizing were assessed using AuNPs (20–70 nm) and SiO2MNPs (100–1000 nm). Among TE-dependent approaches, the particle frequency method was characterized by larger uncertainties than the particle size method. The results of the latter were dependent on the appropriate selection of the reference MNP, making the use of multiple reference MNPs recommended. TE-independent methods were based on external (linear and polynomial) calibrations and a relative approach. These methods exhibited the lowest uncertainties of all the strategies evaluated. External calibrations benefited from simpler calculations, but their application could be hindered by a lack of reference MNPs within the desired size range or by the need for interpolations outside the calibration range. Finally, transit time signals are directly proportional to the MNP size rather than its mass. The time-based method demonstrated adequate performance for sizing AuNPs but failed when sizing the largest SiO2MNPs (1000 nm).
Significance and novelty
This work provides further insights into the application of different SP-ICP-MS methodologies for MNP sizing. Both TE-independent approaches and the monitoring of the transit time as the analytical signal are underused strategies; in this context, a Python script was developed for accurate transit time measurement. After 20 years of development, a quantitative comparison of the different methodologies, including the most novel approaches, is deemed necessary for further growth on solid theoretical ground.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background
Single-particle ICP-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a powerful method for micro/nano-particle (MNP) sizing. Despite the outstanding evolution of the technique in the last decade, most studies still rely on traditional approaches based on (1) the use of integrated intensity as the analytical signal and (2) the calculation of the transport efficiency (TE). However, the increasing availability of MNP standards and advancements in hardware and software have unveiled new venues for MNP sizing, including TE-independent and time-based approaches. This work systematically examines these different methodologies to identify and summarize their strengths and weaknesses, thus helping to determine their preferred application areas.
Results
Different SP-ICP-MS methods for MNP sizing were assessed using AuNPs (20–70 nm) and SiO2MNPs (100–1000 nm). Among TE-dependent approaches, the particle frequency method was characterized by larger uncertainties than the particle size method. The results of the latter were dependent on the appropriate selection of the reference MNP, making the use of multiple reference MNPs recommended. TE-independent methods were based on external (linear and polynomial) calibrations and a relative approach. These methods exhibited the lowest uncertainties of all the strategies evaluated. External calibrations benefited from simpler calculations, but their application could be hindered by a lack of reference MNPs within the desired size range or by the need for interpolations outside the calibration range. Finally, transit time signals are directly proportional to the MNP size rather than its mass. The time-based method demonstrated adequate performance for sizing AuNPs but failed when sizing the largest SiO2MNPs (1000 nm).
Significance and novelty
This work provides further insights into the application of different SP-ICP-MS methodologies for MNP sizing. Both TE-independent approaches and the monitoring of the transit time as the analytical signal are underused strategies; in this context, a Python script was developed for accurate transit time measurement. After 20 years of development, a quantitative comparison of the different methodologies, including the most novel approaches, is deemed necessary for further growth on solid theoretical ground.
Single-particle ICP-mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) is a powerful method for micro/nano-particle (MNP) sizing. Despite the outstanding evolution of the technique in the last decade, most studies still rely on traditional approaches based on (1) the use of integrated intensity as the analytical signal and (2) the calculation of the transport efficiency (TE). However, the increasing availability of MNP standards and advancements in hardware and software have unveiled new venues for MNP sizing, including TE-independent and time-based approaches. This work systematically examines these different methodologies to identify and summarize their strengths and weaknesses, thus helping to determine their preferred application areas.
Results
Different SP-ICP-MS methods for MNP sizing were assessed using AuNPs (20–70 nm) and SiO2MNPs (100–1000 nm). Among TE-dependent approaches, the particle frequency method was characterized by larger uncertainties than the particle size method. The results of the latter were dependent on the appropriate selection of the reference MNP, making the use of multiple reference MNPs recommended. TE-independent methods were based on external (linear and polynomial) calibrations and a relative approach. These methods exhibited the lowest uncertainties of all the strategies evaluated. External calibrations benefited from simpler calculations, but their application could be hindered by a lack of reference MNPs within the desired size range or by the need for interpolations outside the calibration range. Finally, transit time signals are directly proportional to the MNP size rather than its mass. The time-based method demonstrated adequate performance for sizing AuNPs but failed when sizing the largest SiO2MNPs (1000 nm).
Significance and novelty
This work provides further insights into the application of different SP-ICP-MS methodologies for MNP sizing. Both TE-independent approaches and the monitoring of the transit time as the analytical signal are underused strategies; in this context, a Python script was developed for accurate transit time measurement. After 20 years of development, a quantitative comparison of the different methodologies, including the most novel approaches, is deemed necessary for further growth on solid theoretical ground.
2023
Bazo, Antonio; Aramendía, Maite; Nakadi, Flávio V.; Resano, Martín
En: Nanomaterials, vol. 13, no. 12, 2023, ISSN: 2079-4991.
@article{nano13121838,
title = {An Approach Based on an Increased Bandpass for Enabling the Use of Internal Standards in Single Particle ICP-MS: Application to AuNPs Characterization},
author = {Antonio Bazo and Maite Aramendía and Flávio V. Nakadi and Martín Resano},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/13/12/1838},
doi = {10.3390/nano13121838},
issn = {2079-4991},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
urldate = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Nanomaterials},
volume = {13},
number = {12},
abstract = {This paper proposes a novel approach to implement an internal standard (IS) correction in single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP ICP-MS), as exemplified for the characterization of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in complex matrices. This approach is based on the use of the mass spectrometer (quadrupole) in bandpass mode, enhancing the sensitivity for the monitoring of AuNPs while also allowing for the detection of PtNPs in the same measurement run, such that they can serve as an internal standard. The performance of the method developed was proved for three different matrices: pure water, a 5 g L−1 NaCl water solution, and another water solution containing 2.5% (m/v) tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)/0.1% Triton X-100. It was observed that matrix-effects impacted both the sensitivity of the NPs and their transport efficiencies. To circumvent this problem, two methods were used to determine the TE: the particle size method for sizing and the dynamic mass flow method for the determination of the particle number concentration (PNC). This fact, together with the use of the IS, enabled us to attain accurate results in all cases, both for sizing and for the PNC determination. Additionally, the use of the bandpass mode provides additional flexibility for this characterization, as it is possible to easily tune the sensitivity achieved for each NP type to ensure that their distributions are sufficiently resolved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper proposes a novel approach to implement an internal standard (IS) correction in single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP ICP-MS), as exemplified for the characterization of Au nanoparticles (NPs) in complex matrices. This approach is based on the use of the mass spectrometer (quadrupole) in bandpass mode, enhancing the sensitivity for the monitoring of AuNPs while also allowing for the detection of PtNPs in the same measurement run, such that they can serve as an internal standard. The performance of the method developed was proved for three different matrices: pure water, a 5 g L−1 NaCl water solution, and another water solution containing 2.5% (m/v) tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH)/0.1% Triton X-100. It was observed that matrix-effects impacted both the sensitivity of the NPs and their transport efficiencies. To circumvent this problem, two methods were used to determine the TE: the particle size method for sizing and the dynamic mass flow method for the determination of the particle number concentration (PNC). This fact, together with the use of the IS, enabled us to attain accurate results in all cases, both for sizing and for the PNC determination. Additionally, the use of the bandpass mode provides additional flexibility for this characterization, as it is possible to easily tune the sensitivity achieved for each NP type to ensure that their distributions are sufficiently resolved.
2022
Aramendía, Maite; García-Mesa, Juan Carlos; Alonso, Elisa Vereda; Garde, Raúl; Bazo, Antonio; Resano, Javier; Resano, Martín
En: Analytica Chimica Acta, vol. 1205, pp. 339738, 2022, ISSN: 0003-2670.
@article{ARAMENDIA2022339738,
title = {A novel approach for adapting the standard addition method to single particle-ICP-MS for the accurate determination of NP size and number concentration in complex matrices},
author = {Maite Aramendía and Juan Carlos García-Mesa and Elisa Vereda Alonso and Raúl Garde and Antonio Bazo and Javier Resano and Martín Resano},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003267022003099},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aca.2022.339738},
issn = {0003-2670},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Analytica Chimica Acta},
volume = {1205},
pages = {339738},
abstract = {This paper presents a novel approach, based on the standard addition method, for overcoming the matrix effects that often hamper the accurate characterization of nanoparticles (NPs) in complex samples via single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS). In this approach, calibration of the particle size is performed by two different methods: (i) by spiking a suspension of NPs standards of known size containing the analyte, or (ii) by spiking the sample with ionic standards; either way, the measured sensitivity is used in combination with the transport efficiency (TE) for sizing the NPs. Moreover, such transport efficiency can be readily obtained from the data obtained via both calibration methods mentioned above, so that the particle number concentration can also be determined. The addition of both ionic and NP standards can be performed on-line, by using a T-piece with two inlet lines of different dimensions. The smaller of the two is used for the standards, thus ensuring a constant and minimal sample dilution. As a result of the spiking of the samples, mixed histograms including the signal of the sample and that of the standards are obtained. However, the use of signal deconvolution approaches permits to extract the information, even in cases of signal populations overlapping. For proofing the concept, characterization of a 50 nm AuNPs suspension prepared in three different media (i.e., deionized water, 5% ethanol, and 2.5% tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide-TMAH) was carried out. Accurate results were obtained in all cases, in spite of the matrix effects detected in some media. Overall, the approach proposed offers flexibility, so it can be adapted to different situations, but it might be specially indicated for samples for which the matrix is not fully known and/or dilution is not possible/recommended.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper presents a novel approach, based on the standard addition method, for overcoming the matrix effects that often hamper the accurate characterization of nanoparticles (NPs) in complex samples via single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS). In this approach, calibration of the particle size is performed by two different methods: (i) by spiking a suspension of NPs standards of known size containing the analyte, or (ii) by spiking the sample with ionic standards; either way, the measured sensitivity is used in combination with the transport efficiency (TE) for sizing the NPs. Moreover, such transport efficiency can be readily obtained from the data obtained via both calibration methods mentioned above, so that the particle number concentration can also be determined. The addition of both ionic and NP standards can be performed on-line, by using a T-piece with two inlet lines of different dimensions. The smaller of the two is used for the standards, thus ensuring a constant and minimal sample dilution. As a result of the spiking of the samples, mixed histograms including the signal of the sample and that of the standards are obtained. However, the use of signal deconvolution approaches permits to extract the information, even in cases of signal populations overlapping. For proofing the concept, characterization of a 50 nm AuNPs suspension prepared in three different media (i.e., deionized water, 5% ethanol, and 2.5% tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide-TMAH) was carried out. Accurate results were obtained in all cases, in spite of the matrix effects detected in some media. Overall, the approach proposed offers flexibility, so it can be adapted to different situations, but it might be specially indicated for samples for which the matrix is not fully known and/or dilution is not possible/recommended.
Bazo, Antonio; Garde, Raúl; Garcia-Ruiz, Esperanza; Aramendía, Maite; Nakadi, Flávio V.; Resano, Martín
En: J. Anal. At. Spectrom., vol. 37, iss. 12, pp. 2517-2528, 2022.
@article{D2JA00245K,
title = {High-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry for the monitoring of Sr isotopes via SrF formation: a case study},
author = {Antonio Bazo and Raúl Garde and Esperanza Garcia-Ruiz and Maite Aramendía and Flávio V. Nakadi and Martín Resano},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D2JA00245K},
doi = {10.1039/D2JA00245K},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-01-01},
journal = {J. Anal. At. Spectrom.},
volume = {37},
issue = {12},
pages = {2517-2528},
publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry},
abstract = {High-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR CS GFMAS) can provide isotopic information under certain conditions, thus broadening its field of application. However, to date, only elements with two major stable isotopes have been monitored via this technique. In this work, the possibilities of HR CS GFMAS to determine isotope ratios of elements with more than two stable isotopes are evaluated for the first time. For this purpose, Sr was chosen as the analyte and SrF as the target species, so four different signals corresponding to four stable Sr isotopes (88Sr, 87Sr, 86Sr and 84Sr) should be distinguished. Nevertheless, due to the number of strontium isotopes, the shape of the peaks, and the resolution that the instrument exhibits in the spectral window, isotopic signals overlap, thus leading to potentially biased results. To circumvent this issue, a deconvolution protocol, consisting of measuring and correcting for the contribution of each isotope on the signals of the rest, was developed. These contributions were calculated as the signal ratio between the absorbance of the monoisotopic profile at the wavelengths where the maxima of other isotopes are expected and at its own maximum. Therefore, the interference can be simply subtracted from the net signal registered for the interfered isotope. The performance of this method was demonstrated for both naturally abundant and isotope-enriched Sr standards, paving the way for future applications in this field. Analysis of a real sample (tap water) spiked with a 84Sr solution is also demonstrated.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
High-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR CS GFMAS) can provide isotopic information under certain conditions, thus broadening its field of application. However, to date, only elements with two major stable isotopes have been monitored via this technique. In this work, the possibilities of HR CS GFMAS to determine isotope ratios of elements with more than two stable isotopes are evaluated for the first time. For this purpose, Sr was chosen as the analyte and SrF as the target species, so four different signals corresponding to four stable Sr isotopes (88Sr, 87Sr, 86Sr and 84Sr) should be distinguished. Nevertheless, due to the number of strontium isotopes, the shape of the peaks, and the resolution that the instrument exhibits in the spectral window, isotopic signals overlap, thus leading to potentially biased results. To circumvent this issue, a deconvolution protocol, consisting of measuring and correcting for the contribution of each isotope on the signals of the rest, was developed. These contributions were calculated as the signal ratio between the absorbance of the monoisotopic profile at the wavelengths where the maxima of other isotopes are expected and at its own maximum. Therefore, the interference can be simply subtracted from the net signal registered for the interfered isotope. The performance of this method was demonstrated for both naturally abundant and isotope-enriched Sr standards, paving the way for future applications in this field. Analysis of a real sample (tap water) spiked with a 84Sr solution is also demonstrated.
Resano, M.; Aramendía, M.; García-Ruiz, E.; Bazo, A.; Bolea-Fernandez, E.; Vanhaecke, F.
Living in a transient world: ICP-MS reinvented via time-resolved analysis for monitoring single events Journal Article
En: Chem. Sci., vol. 13, iss. 16, pp. 4436-4473, 2022.
@article{D1SC05452J,
title = {Living in a transient world: ICP-MS reinvented via time-resolved analysis for monitoring single events},
author = {M. Resano and M. Aramendía and E. García-Ruiz and A. Bazo and E. Bolea-Fernandez and F. Vanhaecke},
url = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1039/D1SC05452J},
doi = {10.1039/D1SC05452J},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
urldate = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Chem. Sci.},
volume = {13},
issue = {16},
pages = {4436-4473},
publisher = {The Royal Society of Chemistry},
abstract = {After 40 years of development, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) can hardly be considered as a novel technique anymore. ICP-MS has become the reference when it comes to multi-element bulk analysis at (ultra)trace levels, as well as to isotope ratio determination for metal(loid)s. However, over the last decade, this technique has managed to uncover an entirely new application field, providing information in a variety of contexts related to the individual analysis of single entities (e.g., nanoparticles, cells, or micro/nanoplastics), thus addressing new societal challenges. And this profound expansion of its application range becomes even more remarkable when considering that it has been made possible in an a priori simple way: by providing faster data acquisition and developing the corresponding theoretical substrate to relate the time-resolved signals thus obtained with the elemental composition of the target entities. This review presents the underlying concepts behind single event-ICP-MS, which are needed to fully understand its potential, highlighting key areas of application (e.g., single particle-ICP-MS or single cell-ICP-MS) as well as of future development (e.g., micro/nanoplastics).},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
After 40 years of development, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) can hardly be considered as a novel technique anymore. ICP-MS has become the reference when it comes to multi-element bulk analysis at (ultra)trace levels, as well as to isotope ratio determination for metal(loid)s. However, over the last decade, this technique has managed to uncover an entirely new application field, providing information in a variety of contexts related to the individual analysis of single entities (e.g., nanoparticles, cells, or micro/nanoplastics), thus addressing new societal challenges. And this profound expansion of its application range becomes even more remarkable when considering that it has been made possible in an a priori simple way: by providing faster data acquisition and developing the corresponding theoretical substrate to relate the time-resolved signals thus obtained with the elemental composition of the target entities. This review presents the underlying concepts behind single event-ICP-MS, which are needed to fully understand its potential, highlighting key areas of application (e.g., single particle-ICP-MS or single cell-ICP-MS) as well as of future development (e.g., micro/nanoplastics).