- Analytics
Spectrometric techniques
Atomic and molecular
Atomic and molecular spectrometric techniques offer high sensitivity and selectivity for detecting trace elements and compounds, enabling precise quantitative and qualitative analysis of elemental compositions (multi-element analysis) or structural features in complex samples (food, water, biological). They provide advantages such as speed, non-destructive analysis (in UV-Vis), and flexibility for different molecular sizes, making them key tools in food, medical, environmental and research fields.
Atomic and molecular spectrometry
Atomic spectrometry is based on the electronic transitions of atoms or ions. Each chemical element has a unique atomic profile, allowing differentiation and quantification of individual elements. Examples of atomic techniques include absorption (FAAS) or flame atomic emission (FAES), as well as plasma-based techniques such as optical emission (ICP-OES) and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
Molecular spectrometry, on the other hand, includes techniques where the analytical signal arises from the interaction of radiation with whole molecules rather than isolated atoms or ions. It involves electronic transitions within molecular bonds. Examples include ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), infrared (IR, FTIR), fluorescence, and near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry.
Applications
Using these techniques, it is possible to quantify different components in food and/or residues, such as:
- Chemical elements
Quantification of major elements (sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus), trace elements (iron, manganese, zinc) and regulated contaminants (lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic).
- Specific molecules
Analysis of compounds such as hydroxyproline, formaldehyde, sugars and total polyphenols.
- Antioxidants and oxidative processes
Assessment of antioxidant capacity using ORAC or monitoring oxidation with TBARS and methylene blue.
- Molecular stability
Monitoring molecular stability over time through spectral analysis.
- Applications in health and research
Clinical and toxicological studies (lead in blood, metals in animal tissues), pharmacokinetics (drug absorption and concentration).
- Material characterisation
Use of spectra to analyse the properties of different materials.
Advanced applications with chromatography
When coupled with chromatography systems, these technologies enhance sensitivity and specificity in certain analyses:
- Determination of nitrates, nitrites and bromides
Ion chromatography coupled with a UV detector enables highly accurate quantification of these compounds.
- Determination of inorganic arsenic
Use of ion chromatography combined with ICP-MS to measure inorganic arsenic, recently regulated as a food contaminant.
AINIA’s competitive advantages
- Agility in method development for specific requirements.
- Integration into customised analytical plans alongside other physicochemical and microbiological services.
MyLab Platform
Online access to sample traceability, real-time results, benchmarking against legal or customer specifications, and report and historical data download in Excel format.
Go to MyLab
Online requests
Agile and traceable request submission through the MyLab request module.
Automatic alerts
Notifications in case of non-compliance with legal limits or customer requirements.
Express service
Fast-track service with significantly reduced turnaround times.
Reports in English
Available at no additional cost upon request.
Specialised sampling team
Dedicated team for sample collection (surfaces, environments, designated facilities, etc.).
Direct customer support for any technical or administrative queries.
(tel: 963 052 525 · mail: operaciones@ainia.es).
Featured cases
Adaptation of ICP-OES methodology for pharmacokinetic monitoring of drugs used in cancer treatment (oxaliplatin).
Application sectors
Chemicals
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Cosmetics
gels/creams
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Food
Environment
Pharma
Clinical
Toxicology
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Vicente Carbonell
Head of the Chemistry Laboratory
