January 10, 2017 10 – 12 January 2017 The spICP-MS data analysis workshop took place at RIKILT Wageningen University & Research (Wageningen, The Netherlands), 10-12 January 2017. The workshop was organized by three European projects: NanoFASE, Innanopart, and NanoDefine. The theoretical and lab components of the workshop were designed for PhDs and researchers from academia, industry and measurement institutes experienced or interested in the nano characterization field. Fifty-five participants from 14 European countries linked to more than 10 European and/or national nano- related projects participated (Figure 1). The agenda included presentations and hands-on trainings (computer and laboratory exercises). Figure 1. Fifty-five participants from 14 European countries linked to more than 10 European and/or national nano- related projects participated the spICP-MS workshop organised at RIKILT Wageningen University & Research. On Day 1, Dr. Chady Stephan (PE, Canada) gave the talk entitled “Particles Characterization by Single Particle – ICP-MS” (link). The presentation included topics like: why sp-ICP-MS technique, brief overview of the spICP-MS theory and applications. The brief theoretical summary was followed by presentations by Dr. Geert Cornelis (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) who explained in-depth theoretical background and fundamental aspects of the spICP-MS technique. The theoretical introduction of the spICP-MS technique allowed for an easy transfer to the spICP-MS application fields. Dr. Olga Borovinskaya (TOFwerk) gave very interesting presentation entitled “Multi-element single particle ICP-MS and alternative methods of quantification”, followed by presentation of Dr. Meike van der Zande (RIKILT, Wageningen University & Research) “Hazard identification of nanomaterials: application of spICPMS measurements in biological samples” and Dr. Andreas Gondikas (University of Gothenburg) “Analysis of environmental samples with single particle ICP-MS” who introduced listeners to the applications of spICP-MS technique in toxicology and environmental studies. The long day was closed by a festive dinner in the one of the local restaurants. On Day 2 two approaches for spICP-MS data analysis were introduced and discussed: the Excel-based “Single Particle Calculation Tool” authored by Dr. R. Peters, and NanoCount 3.0 software developed by G. Cornelis. This was followed by computer exercises, where every participant had an opportunity to analyse the data. On the final day, a reduced group (due to laboratory safety limitations) of 15 selected participants benefitted from hands-on training for sample preparation and measurement in the laboratory. During the workshop paritcipants concentrated sample preparation and analysis of TiO2 NPs in sunscreen and chicken meat spiked with AgNPs.
