Services

Utilizing various atomic absorption and emission techniques, we offer great analytical flexibility, allowing us to identify and quantify a wide range ofchemical elements, from major compounds (g/L or g/kg) to trace amounts (µg/L or µg/kg).

For sample analyses targeting one or two analytes in the mg/L range, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) is particularly well-suited. If your sample exhibits even lower concentrations, the objective can be achieved by atomizing the sample not in a flame but in a graphite furnace (GFAAS). If you wish to quantify multiple analytes, their respective atomic emissions can be measured after plasma atomization (ICP).

Examples of analytes:

• highly toxic (Pb, Cd, …)
• trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, …)
• minerals (Na, Ca, Mg, …)

Examples of analyses:

• Determinations by ICP, FAAS, and GFAAS of metals and metalloids in:
  • foodstuffs after mineralization, to verify their specifications
  • soil after fractional extraction to assess bioavailability
  • water (dissolved or total elements) to determine its quality
• Identification of siccative metals in paints
• Analyses of unknown industrial residues
• …

We can assist you in quantifying certain molecules, particularly through their interaction with light (absorption or fluorescence). If the matrix has a complex composition, it may be essential to prepare the sample (extraction, selective precipitation, …) or to use separation techniques such as chromatography (gas or liquid phase).

Highly flexible, chromatographic techniques allow for the separation of different sample constituents before their passage through a detector that responds to them. Our high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment is suitable for liquid and/or soluble samples whose analyte absorbs in the ultraviolet (UV) or visible range. Gas chromatography is particularly suitable for analytes that can be volatilized; it is typically coupled with an FID, TCD, or MS detector.

Other specific analyses are also possible in our laboratories, such as the determination of protein content (Kjeldahl method) or water content (Karl-Fischer method) in foodstuffs.

Examples of analyses:

• Spectroscopic quality control of olive oil (Delta-K)
• Verification of surface water quality by COD determination
• Determination of sweeteners and preservatives in sodas
• Determination of alcohol content in aromatic preparations
• 3D spectrum recording of fluorescent molecules
• Establishment of the formation kinetics of a colored compound
• Purity screening of a formulation by GC-MS
• Determination of terpene profiles in aromatic plants

Having an effective analytical method is of paramount importance to ensure the reliability of results. Within our facilities, we focus on two essential aspects:

• Analytical Method Development – From sample preparation selection to the comparison of various assay techniques, our team engages in a meticulous process aimed at developing the most suitable protocol. This includes optimizing key steps in sample preparation and selecting instrumental parameters.
• Comprehensive Method Validation – This crucial step aims to provide undeniable proof of the accuracy and reproducibility of the developed analytical method within a well-defined concentration range.

Here are two examples of the work that can be carried out by us in this context:

Comparative Study: Various methods for determining salt in food were evaluated to identify the most suitable method. The table below summarizes the repeatability and analytical sensitivities parameters for each technique, which we notably used to select the most appropriate method.

Validation: to verify compliance with heavy metal content in food matrices, method validation was performed by establishing accuracy profiles, an example of which is shown in the following graph. This allowed us to ensure the reliability of the determination and to understand the application limits of our methods.

You can find more details and explanations by consulting one of our comparative studies (by clicking here) or one of our validations (by clicking here).