ICP-OES: An Advance Tool in Biological Research

Spectroscopic analysis has been considered as a promising tool for the quantitative detection of elements in a biological sample. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) is an advanced trace element analysis technique that uses the emission spectrum of an excited atom to detect and quantify the element present in the sample. The samples are introduced in the instrument in a fine liquid form and the conversion and extraction of pure inorganic components of a solid sample is known as sample preparation. The method of sample preparation is determined on the basis of chemical and structural differences between non-biotic and biotic samples. The environmental safety, bio-remediation, food quality check, diagnostic and biological research laboratories have been frequently using ICP-OES techniques because comparatively high throughput, simultaneous multi-element analysis, high precision, massive dynamic linear range, high throughput and low cost are major advantages of the technique. Many reports are available considering the use of ICP-OES in the field of environmental, petrochemical, metallurgical, geological and nano-technological studies but a collective review report is unavailable on the applications of ICP-OES specifically in biological samples. Present review is a collection of reports available on types of biological samples, variation in sample preparation and advantages of ICP-OES over other methods. The report will develop a detailed understanding of the applications of ICP-OES in element analysis of biological samples.