Zinc is a versatile element in drug chemistry, prized for its catalytic, stabilizing, and bioactive properties. As a +2 ion, zinc forms complexes with nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, critical for enzyme functions and cellular regulation. In pharmaceuticals, zinc is widely used as an essential mineral supplement to boost immune health, wound healing, and DNA synthesis. Zinc oxide provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits in topical ointments, while zinc sulfate treats zinc deficiency. Zinc-based compounds also serve as excipients to stabilize drug formulations and act as adjuvants in vaccines. This multifaceted role makes zinc crucial across therapeutic and drug formulation contexts.
ICP-MS
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful analytical technique for elemental analysis, enabling precise quantification of trace metals, including zinc, in diverse samples. ICP-MS uses high-temperature plasma to ionize elements, which are then detected based on mass-to-charge ratios, allowing detection at parts-per-billion (ppb) or even parts-per-trillion (ppt) levels. For zinc quantification, ICP-MS offers exceptional sensitivity and accuracy, making it ideal for applications in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and nutritional assessments. This method is widely adopted to ensure regulatory compliance in drug formulations and to assess zinc levels in biological samples, foods, and supplements, supporting health and quality standards.