An effective approach for size characterization and mass quantification of silica nanoparticles in coffee creamer by AF4-ICP-MS.

Silicon dioxide (SiO) has been used as a food additive (E551) for decades. However, some safety concerns have been raised recently due to the detection of silica nanoparticles (SiO NPs) in a variety of foodstuffs and their unknown long-term health risk to humans. In order for risk assessment to be conducted, it is essential to establish a reliable, valid, and pragmatic method for analysis of SiO NPs in foods for estimation of exposure.