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Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A New Approach for Nanoparticle's Mapping and Quantification in Organ Tissue
Published on: June 18, 2014
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy microanalysis of trace elements in Homo sapiens teeth
F C Alvira1, F Ramirez Rozzi, G M Bilmes
1Centro de Investigaciones Opticas-CIOp (CONICET La Plata -CIC) C.C.3,1897, La Plata, Argentina.
Applied Spectroscopy
|March 13, 2010
Summary
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) offers a nearly nondestructive method to analyze trace elements like strontium and magnesium in ancient and modern human teeth. This technique reveals dietary habits and mobility patterns crucial for anthropological research.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Paleontology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Teeth and bones are key sources of anthropological data, providing insights into diet and living conditions.
- Traditional trace element analysis methods often destroy unique archaeological samples.
- A need exists for non-destructive techniques to analyze elemental composition in human remains.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for non-destructive trace element analysis in human teeth.
- To measure the presence and distribution of strontium (Sr) and magnesium (Mg) in Neolithic, medieval, and modern Homo sapiens teeth.
- To create elemental distribution maps and assess ablation properties for anthropological applications.
Main Methods:
- Application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to analyze trace elements in tooth enamel and dentin.
- Measurement of strontium (Sr) and magnesium (Mg) concentrations and their ratios with calcium (Ca).
- Creation of Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca distribution maps in modern teeth using LIBS data.
- Determination of ablation threshold fluences for dentin and enamel via photoacoustic signals.
Main Results:
- LIBS successfully measured Sr and Mg in Neolithic, medieval, and modern human teeth with minimal sample destruction.
- Significant variations in Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios were observed within tooth tissues and across different individuals and groups.
- Elemental distribution maps provided detailed insights into Sr and Mg distribution in enamel and dentin.
- Ablation threshold fluences were measured, characterizing the interaction of laser with dental tissues.
Conclusions:
- LIBS is a powerful, nearly non-destructive tool for analyzing trace elements in anthropological and paleontological samples, particularly teeth.
- The study highlights the potential of LIBS for reconstructing past diets, seasonality, and migration patterns through elemental analysis of human remains.
- Elemental variations in teeth offer valuable data for evolutionary anthropology and understanding past human lifeways.
