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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 30, 2026

A Two-Step Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Method with Mass Spectrometric Detection for Identification of Tattoo Ink Ingredients and Counterfeit Products
08:07

A Two-Step Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Method with Mass Spectrometric Detection for Identification of Tattoo Ink Ingredients and Counterfeit Products

Published on: May 22, 2019

Tattoo inks in general usage contain nanoparticles.

T Høgsberg1, K Loeschner, D Löf

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark. trinehoegsberg@yahoo.dk

The British Journal of Dermatology
|August 10, 2011
PubMed
Summary
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Tattoo inks contain nanoparticles (NPs), with black pigments being almost entirely NPs. This finding is novel and warrants further investigation into how the body processes these NP tattoo pigments.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotoxicology
  • Dermatology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Tattooing as a method for introducing nanoparticles (NPs) intradermally is a novel concept.
  • The nanoparticle content of tattoo inks has not been previously investigated.
  • Tattoo inks are widely used without clear understanding of their nanoparticle composition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To classify the particle sizes in commonly used tattoo inks.
  • To determine the prevalence of nanoparticles in tattoo inks.
  • To establish a baseline for nanotoxicological research on tattoo inks.

Main Methods:

  • Particle size analysis using laser diffraction.
  • Morphological characterization via electron microscopy.
  • Crystalline structure determination through X-ray diffraction.

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Last Updated: May 30, 2026

A Two-Step Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Method with Mass Spectrometric Detection for Identification of Tattoo Ink Ingredients and Counterfeit Products
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Published on: May 22, 2019

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Planar and Three-Dimensional Printing of Conductive Inks

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Main Results:

  • Tattoo ink pigments were classified into three size groups: black (smallest), white (largest), and colored (intermediate).
  • Most tattoo inks analyzed contained significant amounts of nanoparticles (NPs), with black pigments predominantly composed of NPs (<100 nm).
  • White pigments were an exception, containing minimal NPs.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of NPs in general tattoo inks is a new discovery.
  • This finding may enhance understanding of tattoo ink pharmacokinetics.
  • Further research is needed to explore the biological response to NP tattoo pigments.