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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
Determination of nanoparticles in biological matrices
Angela I Lopez Lorente1, Bartolome M Simonet, Miguel Valcarce
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Cordoba, E-14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Frontiers in Bioscience (Elite Edition)
|December 29, 2011
Summary
Human exposure to nanoparticles is rising due to pollution and product use. Analytical methods are crucial for assessing health risks in biological samples.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Human exposure to nanoparticles (NPs) has significantly increased due to anthropogenic activities like fuel combustion.
- Widespread use of NPs in consumer products (cosmetics, food, textiles) expands exposure routes beyond inhalation.
- Assessing potential health risks necessitates robust analytical methodologies for biological matrices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of analytical techniques for detecting and quantifying nanoparticles in biological samples.
- To highlight the importance of these techniques in risk assessment and regulatory actions related to nanomaterial safety.
Main Methods:
- Review of established and emerging analytical techniques relevant to nanoparticle analysis in biological matrices.
- Discussion of the principles, advantages, and limitations of each technique.
- Consideration of sample preparation challenges for biological samples.
Main Results:
- Identification of key analytical techniques including spectroscopy, microscopy, and mass spectrometry.
- Evaluation of their applicability for different types of nanoparticles and biological matrices.
- Emphasis on the need for validated methods to ensure accurate risk assessment.
Conclusions:
- Accurate analysis of nanoparticles in biological matrices is essential for understanding and mitigating health risks.
- A range of analytical techniques are available, each with specific strengths for different applications.
- Continued development and validation of these methods are critical for ensuring the safe use of nanomaterials.
