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Quantification of titanium from TiO2 particles in biological tissue
Stéphane Faucher1, Gaëtane Lespes1
1Université de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, Laboratoire de Chimie Analytique Bio-Inorganique et Environnement (LCABIE), UMR 5254 IPREM, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex 9, France.
Summary
This study developed a method to accurately quantify titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles in biological tissues like calf liver. The technique ensures complete sample mineralization and sensitive titanium measurement using advanced mass spectrometry.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles are increasingly used, necessitating methods to track their presence in biological systems.
- Quantifying TiO2 in complex matrices like biological tissues presents challenges in sample preparation and analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a robust analytical strategy for the precise quantification of titanium (Ti) from TiO2 particles in dry biological tissue.
- To establish reliable methods for complete sample mineralization and sensitive Ti detection.
Main Methods:
- Mineralization of biological tissue and TiO2 using concentrated nitric and hydrofluoric acids.
- Quantification of Ti using atomic mass spectrometry coupled with a light-scattering technique.
- Utilized helium collision/reaction cell mode for monitoring specific Ti isotopes (46Ti, 49Ti) to eliminate interferences.
Main Results:
- Achieved a limit of quantification of 2.3μg(Ti)g(-1) tissue, demonstrating high sensitivity.
- Reported a mean analytical recovery of (103±6)% across the tested concentration range.
- Successfully controlled the physical state of titanium (dissolved vs. particle) during analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed strategy enables accurate and sensitive quantification of titanium dioxide particles in biological tissues.
- The method is suitable for assessing titanium exposure and distribution in toxicological studies.
- This approach overcomes challenges in sample mineralization and isobaric interferences in mass spectrometry.
