[Elemental imaging using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: latest medical applications].

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Analytical Chemistry
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) offers direct multi-elemental imaging of soft tissues.
• It visualizes the distribution of endogenous and exogenous elements within biological specimens.
• LIBS has been applied to study metal nanoparticle kinetics and elemental distribution in human tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the principles, instrumentation, and characteristics of LIBS for elemental tissue imaging.
• To discuss technical considerations, advantages, and limitations of LIBS in biological applications.
• To explore the potential of LIBS for pre-clinical and medical diagnostic applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and practical experience in applying LIBS to animal and human tissue specimens.
• Description of the LIBS instrument and experimental setup considerations.
• Analysis of LIBS capabilities for elemental mapping and distribution studies.

Main Results:

• LIBS provides in situ visualization of elemental distributions in soft tissues.
• The technique is capable of imaging physiological elements and exogenous materials like metal nanoparticles.
• LIBS can reveal the topography of chemicals and metals in exposed human tissues.

Conclusions:

• LIBS is a powerful tool for multi-elemental imaging of soft tissues, offering direct visualization of element distribution.
• The technique has significant potential in pre-clinical research and medical applications, including diagnostics and toxicology.
• Further development and standardization of LIBS methods will enhance its clinical utility.