Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 1, 2025

Imaging Metals in Brain Tissue by Laser Ablation - Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry LA-ICP-MS
Published on: January 22, 2017
The potential of trace elements mapping in child's natal tooth by laser ablation-ICPMS method
Aneta Olszewska1, Anetta Hanć2
1Department of Facial Malformation, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
Purpose:
Tooth enamel might provide past chronological metabolic, nutritional status and trace metal exposure during development. Thus, the trace elements distribution embedded in tooth tissues represents an archive of the environmental conditions. The choice of biomarker is estimated as critical to the measurement of metal exposure. Natal teeth are defined as teeth being present at birth.
Methods:
LA-ICP-MS provides a quantitative assessment of spatial distribution of trace elements in a natal tooth. The objective of the current study was to compare concentrations of building and other elements in a rare but reliable and valid biomarker - natal tooth.
Results:
It have been reported presence of potentially toxic elements: Pb, Cu, Mn, Cd, Ni distributed in prenatally and perinatally formed enamel and dentine.
Conclusions:
Analyses of deciduous enamel can provide answers into individuals' earliest development, including critical pre- and perinatal period.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-021-00611-2.
Related Concept Videos
Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS): Overview
Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS): Interferences
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a commonly...
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

