Evaluation of electrolyte element composition in human tissue by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomolecular Analysis
• Spectroscopy

Background:

• Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a technique for direct elemental analysis.
• Current applications of LIBS in biomarker studies often overlook fundamental physical principles, limiting its utility.
• Accurate quantification of electrolytes in biological samples is crucial for biomarker discovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the suitability of LIBS spectra for biomarker assays.
• To evaluate the elemental composition of electrolytes in human biomaterial using LIBS.
• To establish robust analytical methods for LIBS in biological contexts.

Main Methods:

• Development of potassium chloride (KCl) calibration curves to establish linearity.
• Identification of emission lines by comparison with reference spectra.
• Application of LIBS to analyze striated muscle tissues from human oral regions.
• Utilized Lorentzian peak fit and peak area calculations for spectral analysis.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated linearity and reduced variance using peak area calculations.
• Successfully differentiated human biomaterial between patients.
• Quantified concentration ratios of major electrolytes within human tissue.
• Showcased the feasibility of LIBS for analyzing human biomaterial.

Conclusions:

• Peak area analysis is recommended over peak intensity for clinical significance in LIBS spectra.
• LIBS demonstrates linearity, specificity, and robustness, making it suitable for biomarker studies.
• LIBS shows promise as a tool for analyzing small cell populations and contributing to future biomarker research.