Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:47
Expanding the Comprehension of the Tumor Microenvironment using Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Samples
Published on: June 29, 2022
Impact of Histological Processing on Endogenous Elemental Contents and Distributions in Breast Cancer Tissue Sections
Amy V Lovejoy1,2, Alexander P Morrell3, Diego Mesa1
1Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
Chemical & Biomedical Imaging
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues largely preserve essential trace metals like zinc, manganese, and iron for bioimaging. However, copper contamination from dyes and leaching of magnesium by formalin are potential issues.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Cellular biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Trace metal homeostasis is vital for cellular function and is frequently altered in diseases like cancer.
- Spatially resolved techniques offer superior insights into metal distribution within cells compared to bulk analyses.
- The effects of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) processing on endogenous elemental content and distribution in tissues are not well understood, with inconsistent findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the suitability of FFPE human breast carcinoma tissue sections for multielemental bioimaging.
- To compare elemental profiles in FFPE tissues with paired fresh-frozen (FF) tissues.
- To identify potential sources of contamination or elemental loss during FFPE processing.
Main Methods:
- Three human breast carcinoma specimens were divided and processed as either FF or FFPE.
- Serial sections were analyzed using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.
- FFPE processing reagents were analyzed using solution ICP-MS to identify contaminants.
Main Results:
- Zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) were largely preserved in FFPE sections.
- Copper (Cu) was detected in all FFPE samples, likely due to tissue-marking dye.
- Formalin caused variable leaching of elements, particularly magnesium (Mg).
- Paraffin wax, ethanol, and xylene showed minimal trace metal contamination.
Conclusions:
- FFPE tissues are suitable for in situ multielemental bioimaging, with key trace elements like Zn, Mn, and Fe largely preserved.
- Care must be taken to account for potential copper contamination from dyes and magnesium leaching by formalin.
- The study validates the use of FFPE tissues for advanced elemental analysis in cancer research.
