Detection of nano- and micro-sized particles in routine biopsy material - pilot study

Abstract

Background. Nanotechnology is receiving enormous funding. Very little however is known about the health dangers of this technology so far. Chronic tonsillitis is one of a number of diseases called idiopathic. Among other factors, the tonsils are exposed to suspended particles in inhaled air including nano particles. The objective of this study was to detect and evaluate metallic particles in human tonsil tissue diagnosed with chronic tonsillitis and in amniotic fluid as a comparison. Methods. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) was used for identification of solid particles in a total of 64 samples of routinely analyzed biopsy and cytologic material. Results. Almost all samples were found to contain solid particles of various metals. The most frequent, regardless of diagnosis, were iron, chromium, nickel and aluminium. The size, determined using SEM, varied from around 500 nm to 25 μm. The majority formed aggregates of several micrometers in size but there were a significant number of smaller (sub-micrometer or nano-sized) particles present. The incidence of metallic particles was similar in child and adult tissues. The difference was in composition: the presence of several metals in adults was due to occupational exposure. Conclusions. The presence of metallic particles in pathologically altered tissues may signal an alternative causation of some diseases. The ethiopathogenic explanation of these diseases associated with the presence of nano-sized particles in the organism has emerged into a new field of pathology, nanopathology.

Solid Anorganic Particles and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Histopathology Study

“…Iron-based MPs and NPs of exogenous origin have also been previously found in tissue samples by Raman microspectroscopy [ 6 , 8 , 16 ]. Iron oxide dust and fumes are known to cause harm to respiratory tract (pneumosiderosis) which has been documented in welders occupationally exposed to welding fumes and are also emitted by fossil fuel combustion into the environment [ 6 , 29 ].…”

“…Due to their extremely small scale, the relative surface of NPs is larger and thus the number of reactive atom groups on their surface is several times higher than in MPs and larger particles [ 4 ]. They also exhibit increased diffusivity and delayed sedimentation—therefore, they tend to stay airborne in the atmosphere for longer periods of time than MPs, which increases the risk of their inhalation [ 5 , 6 ]. They are ubiquitous in the environment, composed mostly of metal oxides and carbon, predominantly of antropogenous origin—produced, for example, by smoking, fossil fuel combustion, welding or road traffic [ 7 , 8 ].…”

“…They have been proven to have pathological effect on living cells by numerous in vitro studies and on animal models [ 6 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. They can penetrate tissues both paracellularly and through cells and become bloodborne, redistribute in the organism and accumulate in vital organs, while the possibility of their lysosomal degradation, in contrast to MPs, is limited [ 7 ].…”

Exploring the Potential of Nanotechnology in Pediatric Healthcare: Advances, Challenges, and Future Directions

“…In audiology, nanotechnology research has shown promise in developing advanced sound and hearing implants, offering a potential breakthrough for individuals with profound deafness [ 189 ]. Moreover, the presence of metallic particles in human tonsil tissue and amniotic fluid has raised intriguing possibilities regarding their role in disease causation and emerging nanopathology [ 190 ].…”

“…[189] Chronic tonsillitis and other diseases Metallic particles in human tonsil tissue and amniotic fluid could help to point towards alternative causes of some diseases and emerging nanopathology. [190] Exposure to nanoparticles Nano-enabled consumer products-resuspension rates of particles vary depending on the product, flooring, and resuspension force. Products containing Cu, Ag, and Zn nanomaterials had higher rates.…”