Development of a PIXE analysis method for the determination of the biopersistence of SiC and TiC nanoparticles in rat lungs

Abstract

With the advent of nanoparticles produced in high quantities and employed in products or processes, the need to evaluate their potential toxicological effects is necessary. For this purpose, biopersistence studies are needed to assess the possible effects of nanoparticles in parallel with a proper characterization. The insoluble character of many nanomaterials makes traditional chemical analytical methods unapplicable for the ex-vivo measurements of their concentration in organs. Ion beam-based techniques such as Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) can solve this difficulty. We illustrate that by the measurement of biopersistence of SiC and TiC nanoparticles instilled in rats lungs and investigated over a 60-day time span. The results can be obtained within minutes and the limits of detection are within ppm levels.

Manipulation of Schwann cell migration across the astrocyte boundary by polysialyltransferase-loaded superparamagnetic nanoparticles under magnetic field

“…The discrepancy between the average diameter of PEI-SPIONs as determined by TEM and ZetaPALS can be explained by the agglomeration of charged PEI-SPIONs in the preparation of sample solution for ZetaPALS analysis. [31][32][33] These results demonstrated that PEI-SPIONs/PST complex is still positively charged and suitable for cellular internalization.…”

Demonstration of the Clathrin- and Caveolin-Mediated Endocytosis at the Maternal–Fetal Barrier in Mouse Placenta after Intravenous Administration of Gold Nanoparticles

“…The fetus is known to be susceptible to various toxic substances [1, 15, 39]. Therefore, there is high concern regarding exposure to exogenous substances, including nanosized materials, for pregnant women [12, 32, 39]. …”

Quantification of nanoparticles in aqueous food matrices using Particle-Induced X-ray Emission

“…This difference is due to the higher level of noise present at low energies, including the energy range of the Si peak, due to the bremsstrahlung effect. The methodology and setup for PIXE measurements of NPs in solid matrices has been reported recently by Lozano et al [12], positioning then PIXE as a powerful tool to measure NPs without altering their original matrices/media. Currently, we are actively looking for better approaches to the measurements in order to reduce the LODs to measurable levels of at least microgram per millilitre, a concentration range covering most of the in vitro toxicological assessments.…”

“…Data was processed with the software GUPIXWIN v2.2.3 [14], which takes into account the absorption of Xrays due to matrix effects. An explanation of the physical principles of PIXE can be found elsewhere [12,15], but briefly: when a sample is irradiated with an ion beam (i.e. protons), it emits X-rays for each present element.…”

“…These concerns reveal the need for techniques able to quantify trace concentrations of possible contaminants in food (like Ag NPs due to packaging or used in pesticides) or the doses used in products, even if allowed in current regulations (like silica NPs as a food additive). Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) is a technique that historically has been used to quantify trace elements in materials, like traces of metal in archaeological artefacts [11], or more recently trace detection of NPs in rat lungs [12]. PIXE can be used to detect trace metallic contaminants and/or NPs in liquids without sample preparation.…”