Micro- and Nanosized Particles in Nasal Mucosa: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate presence and quantity of micro- and nanosized particles (NPs) and interindividual differences in their distribution and composition in nasal mucosa. Methods. Six samples of nasal mucosa obtained by mucotomy from patients with chronic hypertrophic rhinosinusitis were examined. Samples divided into 4 parts according to the distance from the nostrils were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and Raman microspectroscopy to detect solid particles and characterize their morphology and composition. A novel method of quantification of the particles was designed and used to evaluate interindividual differences in distribution of the particles. The findings were compared with patients' employment history. Results. In all the samples, NPs of different elemental composition were found (iron, barium, copper, titanium, etc.), predominantly in the parts most distant from nostrils, in various depths from the surface of the mucosa and interindividual differences in their quantity and composition were found, possibly in relation to professional exposition. Conclusions. This study has proven the possibility of quantification of distribution of micro- and nanosized particles in tissue samples and that the NPs may deposit in deeper layers of mucosa and their elemental composition may be related to professional exposition to the sources of NPs.

Raman microspectroscopy as a useful tool for nanopathology

“…This study does not investigate targeted exposure, but focuses on the real human samples and particles detected in body fluids and/or tissues presumably originating from environmental pollution or working exposure. Some of our results in this field have been published [11‐14], and our results proved that Raman spectroscopy has the potential in detection of the particles of unknown nature; thus, this method could be a very useful supporting tool for the nanopathology field. Three different approaches of analysis are discussed: (1) analysis of the whole area of the sample, (2) division of the sample in sections and subsequent analysis of a defined number of points in selected parts, and (3) Raman spectral imaging of the selected parts.…”

“…This analysis was used for the study of nasal mucosa samples, which were divided into a surface layer (denoted as a superficial layer) and two deeper layers. Results proved the possibility of quantification of micro‐ and nano‐sized particle distribution in the tissue sample, which had been one of the main challenges of the clinical research in nanopathology . This analysis may seem to be insufficient and less precise, but it is efficiently applicable for the comparison of similar histological specimens.…”

“…S1 (Supporting Information), because the same compounds were detected in both amniotic fluids and nasal mucosa. A list of all detected compounds with patients anamneses can be found in the papers of Čábalová et al (results of the nasal mucosa study) and Barošová et al (results of the study of amniotic fluids). In Fig.…”

“…nine Raman spectra were obtained from each sample). A schematic figure of the measured points and comparison of the results according to the detected particles in the studied layers can be found in the paper of Čábalová et al [12] . Once again, both forms of TiO 2 (anatase and rutile) were detected in the samples, mostly in the superficial layer.…”

“…The information on qualitative chemical composition of the particles penetrating the tissues is very valuable as well. For the tissue analysis, as well as possible detection of the micro‐ and nano‐sized particles, scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscope (SEM‐EDS) is the most often used instrument [11‐14].…”