Synchrotron-based ν-XRF mapping and μ-FTIR microscopy enable to look into the fate and effects of tattoo pigments in human skin

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of tattoos provoked safety concerns with respect to particle distribution and effects inside the human body. We used skin and lymphatic tissues from human corpses to address local biokinetics by means of synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques at both the micro (μ) and nano (ν) scale. Additional advanced mass spectrometry-based methodology enabled to demonstrate simultaneous transport of organic pigments, heavy metals and titanium dioxide from skin to regional lymph nodes. Among these compounds, organic pigments displayed the broadest size range with smallest species preferentially reaching the lymph nodes. Using synchrotron μ-FTIR analysis we were also able to detect ultrastructural changes of the tissue adjacent to tattoo particles through altered amide I α-helix to β-sheet protein ratios and elevated lipid contents. Altogether we report strong evidence for both migration and long-term deposition of toxic elements and tattoo pigments as well as for conformational alterations of biomolecules that likely contribute to cutaneous inflammation and other adversities upon tattooing.

Identification of pigments related to allergic tattoo reactions in 104 human skin biopsies

“…Elemental compositions in a total of 104 skin biopsies were analyzed using microwave digest for sample preparation and ICP‐MS as described elsewhere . In brief, 50 to 200 mg tissue or ink sample were digested in 1.5 mL ultrapure water, 2.5 mL nitric acid, and 1 mL hydrogen peroxide in Teflon vessels for microwave digestion (Ultraclave, MLS, Leutkirch, Germany).…”

“…A rhodium‐coated mirror was used and the energy was tuned to 8.4 keV. Titanium speciation analysis by means of x‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) was carried out at beamline ID21 at the European Synchrotron (ESRF) in Grenoble as described elsewhere with the following amendments: Lysates prepared for MALDI‐MS/MS (see above) were placed on ultralene foils for analysis . XANES spectroscopy was carried out for 44 biopsy lysates.…”

Lipid loses and barrier function modifications of the brown‐to‐white hair transition

“…To this end, the properties of the lipids in both types of fibres were evaluated using synchrotron‐based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (μ‐FTIR). The combination of a conventional infrared spectrometer with the synchrotron infrared source and a microscope allows the spatial determination of the chemical composition of the samples, and several studies have been performed using μ‐FTIR . Differences in the lipid order or quantity in both types of hair were examined.…”

Can an inflammatory reaction in the meninges, caused by spinal puncture through tattooed skin, evolve into adhesive arachnoiditis? An experimental model in rabbits

“…Many elements were further added in the form of nanoparticles, which makes detection of the toxic agent in the blend more challenging every day. Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of pigments to migrate to distant sites (lymph node),25 as well as degrade into more toxic and reactive elements when exposed to sunlight or laser 26 27…”