Multi-elemental spatially resolved analysis of hard tissues by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

abstrakt

angličtina

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a quasi-destructive optical analytical method used in materials analysis. Due to its simplicity, speed, and the possibility of multi-element analysis of heterogeneous samples, it is becoming highly popular in many research fields [1]. By fast mapping of the sample surface with a spatial resolution in tens of micrometers, LIBS also provides information on the spatial distribution of elements in the sample. This feature can be used in the analysis of hard tissues (teeth and bones) for the detection of biogenic elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, strontium) or contaminants (lead, cadmium). Our work focuses on the analysis of model mouse teeth and bones samples embedded in epoxy. The samples were obtained from individuals that had been exposed to heavy metal nanoparticles for varying lengths of time. The distribution of biogenic elements and contaminants was investigated using two LIBS systems with different spatial resolution. The main goal of this study was to investigate the difference in elemental distribution in exposed and control group of samples. In second part of this study, we focus on the possibility of using LIBS for quantitative analysis. We specially prepared hydroxyapatite (HA) samples with varying amounts of contaminants to use as standards for generation of calibration curve and determination of limits of detection and quantification. Using this approach, we were able to establish LOD as low as 77 ppm and LOQ at 260 ppm for lead (main contaminant).

LIBS, hard tissues, heavy metals

KONEČNÁ, A.; POŘÍZKA, P.; MODLITBOVÁ, P.; PROCHAZKA, D.; VRLÍKOVÁ, L.; BUCHTOVÁ, M.; KAISER, J.

6. 9. 2022