No abstract

No 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.

No abstract

Interactions between organisms and micro‐ and nano‐sized particles are studied in a relatively new research field—nanopathology. Some diseases (oncological and/or inflammatory) may be connected with accumulation of the particles in the tissues. In general, precise and accurate qualitative evaluation of chemical composition of particles is very important. In such analyses, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy is used most often. Nevertheless, it reveals merely the elemental composition of particles/clusters. On the other hand, because Raman microspectroscopy is non‐destructive and it is coupled with an optical microscope, it has potential for detection of particles of unknown nature; in addition, it allows determination of the chemical composition of these particles/clusters. Therefore, this technique could be a very useful supporting tool for nanopathology. The aim of the presented study is to survey the possibilities and advantages of Raman microspectroscopy for the detection and characterization of particles of an unknown nature in the samples of human nasal mucosa and amniotic fluids. Three different approaches of analysis are hereby discussed: (1) analysis of the entire 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. Results clearly prove high efficiency of Raman microspectroscopy as a tool for characterization of the particles/clusters in human tissues and body fluids, and thus it may allow a better understanding of the potential impact to human health in relation to specific diagnoses. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.