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Analysis of human samples on the presence and distribution of tattoo inks: Focus on allergens
Project
Project code: BfR-CPS-08-1322-604
Contract period: 01.03.2014
- 31.12.2016
Purpose of research: Applied research
Data on biokinetics of pigments after injection into human skin are key in the risk assessment of tattooing. The tool of animal experimentation, actually required to obtain reliable data, can be supported and reduced in its extent by working out a defined list of pigments to be tested and by the analysis of samples from tattooed persons beforehand. For such a project, analysis of frozen and stored tissue samples from clinical collections, especially skin and lymph nodes, is planned. Furthermore, so-called tape lifts, adhesive tapes for collection of material footprints, will be used for collecting material imprints of tattoos from volunteers. All samples will be subsequently analyzed by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) to identify pigments used for tattooing and potential degradation products deriving from laser treatment. The intended work will deliver information for the planning of further studies on biokinetics. For the quantitative analysis of pigments in skin and lymph nodes, the following additional techniques will be tested regarding their suitability : - Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) - Pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (Pyr-GC/MS) - Matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionisation with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI- ToF ) An LC-MS/MS method will also be developed for analyses of blood and urine samples. Another open question concerning the risk of tattoo inks is the allergenic potential of pigments after their introduction into living human skin layers. To address this issue, the project intends to check whether pigments, proved to be non-allergenic in an epidermal setting, may cause a delay of the immune response when being transferred into human blood. 2016: Data on biokinetics of pigments after injection into human skin are key elements in the risk assessment of tattooing. The tool of animal experimentation, actually required to obtain reliable data, can be supported and reduced in its extent by working out a defined list of pigments to be tested and by the analysis of samples from tattooed individuals beforehand. In this project, analysis of tissue samples, especially skin and lymph nodes, is planned. Also, the distribution of laser decomposition products of pigments in post mortem tattooed pig skin will be investigated. All samples will be subsequently analyzed by Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS). The intended work will deliver information for the planning of further studies on biokinetics. For the qualitative analysis of pigments in skin and lymph nodes, Laser-Desorption/Ionisation with Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (LDI-ToF-MS) will be carried out. The elemental content will be quantified using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Additionally, we were able to investigate the elemental distribution, speciation and alteration of cellular environment around pigments at the European Synchrotron facility. Another open question concerning the risk of tattoo inks is the allergenic potential of pigments after their introduction into living human skin layers. To address this issue, tattooed skin samples of patients showing allergies shall be analyzed with mass spectrometric and microscopic methods in terms of pigment or allergen identity as well as on the presence and reactions of immune cells. Pigments identified to bare a higher potential for causing allergic reactions shall be suggested for a negative list. Thus, a major step preventing allergies as result of tattooing would be achieved.
Section overview
Subjects
- Toxicology
