B-160 Quantification of Titanium using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry ICP-MS to Monitor Toxic Levels in Blood
Authors: Soares M O , Paulucci L T , Mazete F P , Ramadan D R , Tufik S , Sugawara E K 
Published: September 2023

Background

When titanium is used as a metallic implant, it can potentially cause toxicity to humans due to wear of the implant. As the implant wears, small particles of titanium and other metals may be released into the surrounding tissue. These particles can cause an immune response, leading to adverse reactions such as allergies and implant-associated infections. Additionally, the wear of the implant can also lead to the release of metallic ions, which can have toxic effects on surrounding tissue and cells. Workers may be exposed in factories that use the metal in the manufacture of paints, varnishes, ceramics, plastics, rubber, soldering rods, floor coatings, food dyes, industrial textiles, cosmetics, glass products, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing of rubber tires and in the production of electronic components. This highlights the importance of regular monitoring and maintenance of titanium prostheses to minimize the wear and toxicity as well as monitoring commonly exposed professionals. The aim of the study was to validate a reliable method for quantification of titanium in blood.

Methods

Validation was performed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry, 7850 ICP-MS. Analytical specificity is ensured using single particle analysis with fragmented ions that are exclusive to Ti, quantifier ion 47 Da. The procedure involves a small amount of 125 µL of blood, followed by dilution with 100 µL of internal standard at concentration of 1.0 µg/L more 2.275 µL of diluent containing 1-Butanol, Ammonium Hydroxide, EDTA and Triton X-100. After that, samples are submitted to hydrolysis to 37 °C for 40 min. The internal standard was purchased from Agilent at a concentration of 10.0 µg/mL. Finalizing the preparation samples are followed by aspiration into the SPS 4 model injector. Quantitation is achieved by the comparison of the responses from a given sample with the responses of calibrators with known concentrations prepared through Multi Element Cabibration at concentration of 10.0 µg/mL of Ti. Linearity was observed in the expected concentration range from 2.0 to 7.0 µg/L and blood samples were evaluated at six different concentrations and six times each at the same time of the study. Diluent was used as a biological matrix for the study and the standard acquired was Agilent.

Results

The linearity coefficient of determination (R) was 0.9998. The method showed 100% selectivity and no residual effect interference that was evaluated in blood matrix. To determine the average inter-assay CV%, three different concentrations were analyzed over three days and the results for each low, medium, and high concentration level were 4.27%, 4.22% and 3.33%, respectively. The accuracy of the method was cheeked by analyzing samples of known concentration and expressed as a percentage. A time total analysis was 3.5 min.

Conclusion

The method was efficient for the determination of titanium in blood. The efficiency and selectivity promoted by the ICP-MS technique, combined with the reliable preparation method, can be used in the diagnosis of wear in metallic titanium prostheses and occupational exposure.