Many medical devices contain metals that may interface with the body. The long-term health consequences of many of these materials are not thoroughly understood. Additionally, embedded metal fragments from military wounds are typically not removed, to avoid the risk of morbidity associated with invasive surgery. The aim of our study is to evaluate the distribution of metals in animal tissues as a model to establish health risk from metal exposure. Metal pellets were implanted in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats for up to 12 months. The muscle with the embedded metal fragment and distant tissues were harvested, flash frozen, and sectioned for analysis. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) microscopy were used to map the distribution of metals in rat tissues without the use of fixatives or stains, thereby preserving ultrastructural integrity of the tissues. This information will help bridge the gap in our understanding of the potential effects of select metals in the body. In addition, this study will contribute to our assessment of embedded metal fragments in military personnel.

Assessing the effect of embedded metals in tissues using novel spectroscopic techniques

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.