Expanding the capabilities of laser ablation-single particle-ICP-mass spectrometry imaging to study in situ degradation of medical implants

Even though medical implants are composed of biocompatible materials, interaction with fluids and cells in the biologically active environment of the human body leads to implant deterioration over time. Early research on orthopaedic metal-on-metal hip prostheses revealed significant release of metallic particulates into the peri-prosthetic tissue via mechanical wear and corrosion. Although the range of analytical techniques for the characterization of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) is expanding and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 10993) provides guidance for testing the biocompatibility of medical devices, there is an obvious need for analytical techniques capable of simultaneously revealing the quantitative distribution of metallic NPs and ions directly in biological tissues. Laser ablation-single particle-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-SP-ICP-MS) imaging is capable of this, but is still in its infancy. Therefore, a portfolio of novel analytical methodologies for LA-SP-ICP-MS imaging will be developed and implemented in the contexts of orthopaedic prostheses, neurostimulating electrodes and silicone breast implants to study the occurrence and distribution of metallic particles and dissolved ions, stemming from in situ degradation of medical implants. This provides an approach for uncovering pathways of medical implant degradation products and can serve as a tool to optimize the design of new medical implants.