The use of PIXE for engineered nanomaterials quantification in complex matrices

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) quantification in complex media is an area under development, much demanded by stakeholders due to the introduction of a myriad of consumer products containing ENMs. In this work, Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) will be shown as capable of quantifying ENMs in complex media for both in vivo and in vitro assessments using minimal conditioning. ENM quantifications (SiC, TiC, SiO) were performed on complex media (rat feces, rat lungs and cell culture), with applied ENM concentrations corresponding to ranges of interest for in vivo or in vitro assessments. The case studies presented in this work show the capability and versatility of PIXE measurements for biopersistence, biodistribution and dose assessment studies.