PIXE ANALYSIS OF CARTILAGE SAMPLES

Despite intensive investigation, normal and abnormal calcification mechanisms are still poorly understood.

In our study we measured the change of main and trace element concentrations across the calcification area of the mandibular cartilage of domestic pigs of different age.

The PIXE method was employed for the analysis of the cartilage samples, using a proton beam with an energy of 1700 keV.

Concentration values of the elements P, S, Cl, K, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, and Sr were evaluated from the measured spectra.

Significant changes of elemental contents across the calcification area could be observed.