View in EDS

Endogenous formation of Fe-bearing particles and their differentiation from exogenous exposure.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Endogenous formation of Fe-bearing particles and their differentiation from exogenous exposure.
Authors: Huang, Yuming1,2,3 (AUTHOR), Liu, Lin1,4 (AUTHOR), Yang, Hang1,4 (AUTHOR), Yi, Huixuan1,5 (AUTHOR), Li, Xiangyu1,4 (AUTHOR), Li, Linqian1,6 (AUTHOR), Lu, Dawei1,6 (AUTHOR) dwlu@rcees.ac.cn, Liu, Qian1,4 (AUTHOR), Jiang, Guibin1,4 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Environmental Sciences (Elsevier). Dec2025, Vol. 158, p386-394. 9p.
Subject Terms: *Environmental exposure, *Iron oxides, Iron ions, Magnetic particles, Morphology, In vivo studies
Abstract: Accurately distinguishing between the endogenous formation and exogenous exposure of Fe-bearing particles (e.g., magnetic Fe particles) within biological organisms is the prerequisite for scientifically evaluating their health risks. However, this remains a challenging task due to lacking the comprehensive understanding of the endogenous formation process of Fe-bearing particles. Here, we report the formation dynamics of Fe-bearing particles under conditions closely resembling actual physiological conditions, and compare the morphological and structural differences between endogenous and exogenous Fe-bearing particles. We find that Fe-bearing particles can indeed form under physiological conditions at 37 °C. In this process, phosphate plays a crucial role in the oxidation and mineralization of iron ions. Moreover, endogenously formed Fe-bearing particles typically have a diameter of less than 8 nm, and iron is the only metal element present. Therefore, we propose that Fe-bearing particles found in the body with a diameter larger than 8 nm are mainly derived from exogenous exposure. For Fe-bearing particles smaller than 8 nm, it is necessary to combine associated elements and crystal structure characteristics to distinguish between endogenous and exogenous sources. This study provides direct evidence from endogenous metabolism for tracing Fe-bearing particles, especially magnetic iron particles, within the human body. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Environmental Sciences (Elsevier) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: GreenFILE
Description
Abstract:Accurately distinguishing between the endogenous formation and exogenous exposure of Fe-bearing particles (e.g., magnetic Fe particles) within biological organisms is the prerequisite for scientifically evaluating their health risks. However, this remains a challenging task due to lacking the comprehensive understanding of the endogenous formation process of Fe-bearing particles. Here, we report the formation dynamics of Fe-bearing particles under conditions closely resembling actual physiological conditions, and compare the morphological and structural differences between endogenous and exogenous Fe-bearing particles. We find that Fe-bearing particles can indeed form under physiological conditions at 37 °C. In this process, phosphate plays a crucial role in the oxidation and mineralization of iron ions. Moreover, endogenously formed Fe-bearing particles typically have a diameter of less than 8 nm, and iron is the only metal element present. Therefore, we propose that Fe-bearing particles found in the body with a diameter larger than 8 nm are mainly derived from exogenous exposure. For Fe-bearing particles smaller than 8 nm, it is necessary to combine associated elements and crystal structure characteristics to distinguish between endogenous and exogenous sources. This study provides direct evidence from endogenous metabolism for tracing Fe-bearing particles, especially magnetic iron particles, within the human body. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:10010742
DOI:10.1016/j.jes.2024.11.008