Language

English

Publication Date

10-9-2025

Journal

Journal of Raman Spectroscopy

DOI

10.1002/jrs.70063

PMID

42465662

PMCID

PMC13375149

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

7-17-2026

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

The toxicological effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) have attracted considerable research interest due to their known bioaccumulation. However, time-resolved and longitudinal studies that examine in vivo bioaccumulation and clearance remain limited. Here we use Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and Surface-Enhanced Infrared Absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopies to detect and track the presence of two PAHs: pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene, and one PAC: 5,12-naphthacenequinone, in murine organ tissues. Mice were exposed to a three-component mixture of these three chemicals, then their organs were collected at 24-, 48-, and 72- hours post-exposure. The accumulation of each of these chemicals in the brain, liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen over a 72-hour post-exposure period was determined by SERS and SEIRA and independently quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The liver and kidneys displayed the highest level of accumulation, reflecting their important roles in detoxification, while significant levels were detected in the brain, indicating permeability of the blood-brain barrier and the potential for neurotoxic effects. Benzo[a]pyrene showed the highest retention and slowest clearance, while 5,12-naphthacenequinone showed surprisingly minimal bioaccumulation. The independent detection of benzo[a]pyrene-induced DNA adducts in multiple organs also highlights its mutagenic and carcinogenic risk.

Keywords

SERS, SEIRA, PAH/PAC, DNA-adducts

Published Open-Access

yes

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