title: Nano-scale observations of tattoo pigments in skin by atomic force microscopy.
abstract: In this study, we have shown how particles in carbon black tattoo ink accumulate in the human skin dermis using fine-resolution atomic force microscopy, with which a single ink particle in the collagenous network can be imaged. This information further demonstrates that tattoo inks are nano-particles. Further, we have deposited a commercially available tattoo ink on a glass slide and calculated a range of volumes for single ink particles.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Informatics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK.
authors.forename: Colin A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Twigg
authors.forename: Desmond J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Tobin
mesh_terms: D004396:Coloring Agents; D020405:Dermis / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D013653:Tattooing
chemical_list: D004396:Coloring Agents