SERS and SEIRA Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Derivatives in Murine Tissues: Bioaccumulation and Clearance

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 and 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 h post exposure. The accumulation of each of these chemicals in the brain, liver, kidneys, heart, and spleen over a 72‐h postexposure 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.