Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15644/asc59/3/8
A Pilot Study on the Deposition of Drugs in Dental Tissues as Alternative Matrices for Forensic Toxicology
Ilenia Bianchi
; Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Emma Croce
; FT-LAB Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Federica Gelli
; Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Alexandra Dimitrova
; FT-LAB Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Francesco Pradella
; Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Beatrice Defraia
; Forensic Medical Sciences, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Emanuele Capasso
; Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
Fabio Vaiano
; FT-LAB Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Guido Mannaioni
; Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Italy
Vilma Pinchi
; Laboratory of Personal Identification and Forensic Morphology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
Abstract
Background: Teeth may serve as alternative matrices for post-mortem toxicological analysis. Although the mechanism of drug incorporation into dental tissues remains unclear, it is hypothesized that orally ingested substances can permeate dental enamel and reach dentin and the pulp. Objectives: This study investigated enamel permeability to commonly ingested drugs, considering molecular characteristics (methadone - MET and dextromethorphan hydrobromide – DXM), pH, sugar content, and tooth conditions (intact enamel, cement-enamel junction-CEJ exposure, enamel wear). Materials and Methods: Sixteen clinically extracted teeth were divided into three groups and immersed in different substances, including MET with sugar, DXM with and without sugar (pH 4.5, 1 mg/ml), and acidified saliva (pH 5–6), simulating an addicted individual’s oral environment. Cyclic immersions (substance-saliva-substance) mimicked chronic drug intake for about six weeks. After treatment, each tooth was separated into enamel, dentin, and pulp, and analyzed using liquid-liquid extraction and LC-MS/MS. Results: Preliminary results showed that both MET and DXM can penetrate both the enamel and dentin, reaching the pulp regardless of tooth integrity or molecule type. Acidity and sugar content significantly increased the diffusion. Conclusions: These findings suggest that other substances orally assumed might be endowed with similar effects on dental tissues, especially when combined with sugar or acid solutions, supporting teeth as viable matrices in post-mortem toxicology. However, pulp concentrations may reflect oral contamination rather than systemic levels.
Keywords
Pharmaceutical Preparations; Dental Enamel Permeability; Forensic Dentistry; Forensic toxicology; Drugs; Forensic odontology; Alternative matrices; Teeth
Hrčak ID:
335368
URI
Publication date:
15.9.2025.
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