Title:Structural Characterization of Gallbladder Stones Using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction
VOLUME: 21 ISSUE: 7
Author(s):Hassan A. Almarshad, Sayed M. Badawy* and Abdalkarem F. Alsharari
Affiliation:Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka, National Center for Clinical and Environmental Toxicology, NECTR, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jouf University, Sakaka
Keywords:X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, cholesterol, gallstone, electron microscopy analysis.
Abstract:Aim and Objective: Formation of the gallbladder stones is a common disease and a major
health problem. The present study aimed to identify the structures of the most common types of
gallbladder stones using X-ray spectroscopic techniques, which provide information about the
process of stone formation.
Material and Method: Phase and elemental compositions of pure cholesterol and mixed gallstones
removed from gallbladders of patients were studied using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
combined with scanning electron microscopy analysis and X-ray diffraction.
Results: The crystal structures of gallstones which coincide with standard patterns were confirmed
by X-ray diffraction. Plate-like cholesterol crystals with laminar shaped and thin layered structures
were clearly observed for gallstone of pure cholesterol by scanning electron microscopy; it also
revealed different morphologies from mixed cholesterol stones. Elemental analysis of pure
cholesterol and mixed gallstones using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the different
formation processes of the different types of gallstones.
Conclusion: The method of fast and reliable X-ray spectroscopic techniques has numerous
advantages over the traditional chemical analysis and other analytical techniques. The results also
revealed that the X-ray spectroscopy technique is a promising technique that can aid in
understanding the pathogenesis of gallstone disease.
