Determination of silicon in biological tissues

Various analytical procedures for the determination of silicon in biologica l tissues were tested. Solubilization of a freeze-dried bovine liver sample with HNO3/H2O2 and with TMAH, at 60 degrees C as well as by microwave heat ing were compared. Two different matrix modification solutions for silicon measurement by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry were compare d. Solubilization of soft tissues with TMAH, using a low mass sample and a short cycle for microwave heating, gave the best results.