Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is being used to develop multi-element 2D and 3D images of singe cell and tissues. LA-ICP-MS provides many beneficial capabilities including low detection limits (µg/g), full elemental mass spectrum coverage, high spatial resolution, limited sample preparation, wide linear dynamic range, and ability to analyze whole tissue sections relatively rapidly (minutes to hours).

Synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) provides capabilities that include the potential for 10 nm resolution, 3D imaging, whole cell and tissue capabilities while also providing high sensitivity. Learn more about improvements to sampling handling methods including the integration of XFM samples with LA-ICP-TOF-MS and improvements to the speed and cost effectiveness of image alignment, reconstruction, and quantitation methods.

Photoacoustic Microscopy (PAM) is only technology available that can image intrinsic optical absorption in three dimensions with a high spatial resolution. The system being developed will allow imaging of both frozen and live tissues with simultaneous data acquisition from PAM and confocal microcopy and the development of dyes that undergo chromophoric changes upon metal binding.

Quantitative Bio Element Analysis and Mapping (QBEAM) Center