Development of Multi-element 2D and 3D Imaging of Single Cells and Tissues Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOF-MS)
Trace metals are crucial for physiological processes with highly regulated trafficking, localization, and homeostasis, where interruptions or slight variations lead to cell and tissue dysfunction and ultimately to disease. In order to fully understand the spatiotemporal interplay of metals in biological systems, multiple imaging techniques are required that balance sensitivity, selectivity, and spatial resolution to provide a complete understanding of these fundamental processes. The capabilities of LA-ICP-MS complement SXFM and PAM imaging, namely: 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). However, significant improvements in sample standardization, system integration, detector sensitivity, ablation cell design, and data analysis are needed to make this a robust high-throughput technique capable of providing multi-element 3D maps of cells and tissues in real time.
Research of the technology will include:
- Cryogenic sample capability
- Universal calibration method for LA-ICP-MS of biological samples
- System integration for true real-time multi-element imaging
- High throughput 3D reconstructions of tissue-specific multi-elemental distribution