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A Method to Preserve Wetland Roots and Rhizospheres for Elemental Imaging
Published on: February 15, 2021
Imaging and speciation of trace elements in biological environment
R Lobinski1, C Moulin, R Ortega
1Equipe de chimie analytique bio-inorganique, CNRS UMR5034, Hélioparc, 2, avenue Professeur-Angot, 64053 Pau, France.
Biochimie
|October 27, 2006
Summary
Advanced analytical techniques now enable detailed mapping of trace elements in biological systems. These methods are crucial for understanding element roles in health and disease, driving progress in metallomics and related fields.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Bioinorganic Chemistry
Background:
- Trace minerals are vital for biological functions and disease processes.
- Emerging fields like metallomics require detailed elemental concentration and speciation data.
- Understanding metal-binding sites is key to biological mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in analytical techniques for elemental analysis in biological contexts.
- To highlight methods for trace element imaging, speciation, and quantification.
- To discuss the impact of these techniques on genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
Main Methods:
- Laser ablation mass spectrometry (LA-MS)
- Ion beam and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microprobes (e.g., micro-SXRF, micro-PIXE)
- Nanoflow chromatography and capillary electrophoresis coupled with ICP-MS
- Extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy
Main Results:
- Sub-micrometer resolution and picogram sensitivity achieved for elemental imaging in cells and tissues.
- Speciation of elements in complex biological microsamples is now feasible.
- Trace element distribution mapping possible on proteomics gels.
- EXAFS and XANES provide detailed information on metal oxidation states and coordination structures.
Conclusions:
- Recent analytical technique progress significantly enhances the study of biological trace elements.
- These advancements are crucial for fields like metallogenomics, metalloproteomics, and metallomics.
- Improved elemental profiling and imaging capabilities will advance our understanding of biological systems.
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