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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Preparing Adherent Cells for X-ray Fluorescence Imaging by Chemical Fixation
Published on: March 12, 2015
Biological applications of X-ray fluorescence microscopy: exploring the subcellular topography and speciation of
1School of Chemistry and Biochemistry and Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, 901 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30332-0400, USA. fahrni@chemistry.gatech.edu
Abstract:
Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (SXRF) is a microanalytical technique for the quantitative mapping of elemental distributions. Among currently available imaging modalities, SXRF is the only technique that is compatible with fully hydrated biological samples such as whole cells or tissue sections, while simultaneously offering trace element sensitivity and submicron spatial resolution. Combined with the ability to provide information regarding the oxidation state and coordination environment of metal cations, SXRF is ideally suited to study the intracellular distribution and speciation of trace elements, toxic heavy metals and therapeutic or diagnostic metal complexes.
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