Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Biological Samples Preparation for Speciation at Cryogenic Temperature using High-Resolution X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Published on: May 27, 2022
Subcellular speciation analysis of trace element oxidation states using synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray absorption
Thomas Bacquart1, Guillaume Devès, Asunción Carmona
1Cellular Chemical Imaging and Speciation Group, CNAB UMR 5084, CNRS/Université de Bordeaux 1, BP 120 Le Haut Vigneau, 33175 Gradignan cedex, France.
Abstract:
Identification of chemical species at a subcellular level is a key to understand the mechanisms involved in the biology of chemical elements. When performed with a microbeam, X-ray absorption near-edge structure (micro-XANES) enables the direct speciation analysis of oxidation states in subcellular compartments avoiding cell fractionation and other preparation steps that might modify the chemical species. Here we report the principal characteristics in terms of spatial resolution, detection limit, reproducibility, and repeatability of a micro-XANES experimental setup based on Kirkpatrick-Baez X-ray focusing optics that maintains high flux of incoming radiation (>10(11) photons/s) at micrometric spatial resolution (1.5 x 4.0 microm2). Applications and limitations of this setup are illustrated by examples of iron and arsenic absorption spectra obtained from the cytosol, nucleus, and mitochondrial network of cultured cells. A better repeatability and sensitivity with no oxidation state modification and minimal beam damage is achieved when cells are analyzed in a frozen hydrated state, as compared to freeze-dried cells. This original experimental setup can now be applied for the direct speciation analysis of most trace elements at the subcellular level.
More Related Videos
10:03Characterization of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Using Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Published on: November 11, 2013
08:26Cell Culture on Silicon Nitride Membranes and Cryopreparation for Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Nano-analysis
Published on: December 10, 2019
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation
Atomic Spectroscopy: Absorption, Emission, and Fluorescence
X-ray Diffraction of Biological Samples
According to Bragg's law, when X-rays strike the sample positioned on a stage, the rays are scattered by the electron clouds around the sample atoms. The X-ray diffraction or scattering is caused by constructive interference of the X-ray waves that reflect off the internal crystal...