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Accelerator mass spectrometry of small biological samples
Mehran Salehpour1, Niklas Forsgard, Göran Possnert
1Department of Engineering Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 21 Uppsala, Sweden. mehran.salehpour@angstrom.uu.se
Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry : RCM
|November 5, 2008
Summary
Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) enables ultra-sensitive isotopic measurements for drug development and stem cell research. New methods allow routine analysis of small biological samples, improving sensitivity and reducing contamination risks.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical science
- Analytical chemistry
- Accelerator physics
Background:
- Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) offers ultra-sensitive isotopic ratio measurements crucial for biomedical applications.
- Current AMS methods require approximately 1 mg of carbon, limiting analysis of scarce biological samples like localized DNA.
- Applications include drug development (Microdosing) and stem cell research (DNA analysis).
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate methods for routine AMS analysis of small biological samples (tens of micrograms).
- To improve sensitivity and reduce contamination in AMS measurements of limited-volume biological substances.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 5 MV Pelletron tandem accelerator for small sample analysis.
- Investigated and compared various small-sample preparation and analysis techniques.
- Developed a novel (12)C-carrier sample preparation method.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated the feasibility of AMS analysis for microgram-level biological samples.
- The new (12)C-carrier method shows potential for increased sensitivity.
- The developed method is less susceptible to contamination compared to standard procedures.
Conclusions:
- AMS can be adapted for the routine analysis of small biological samples, expanding its utility.
- The novel (12)C-carrier preparation method offers a promising advancement for sensitive and reliable AMS measurements.
- These advancements facilitate research in areas requiring analysis of limited biological material.
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