Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

In Situ Detection and Single Cell Quantification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Using Nuclear Microprobe Analysis
Published on: February 3, 2018
Quantification of cell labeling with micron-sized iron oxide particles using continuum source atomic absorption
Nathanael Raschzok1, Nils Billecke, Nora N Kammer
1General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Experimental Surgery and Regenerative Medicine, Charité, Campus Virchow, Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Berlin, Germany. nathanael.raschzok@charite.de
Continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (CSAAS) offers a new method for quantifying iron oxide particle uptake in transplanted cells. This technique aids quality control in regenerative medicine by enabling precise cell labeling evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Analytical Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell transplantation requires quality control for effective regenerative medicine.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows noninvasive detection of single cells labeled with iron oxide particles.
- Evaluating particle uptake in cells presents significant technical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (CSAAS) as a method for evaluating iron oxide particle uptake in cells.
- To establish a rapid and accurate quantification technique for particle load in cell samples.
Main Methods:
- Porcine liver cells were labeled with micron-sized iron oxide particles.
- Iron concentration in cell samples was measured using a continuum source atomic absorption spectrometer with a graphite furnace.
- A specific weak iron line (305.754 nm) was utilized for CSAAS measurements.
Main Results:
- Iron concentrations in labeled cells ranged from 5.8 +/- 0.3 to 25.8 +/- 0.9 pg Fe/cell.
- This correlated to an iron oxide particle uptake of 8.2 +/- 0.5 to 25.7 +/- 0.8 particles/cell.
- Results were validated through standardized morphometric evaluation.
Conclusions:
- Continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (CSAAS) enables rapid quantification of particle load in small cell quantities.
- The method requires minimal sample preparation, making it suitable for clinical settings.
- CSAAS is a viable tool for quality control in cell transplantation for regenerative medicine.
More Related Videos
04:48Setup of Capillary Electrophoresis-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (CE-ICP-MS) for Quantification of Iron Redox Species (Fe(II), Fe(III))
Published on: May 4, 2020
08:13Using Magnetometry to Monitor Cellular Incorporation and Subsequent Biodegradation of Chemically Synthetized Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Published on: February 27, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Lab
Solutions containing organic solvents, such as low-molecular-mass alcohols, esters, or ketones, enhance absorbances by increasing nebulizer...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview
Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Overview
When irradiated by EMR of a particular wavelength, these...
Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab