New Tools for Imaging Neutrophils: Work Function Mapping and Element-Specific, Label-Free Imaging of Cellular...

Area of Science:

• Life Sciences
• Surface Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) and imaging X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (IPES) are established techniques in surface and material sciences.
• Recent technological advancements have expanded their utility into life sciences.
• Human neutrophil granulocytes are crucial components of the innate immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the visualization capabilities of PEEM and IPES for human neutrophil granulocytes.
• To examine the structure and morphology of neutrophils adhered to gold and silicon surfaces.
• To demonstrate the elemental distribution and cellular morphology with submicrometer resolution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) and imaging X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (IPES).
• Acquired energy-filtered images of single human neutrophil granulocytes.
• Performed element-specific imaging using O 1s, P 2p, C 1s, Si 2p, and N 1s core level spectra.

Main Results:

• Successfully visualized the characteristic polymorphonuclear cellular nuclei of neutrophils.
• Achieved element-specific imaging, providing elemental distribution maps.
• Demonstrated submicrometer resolution for detailed cellular morphological studies.
• Revealed distinct neutrophil structures when adhered to gold versus silicon surfaces.

Conclusions:

• PEEM and IPES are powerful tools for visualizing human neutrophil granulocytes.
• These techniques offer high-resolution insights into cellular morphology and elemental composition.
• The study highlights the potential of PEEM and IPES in advanced cellular studies within life sciences.