Atom probe tomography for biomaterials and biomineralization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomineralization
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Biominerals and biomaterials, essential in biology and engineering, possess hierarchical structures crucial for their properties.
• Understanding biomineralization processes is hindered by challenges in simultaneously characterizing 3D structure and chemical composition at the nanoscale.
• Existing characterization methods often lack the required resolution and sensitivity for detailed analysis of these complex materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications of Atom Probe Tomography (APT) in the field of biomineralization and biomaterials research.
• To provide a primer on APT theory, best practices, and its unique capabilities for analyzing biological materials.
• To highlight APT's potential to address fundamental questions in biomineralization and inform future biomaterial design.

Main Methods:

• Atom Probe Tomography (APT) as the primary 3D characterization technique.
• Analysis of biominerals, biomaterials, biointerfaces, cells, and proteins using APT.
• Discussion of correlative and cryogenic workflows to enhance APT capabilities.

Main Results:

• APT provides sub-nanometer spatial resolution and high compositional sensitivity (parts per million) for 3D chemical analysis.
• APT findings complement other microscopy techniques, offering quantitative insights into material composition and structure.
• The review demonstrates APT's growing impact and potential in unraveling biomineralization mechanisms and biomaterial properties.

Conclusions:

• Atom Probe Tomography is a powerful and promising tool for advancing biomineralization and biomaterials research.
• APT's unique quantitative 3D chemical information is crucial for understanding complex biological materials.
• Further development and application of APT, including advanced workflows, will drive innovation in biomaterial design and clinical applications.