Cell surface binding of colloidal iron and Limax flavus agglutinin compared by X-ray microanalysis

The surface characteristics of tumour cells and T-cell hybridoma variants were examined by quantitative X-ray microanalysis using metal-based probes. Comparisons of populations of cells differing in invasive potential revealed differences in the binding of positive colloidal iron hydroxide, a general probe for anionic sites. Substantial differences between populations were also detected by the binding of Limax flavus agglutinin, which was used in conjunction with fetuin-gold as a specific marker for sialic acid.