[Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) for analysis of trace elements in biological materials]

Outline of Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and its application to biomedical samples are described. Charged particles from cyclotron or van de Graaff generator bombards analytical samples and semiconductor detector measures energy and intensity of induced characteristic x-ray. Simultaneous determination for 22Na to 92U is possible by PIXE. 100 nA of 3 MeV protons bombards biomedical samples and detection limits for almost all trace essential elements are sub microgram/g. Only 1 mg of biomedical sample is necessary for determination of trace elements and no chemical procedure is necessary for preparation of analytical sample. PIXE is powerful tool for determination of essential elements and applied for diagnosis for several diseases.