Progress in analytical imaging of the cell by dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS microscopy)

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta Vol. 1724; no. 3; pp. 228 - 238
• Main Authors: Guerquin-Kern, Jean-Luc, Wu, Ting-Di, Quintana, Carmen, Croisy, Alain
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 05.08.2005
• Subjects: Animals; Cell imaging; Dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry; HeLa Cells; Humans; Ion microscopy; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission - methods; Parallel detection; Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion - instrumentation; Spectrometry, Mass, Secondary Ion - methods; Stable isotope; Ultrastructure; Stable isotope; Cell imaging; Ion microscopy; Ultrastructure; Parallel detection; Dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry
• ISSN: 0304-4165; 0006-3002; 1872-8006
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2005.05.013

This paper reviews the most recent methodological advances in the field of biological imaging using dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). After a short reminder of the basic principle of SIMS imaging, the latest high-resolution dynamic SIMS equipment is briefly described. This new ion nanoprobe (CAMECA NanoSIMS 50™) has a lateral resolution of less than 50 nm with primary Cs + ion, the ability to detect simultaneously 5 different ions from the same micro-volume and a very good transmission even at high mass resolution (60% at M/Δ M = 5000). Basic considerations related to sample preparation, mass resolution and primary ion implantation are given. The decisive capability of this new instrument, and more generally of high-resolution dynamic SIMS imaging in biology, are illustrated with the most recent examples of utilization 2 2 A collection of images obtained with NanoSIMS 50 can be found at: http://www.cameca.fr/html/application_note.html under the heading: NanoSIMS 50 NanoSIMS biological application booklet. .