Visualization of intracellular elements by scanning X-ray fluorescence microscopy for medical applications

Minerals and metals are essential for a healthy body, and the concentrations of these elements have been suggested to change during the diseased state. However, the distribution of these elements may also change during disease. In this study, we describe the development and use of a scanning X-ray fluorescence microscope (SXFM) system and an accompanying analytical method (elemental array). We demonstrate that a SXFM can reliably determine the cellular distribution of multiple elements with a high spatial resolution. Visualizing intracellular elements and understanding their kinetics may provide greater insight into disease etiology and may help to identify potential therapies. (author)