Simultaneous cryo X-ray ptychographic and fluorescence microscopy of green algae

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1413003112
• Publication Date: 2015-02-10T04:13:27Z
• Authors: Junjing Deng; David J. Vine; Si Chen; Youssef S. G. Nashed; Qiaoling Jin; Nicholas W. Phillips; Tom Peterka; Rob Ross; Stefan Vogt; Chris J. Jacobsen
• Keywords: Ptychography

Significance X-ray fluorescence microscopy provides unparalleled sensitivity for measuring the distribution of trace elements in many-micrometer-thick specimens, whereas ptychography offers a path to imaging weakly fluorescing biological ultrastructure at beyond-focusing-optic resolution. We demonstrate here first time, our knowledge, combination and frozen-hydrated specimens cryogenic temperatures, with excellent structural chemical preservation. This combined approach will have significant impact on studies intracellular localization nanocomposites attached therapeutic or diagnostic agents, help elucidate roles metals cell development, further study diseases where metal misregulation is suspected (including neurodegenerative diseases).