Elemental imaging of biological samples with high lateral resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry

Abstract

A high lateral resolution secondary ion mass spectrometer (NanoSIMS) is a powerful tool for the analysis of biological samples. It provides direct-imaging of elements and isotopes with subcellular scale and low detection limit. In combination with stable isotope tracers, quantitative imaging has been used to investigate various biological activities, such as carbon and nitrogen transfer and metabolism in animal and bacterial cells. This mini review describes some basic information of SIMS and applications of elemental imaging in biological studies using NanoSIMS.