Easy Elemental Micro-analysis for the Life Sciences
The XGT-5000bio imaging XRF microscope from HORIBA Jobin Yvon allows biological samples to be non-destructively analysed for elemental composition and distribution with unique 10 micron spatial resolution.
03 April 2006: The latest configuration of the award winning series of HORIBA Jobin Yvon micro XRF analysers will revolutionise the use of elemental micro-analysis in the life sciences.
The potential applications of micro-XRF for the life sciences is varied. Examples include tissue and bone characterisation, drug formulation and pathway investigations, identification of mineral deposits and micro-particles, or analysis of element uptake from the environment. In fact, any application where fast, elemental micro-analysis is required.
However, commonly XRF has been discounted from the researcher’s armoury of analytical tools because of the necessity to analyse under full vacuum conditions to reduce competing x-ray absorption by air. For typical life sciences samples water is a major constituent, but they will be quickly dehydrated under vacuum conditions. The resulting cell/tissue death makes the measurement results meaningless.
With the new XGT-5000bio micro-XRF system the potential of elemental analysis within the life sciences is finally unlocked, thanks to a unique localised vacuum system. Samples are maintained at atmospheric pressure, whilst the analysis probe head is kept within its own separate vacuum. Absorption from air is minimised, so that all elements from sodium to uranium can be analysed, whilst sample health is maintained. Immediately the full power of micro-XRF can now be realised for a whole range of biological applications.
Microscopic features such as mineral deposits within tissue or transport systems in leaves can be quickly and discretely probed with the XGT-5000bio, which provides ultra-narrow, high intensity x-ray beams with diameters ranging from 1.2mm down to a unique 10 ́m. In addition, quantification in the percent/ppm level is routinely possible, providing a fast measure of subtle changes in elemental composition.
Where a wider picture is required, perhaps for analysing drug distribution across a complete organ, or investigating pollutant uptake in a plant, the XGT-5000bio is equipped with a spacious sample chamber, and areas as large as 100mm x 100mm can be imaged for elemental distribution.
With the ground breaking XGT technology, micro-XRF is now routinely applicable to life science research in an easy bench top configuration.
The technology has evolved – let it revolutionise YOUR research.
For further information, please contact:
Simon FitzGerald
HORIBA Jobin Yvon Ltd
T: +44 (0) 20 8204 8142
E: info@jobinyvon.co.uk
W: http://www.jobinyvon.co.uk/ukdivisions/XRay/index.htm |
