X-ray mapping of freeze-dried cryosections from biological cells

Abstract

Abstract. Elemental mapping of freeze-dried cryosections from biological cells was done using the energy window mode and the quantitative mode. Quantitative mapping requires long measuring times and high electron exposure resulting in inhomogeneous shrinkage and distortion of the cryosection. Collection of X-ray spectra for quantitative analysis of intracellular structures and compartments combined with energy window mapping was found to be sufficiently fast and reliable to reveal inhomogeneities of the element distribution in cells. However, this method is suitable only for mapping elements without overlapping peaks in the X-ray spectrum.