Ion localization in Cells by Electron Probe X-Ray Microanalysis (Epxma) Depends on Cryopreparation

Elements in biological cells can be localized by EPXMA. The most attractive approach of this method with respect to detection limit and spatial resolution is scanning transmission electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive x ray microanalysis of ultrathin (approximately 100 nm thick) freeze-dried cryosections. The detection limit, here determined by scanning an electron beam of 1.3 nA for 2 min over freeze-dried cryosections from frozen standard solutions was found to be about 10 mMol/kg dry weight for all elements with the atomic number Z higher than 12. Due to the Be window in the x ray detector the detection limit was 20 mMol/kg dry weight for Mg (Z = 12) and 30 mMol/kg dry weight for Na (Z = 11). The lateral analytical resolution was less than 50 nm, limited by section thickness. In most cells 10 mMol/kg dry weight correspond to an absolute detection limit of .500 atoms within a volume of 100×50×50 nm3.