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X-Ray Microanalysis in the Scanning Electron Microscope

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Electron Microscopy

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology ((MIMB,volume 1117))

Abstract

X-ray microanalysis conducted using the scanning electron microscope is a technique that allows the determination of chemical elements in bulk or semi-thick specimens. The lowest concentration of an element that can be detected is in the order of a few mmol/kg or a few hundred parts per million, and the smallest amount is in the order of 10−18 g. The spatial resolution of the analysis depends on the thickness of the specimen. For biological specimen analysis, care must be taken to prevent displacement/loss of the element of interest (usually ions). Protocols are presented for the processing of frozen-hydrated and freeze-dried specimens, as well as for the analysis of small volumes of fluid, cell cultures, and other specimens. Aspects of qualitative and quantitative analysis are covered, including limitations of the technique.

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Acknowledgements

This paper is dedicated to the memory of the recently deceased Dr Lahja Sevéus, who contributed significantly to the development of the quantitative techniques reviewed here. The original work on which this chapter is based was carried out while the authors were employed at the Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University. The studies reviewed here were supported by the Swedish Research Council, the Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust, the Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, and the Swedish Association for Cystic Fibrosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health and Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden

    Godfried M. Roomans

  2. Department of Pathology, Uppsala Academic Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden

    Anca Dragomir

Authors
  1. Godfried M. Roomans
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  2. Anca Dragomir
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia

    John Kuo

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Roomans, G.M., Dragomir, A. (2014). X-Ray Microanalysis in the Scanning Electron Microscope. In: Kuo, J. (eds) Electron Microscopy. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 1117. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-776-1_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-62703-776-1_28

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  • Publisher Name: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-62703-775-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-62703-776-1

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