Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andre Waehlisch, Rainer Unterumsberger, Philipp Honicke, Janin Lubeck, Yves Kayser, Jan Weser, Gaoliang Dai, Kai Hahm, Thomas Weimann, Christian Seim, Stefan Rehbein, Burkhard Beckhoff
Summary: A reliable and quantitative material analysis is important for understanding advanced material properties at the nanoscale. X-ray fluorescence microscopy can provide an element-sensitive and non-destructive tool for investigating nanotechnological materials. However, the quantification capabilities of these approaches are often limited. This study demonstrates that a traceable quantification of individual nanoobjects can be achieved using an X-ray fluorescence microscope with well-calibrated instrumentation instead of reference materials.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lisa Magdalena Rossbach, Dag Anders Brede, Gert Nuyts, Simone Cagno, Ragni Maria Skjervold Olsson, Deborah Helen Oughton, Gerald Falkenberg, Koen Janssens, Ole Christian Lind
Summary: A combination of techniques was used to study the uptake, biodistribution, and adverse effects of Ce nanoparticles and Ce(NO3)3 in Caenorhabditis elegans. The results showed that Ce uptake occurred in the alimentary canal and translocation was confined to specific regions. Ce(NO3)3 exposure caused significant effects on growth, fertility, and reproduction, while CeO2NP-induced deformities did not impair feeding ability. The study highlights the importance of sub-micron resolution SR-based XRF elemental mapping for robust toxicological evaluation.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Z. Zee, Keith W. MacRenaris, Thomas V. O'Halloran
Summary: Advanced quantitative instrumentation allows for a better understanding of how inorganic chemistry regulates key biological processes, particularly the role of metals in organismal development, pathology, and disease. Recent applications of label-free elemental imaging and quantification have led to the discovery of metal associations with various diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ischemic stroke, and colorectal cancer.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Adrian Frydrych, Kamil Jurowski
Summary: Elemental analysis using the ppXRF (portable XRF) spectrometer is a non-destructive, rapid, green, and low-cost method suitable for different types of samples. It has promising applications in food product analysis, providing speed, convenience, and precision for low-persistence samples. This critical review assesses the available studies on the analytical aspects of pXRF, such as calibration strategies, LOD, LOQ, linearity, etc., and suggests solutions to improve the quality and reliability of future food research using pXRF.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
S. Porcinai, A. Cagnini, M. Galeotti, M. Ferretti
Summary: The investigation of alloy composition is crucial for studying archaeological and historical metal artifacts. Portable X-ray fluorescence is commonly used for non-invasive alloy analysis, but its quantitative results are not reliable when the metal surface is covered by corrosion or patination layers. In such cases, micro samples representative of the bulk alloy need to be taken. This study evaluates and compares the accuracy and precision of X-ray fluorescence quantitative data obtained from surface and shavings samples, and suggests that a suitable calibration model using certified reference materials should be applied. Repeatability tests show consistent results within 5%, with slightly higher uncertainties for shavings compared to surface measurements. Two case studies of archaeological and Renaissance bronze artifacts are also discussed.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Vitaly Panchuk, Yuriy Petrov, Valentin Semenov, Dmitry Kirsanov
Summary: Quantitative analysis of spent nuclear fuel is difficult due to high radioactivity, complex chemical composition and safety requirements. A novel approach based on X-ray fluorescence radiation from SNF samples induced by fission products radioactivity is proposed. The complex spectra can be effectively analyzed through chemometric data processing for quantification of elements. The approach has been validated for direct analysis of U, Zr and Mo in SNF raffinate.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Y. Konyuba, H. Onodera, T. Yahagi
Summary: A new nanoimprint film method has been developed for preparing dried residues in X-ray fluorescence analysis, which results in uniform and thin residues. The thin film fundamental parameter method was used for quantitative analysis of the residues, showing values close to authentication and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectromy analysis values.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander P. Morrell, Richard A. Martin, Helen M. Roberts, Hiram Castillo-Michel, J. Frederick W. Mosselmans, Kalotina Geraki, Adrian T. Warfield, Paul Lingor, Wasif Qayyum, Daniel Graf, Maria Febbraio, Owen Addison
Summary: Exposure to exogenous particles is a growing concern for human health. To understand the associated biological response, it is important to characterize the concentrations, chemical species, distribution, and involvement of the stimulus with the tissue microanatomy. However, no single imaging technique can capture all these features at once, which limits correlative analyses. Developing synchronous imaging strategies that can identify multiple features simultaneously is crucial for assessing spatial relationships with greater confidence.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
Michael Iro, Dieter Ingerle, Martin Radtke, Ana Guilherme Buzanich, Peter Kregsamer, Christina Streli
Summary: The use of polycapillary optics in confocal micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis enables the non-destructive 3D investigation of the elemental composition of samples. This study investigates the transmission properties of polycapillary half lenses and their importance in quantitative interpretation of CMXRF measurements. The results show good agreement between experimental and theoretical values, as well as analysis of fabrication errors and focal spot size.
JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Soraya Aidene, Valentin Semenov, Denis Kirsanov, Dmitry Kirsanov, Vitaly Panchuk
Summary: X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is a powerful tool for elemental analysis, but it traditionally cannot quantify light elements. The use of scattering X-ray radiation is becoming popular in X-ray studies, with the trend being towards standard XRF instrumentation. This study explores the use of monochromatic radiation and varying incident angles to obtain physical and chemical information on plastic samples, utilizing machine learning techniques for regression modeling.
Article
Robotics
Samuel R. White, Peter G. Martin, David A. Megson-Smith, Thomas B. Scott
Summary: Laboratory and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence analysis is a rapid and quantitative elemental analysis technique that has been widely used. Recent developments in miniaturized equipment enable portable and on-site elemental characterization. Combining this technique with a robotic manipulator allows for autonomous assessments of material composition in nuclear and decommissioning scenarios.
JOURNAL OF FIELD ROBOTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessandra Gianoncelli, Valentina Bonanni, Gianluca Gariani, Francesco Guzzi, Lorella Pascolo, Roberto Borghes, Fulvio Bille, George Kourousias
Summary: Progress in nanotechnology requires high sensitivity and resolution material probing techniques, with soft X-ray microscopy being one of the most powerful tools in medicine and the life sciences for studying complex biological processes at micrometric and sub-micrometric length scales. The TwinMic soft X-ray microscopy end-station at the Elettra synchrotron demonstrates capabilities in medical and biological imaging, along with novel uses and developments.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Chuanpeng Wu, Liang Li
Summary: X-ray fluorescence computed tomography (XFCT) is a promising method for imaging the distribution of high-Z elements in a target object. Using a Compton camera for XFCT can overcome the limitations of mechanical collimators and achieve higher photon collection efficiency. In this work, a Compton camera platform is demonstrated for XFCT imaging, showing its potential for handheld XRF imaging and image-guided interventional operation.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MEDICAL IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Tsugufumi Matsuyama, Masanori Nakae, Masashi Murakami, Yukihiko Yoshida, Masahiko Machida, Kouichi Tsuji
Summary: Reducing measurement time is crucial in XRF analysis. The Bayesian theorem was applied to estimate XRF intensity, resulting in more than 85% reduction in measurement time for accurate intensity measurement.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Bo Gao, Brecht Laforce, Laszlo Vincze, Luc Van Hoorebeke, Matthieu N. Boone
Summary: XFCT is a method capable of mapping elemental distribution within an object without destructive sectioning, but it faces challenges due to self-absorption effects. A novel reconstruction method has been proposed in this manuscript to address the issue of accurately reconstructing trace and low Z elements. The method has shown promising results in retrieving the density distribution of relatively low Z elements.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Menghe Liu, Katja Hummitzsch, Monica D. Hartanti, Roseanne Rosario, Nicole A. Bastian, Nicholas Hatzirodos, Wendy M. Bonner, Helen F. Irving-Rodgers, Joop S. E. Laven, Richard A. Anderson, Raymond J. Rodgers
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kelvin K. H. Tong, Muhammad Hanif, James H. Lovett, Katja Hummitzsch, Hugh H. Harris, Tilo Sohnel, Stephen M. F. Jamieson, Christian G. Hartinger
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Kelly L. Summers, M. Jake Pushie, George J. Sopasis, Ashley K. James, Natalia Dolgova, Dimosthenis Sokaras, Thomas Kroll, Hugh H. Harris, Ingrid J. Pickering, Graham N. George
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Kelly L. Summers, Graham P. Roseman, George J. Sopasis, Glenn L. Millhauser, Hugh H. Harris, Ingrid J. Pickering, Graham N. George
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harley D. Betts, Stephanie L. Neville, Christopher A. McDevitt, Christopher J. Sumby, Hugh H. Harris
Summary: The study utilized X-ray absorption spectroscopy and size-exclusion chromatography hyphenated with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to investigate the biochemical fate of silver ions in bacterial culture and cells, revealing that silver is primarily bound by thiolate ligands and co-localized with copper-bound proteins in bacterial cells.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Rafiatu Azumah, Menghe Liu, Katja Hummitzsch, Nicole A. Bastian, Monica D. Hartanti, Helen F. Irving-Rodgers, Richard A. Anderson, Raymond J. Rodgers
Summary: This study investigates the changes in TGF beta signalling during foetal ovary development and its potential influence on the expression of PCOS candidate genes. The findings suggest that TGF beta 1 inhibits the expression of certain PCOS candidate genes in foetal ovarian fibroblasts, while increasing the expression of an AR cofactor. The study highlights the importance of TGF beta signalling in the development of PCOS.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Kelly L. Summers, Graham Roseman, Kevin M. Schilling, Natalia Dolgova, M. Jake Pushie, Dimosthenis Sokaras, Thomas Kroll, Hugh H. Harris, Glenn L. Millhauser, Ingrid J. Pickering, Graham N. George
Summary: Alzheimer's disease is a major cause of age-related dementia with an unclear initial cause. The amyloid cascade hypothesis suggests that the amyloid beta peptide plays a central role in disease pathology, while the metals hypothesis proposes a role for metal ions in Alzheimer's pathology.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Judith A. Carrall, Wilford Lie, Jacob M. Lambert, Hugh H. Harris, Barry Lai, Carolyn T. Dillon
Summary: This research aims to design and develop tumor-homing peptide complexes of arsenic to strategically target specific cancers, with the goal of achieving dose reduction and decreased side effects. Studies show that the most stable complex exhibits 1000 times greater toxicity towards leukemia cells than human blood cells, indicating potential for in vivo studies.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amelia Corzo Remigio, Hugh H. Harris, David J. Paterson, Mansour Edraki, Antony van der Ent
Summary: This study used synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and X-ray absorption near-edge structure imaging to investigate the chemical transformations of arsenic in the rhizosphere-root interface of Pityrogramma calomelanos and Pteris vittata. The results showed that the dominant form of arsenic in the soils was As(V), but in P. calomelanos roots it was As(III), while it was As(V) in P. vittata roots. This research provides insights for phytotechnologies to remediate arsenic-polluted soils.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcus E. Graziotto, Clinton J. Kidman, Liam D. Adair, Simon A. James, Hugh H. Harris, Elizabeth J. New
Summary: This article introduces the study of cellular systems using multimodal imaging techniques, focusing on the combination of optical fluorescence microscopy and X-ray fluorescence microscopy. The use of this technique broadens the scope of biological models and has the potential to uncover previously unknown knowledge about disease states.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Farida Abubakari, Denise R. Fernando, Philip Nti Nkrumah, Hugh H. Harris, Peter D. Erskine, Antony van der Ent
Summary: Macadamia integrifolia and M. tetraphylla, unlike M. ternifolia, are known for their edible nuts. This study investigates the distribution of manganese (Mn) and other plant nutrients in the tissues and cells of these three Macadamia species. The results show that Mn is primarily sequestered in the leaf and midrib palisade mesophyll cells of all three species, with Mn also present in leaf interveinal regions, root cortical cells, and phloem cells. The study provides new insights into Mn compartmentalization in these highly Mn-tolerant Macadamias and expands knowledge about the potentially toxic over-accumulation of an essential micronutrient, which can inform farming strategies for edible species.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antony van der Ent, Martin D. de Jonge, Guillaume Echevarria, Mark G. M. Aarts, Jolanta Mesjasz-Przybylowicz, Wojciech J. Przybylowicz, Dennis Brueckner, Hugh H. Harris
Summary: This study used synchrotron X-ray fluorescence tomography techniques and planar elemental X-ray imaging to investigate the tissue distribution of nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn) during seed germination of Noccaea caerulescens. The results showed that Ni and Zn were primarily located in the cotyledons and did not translocate during germination.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antony van der Ent, Jolanta Mesjasz-Przybylowicz, Wojciech J. Przybylowicz, Alban D. Barnabas, Martin D. de Jonge, Hugh H. Harris
Summary: Nationally, most hyperaccumulator plants that contain high levels of nickel are found in tropical regions with ultramafic soils. Phyllanthus, a taxonomical group from the Phyllanthaceae family, is the most commonly represented genus globally. Two species from Sabah, Malaysia, are particularly notable as Phyllanthus balgooyi can secrete more than 16% nickel in its phloem exudate, while Phyllanthus rufuschaneyi reaches foliar concentrations of up to 3.5% nickel, which are among the highest concentrations found in any plant tissue. Advanced imaging techniques were used to study the element distribution in various plant organs of P. balgooyi and P. rufuschaneyi. The results showed that P. balgooyi has a remarkable enrichment of nickel in the veins of its leaves, while in contrast, P. rufuschaneyi has nickel mainly occurring in interveinal areas. The study highlights the significant differences in the distribution of nickel and other elements between species, even within the same genus.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhouyang Huang, A. Paden King, James Lovett, Barry Lai, Joshua J. Woods, Hugh H. Harris, Justin J. Wilson
Summary: The photophysical and photochemical properties of two Pt(iv)Re(i) conjugates were studied and found to exhibit modest photocytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cells. X-ray fluorescence microscopy revealed colocalization of Pt and Re in cells, whether or not they had been irradiated. This work highlights the potential of photoactivated multilimetallic agents for cancer treatment.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harley D. Betts, Carole Whitehead, Hugh H. Harris
Summary: Silver has been known for its antibacterial properties for centuries and is commonly used in household and medical items. Its chemical fate in biological systems is still poorly understood, with interactions with bacteria leading to cell death and generation of reactive oxygen species. Resistance to silver in bacteria has been observed, highlighting the need for further research on the interactions between silver and biological systems.
