Imaging cell morphology and physiology using X-rays

Abstract

Morphometric measurements, such as quantifying cell shape, characterizing sub-cellular organization, and probing cell-cell interactions, are fundamental in cell biology and clinical medicine. Until quite recently, the main source of morphometric data on cells has been light- and electron-based microscope images. However, a number of technological advances have propelled X-ray microscopy into becoming another source of high-quality morphometric information. Here we review the status of X-ray microscopy as a quantitative biological imaging modality. We also describe the combination of X-ray microscopy data with information from other modalities to generate polychromatic views of biological systems. For example, the amalgamation of molecular localization data, from fluorescence microscopy or spectromicroscopy, with structural information from X-ray tomography. This combination of data from the same specimen generates a more complete picture of the system than can be obtained by a single microscopy method. Such multimodal combinations greatly enhance our understanding of biology by combining physiological and morphological data to create models that more accurately reflect the complexities of life.

Illuminating the Brain With X-Rays: Contributions and Future Perspectives of High-Resolution Microtomography to Neuroscience

“…Recent developments in x-ray optics have allowed the production of x-ray objectives, opening the way for a lens arrangement similar to an optical microscope. This technique offers rapid nanoscale x-ray imaging capability, meaning tomographic acquisitions in the order of minutes per sample ( Weinhardt et al, 2019 ) and a spatial resolution as small as 20 nm. So far, most of the advances for this approach were made in the soft x-ray energy range (named water window) for exploring the existent natural contrast between protein and water within this energy range.…”

Worthwhile Relevance of Infrared Spectroscopy in Characterization of Samples and Concept of Infrared Spectroscopy-Based Synchrotron Radiation

“…A synchrotron is a basis for very bright (brilliant) light, which operates like a gigantic microscope to allow the matter to be seen at the atomic level [105,106]. Synchrotron light is a million times brighter than sunlight and a million times more intense than conventional X-rays [107].…”

In-cell Solid-State NMR Studies of Antimicrobial Peptides

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