Structural Diagnostics of Biological Systems Based on X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Recent developments of X‐ray absorption spectroscopy as analytical tool for biological and biomedical applications

“…Gaining information about local atomic and electronic structure of these metal ions allows us to get insight of the occurring processes, as this changes significantly. 1 This complex interplay between d-block metal ions and the biological process is defined as metallomics. In this context, X-ray based methods have gained exponential importance, in aiding the clarification by elemental imaging analysis of accumulated metal species and metal-containing compounds in biological materials, as presented by Collingwood and Adams.…”

“…5 XAS requires a high flux beam, which is why it is mainly found at synchrotron sources, and X-rays have high penetration depth. This allows undertaking in situ experiments, with direct observation of the species at the molecular level under conditions maximum close to physiological, as mentioned by Yalovega and Kremennaya, 1 as well as Czapla-Masztafiak et al 6 And in most of the cases without the need for preconcentration. This includes simple systems and more complex one, such as cells and tissues.…”

“…The d‐block elements of the periodic table play a decisive catalytic role in metalloproteins, which in turn are involved in many key biological processes—for example, oxygen transport and metabolism. Gaining information about local atomic and electronic structure of these metal ions allows us to get insight of the occurring processes, as this changes significantly 1 . This complex interplay between d‐block metal ions and the biological process is defined as metallomics.…”