Imaging of trace elements in tissues: with a focus on laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Elemental imaging techniques are capable of showing the spatial distribution of elements in a sample. Their application in biomedical sciences is promising, but they are not yet widely employed. The review gives a short overview about techniques available and then focuses on the advantages of using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for elemental bioimaging. Current examples for the use of elemental imaging with medical context are given to illustrate the potential of this type of analysis for clinical applications.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recently, synchrotron-based techniques and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry have been successfully applied to analyse the spatial distribution of elements in biological samples of medical relevance.

SUMMARY: Elemental bioimaging methods have a great potential for medical applications. They are complementary to molecular imaging and histological staining and are especially attractive when used in combination with stable isotope tracer experiments.