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Title: Synchrotron-based FTIR spectromicroscopy: Cytotoxicity and heating considerations

Journal Article · · Journal of Biological Physics
OSTI ID:816214

Synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectromicroscopy is a newly emerging bioanalytical and imaging tool. This unique technique provides mid-infrared (IR) spectra, hence chemical information, with high signal-to-noise at spatial resolutions as fine as 3 to 10 microns. Thus it enables researchers to locate, identify, and track specific chemical events within an individual living mammalian cell. Mid-IR photons are too low in energy (0.05 - 0.5 eV) to either break bonds or to cause ionization. In this review, we show that the synchrotron IR beam has no detectable effects on the short- and long-term viability, reproductive integrity, cell-cycle progression, and mitochondrial metabolism in living human cells, and produces only minimal sample heating (< 0.5 degrees C). These studies have established an important foundation for SR-FTIR spectromicroscopy in biological and biomedical research.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Director, Office of Science. Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Materials Science and Engineering Division (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
816214
Report Number(s):
LBNL-51900; R&D Project: G40001; TRN: US0304940
Journal Information:
Journal of Biological Physics, Vol. 29, Issue 2/3; Other Information: Journal Publication Date: 2003; PBD: 13 Dec 2002
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English