Future Prospective of Bioimaging with Ion Beams

Abstract

Briefly summarized are our present activities on how to utilize ion beams for bio imaging. We have been trying to extend the analysis scope of bio-SIMS from lipids and metabolites to proteins to make SIMS an omni-molecular imaging tool. To overcome the sample preparation requirement of mass spectrometry for vacuum compatibility, an ambient imaging mass spectrometer has been developed. A TOF-MEIS system developed for nano thin film interface analysis were used for liquid interface analysis, which can be extended further to cell membrane analysis. Ultimate spatial resolution of 0.5 nm with ion beams is provided by HIM. Complementary multimodal approaches are necessary for better understanding of nano and bio systems.