Exploring subcellular imaging on the buncher-ToF J105 3D chemical imager

Imaging Mass Spectrometry is emerging as a promising technique to further the understanding of disease and treatment. ToF-SIMS is also uniquely placed to become a powerful tool in this field due to its chemical specificity and the ability to perform high spatial resolution imaging. In this paper advances in single cell imaging at a sub-cellular level in 2D and 3D are explored using a novel SIMS instrument based on a buncher-ToF configuration, the J105 3D Chemical Imager. The data shows molecular localisation on a sub-cellular scale, over a suitable timeframe, whilst sustaining high mass resolution. The cells are imaged using a 40 keV C-60(+) dc beam and a clear differentiation between the material within the nuclei and lipid membrane can be made. In addition challenges in data manipulation and interpretation are discussed. Investigation of cell preparation suggests that the frozen hydrated approach may be beneficial. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.