title: Cell ashing for trace element analysis: A new approach based on ultraviolet/ozone.
abstract: We studied a new approach to cell ashing based on illuminating the specimens with a low-pressure mercury discharge lamp. We analyzed with synchrotron spectromicroscopy its effects on different physiological elements in neurobiological specimens. Our results demonstrate that carbon is removed, whereas phosphorus, calcium, potassium, and sulfur are retained and their relative concentrations are enhanced. Applied to trace elements, this technique will enhance their practical detectability.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Physique Appliquée, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale, PH-Ecublens, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.pupa@src.wisc.edu
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Stasio
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gilbert
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Perfetti
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mercanti
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Ciotti
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Andres
authors.forename: V E
authors.initials: VE
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Perfetti
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Margaritondo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002623:Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / Q000379:methods*; D007089:Image Enhancement; D009474:Neurons / Q000737:chemistry*; D010126:Ozone / Q000737:chemistry; D051381:Rats; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D014131:Trace Elements; D010126:Ozone