title: Characterization of individual nano-objects with nanoprojectile-SIMS.
abstract: Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the event-by-event bombardment/detection mode is uniquely suited for the characterization of individual nano-objects. In this approach, nano-objects are examined one-by-one, allowing for the detection of variations in composition. The validity of the analysis depends upon the ability to physically isolate the nano-objects on a chemically inert support. This requirement can be realized by deposition of the nano-objects on a Nano-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (NALDI™) plate. The featured nanostructured surface provides a support where nano-objects can be isolated if the deposition is performed at a proper concentration. We demonstrate the characterization of individual nano-objects on a NALDI™ plate for two different types of nanometric bacteriophages: Qβ and M13. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images verified that the integrity of the phages is preserved on the NALDI™ substrate. Mass spectrometric data show secondary ions from the phages are identified and resolved from those from the underlying substrate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-3255, USA.
authors.forename: C-K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: S V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Verkhoturov
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bisrat
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dikler
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Debord
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Fernandez-Lima
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Schweikert
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Della-Negra
keywords: NALDI™; ToF-SIMS; event-by-event SIMS analysis; gold clusters; nano-objects