Wet sample confinement by superhydrophobic patterned surfaces for combined X-ray fluorescence and X-ray phase contrast imaging

详细信息    查看全文

• 作者：G. Ciasca ; L. Businaro ; A. De Ninno ; A. Cedola ; A. Notargiacomo ; G. Campi ; M. Papi ; A. Ranieri ; S. Carta ; E. Giovine ; A. Gerardino
• 关键词：Superhydrophobic patterned surfaces ; X-ray fluorescence ; X-ray phase contrast imaging ; Analyte enrichment
• 刊名：Microelectronic Engineering
• 出版年：2013
• 出版时间：November, 2013
• 年：2013
• 卷：111
• 期：Complete
• 页码：304-309
• 全文大小：1700 K

文摘

In this work we propose a wet sample handling technique which enables the simultaneous collection of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectra and X-ray phase contrast imaging (XPCI) using a few microliters drop confined on a superhydrophobic surface. To this purpose, we fabricated and tested a superhydrophobic patterned surface entailing an hydrophilic region which leads to pinning of the drop, enabling X-ray beam effortless alignment and measuring in liquid phase. Our technique allows to acquire capillary-free XRF spectra, resulting in a significant fluorescence detection gain, which is particularly interesting for light elements. Simultaneous XPCI provides sample geometry assuring a fine control of the experimental conditions and allowing real time monitoring of the drop during measurements. As an additional advantage - after solvent evaporation - the solute is deposited on a precise spot, greatly increasing its concentration allowing further measurements, such as X-ray microanalysis and X-ray diffraction.

These results could have potential applications in the study of blood proteins, such as ferritin and low density lipoprotein, which are usually available in very limited quantity.