Method and Device for Carrying Out a Quantitative Spatially-Resolved Local and Distribution Analysis of Chemical Elements and in Situ Characterization of the Ablated Surface Regions

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This invention presents a new method and device for quantitative, spatially-resolved analysis of chemical element distribution and in-situ characterization of ablated regions at the nanometer scale. By integrating a specially designed laser ablation chamber with a conventional laser microdissection (LMD) system, it enables precise microscopic imaging and element analysis, such as determining metal concentrations in very small and highly localized regions (down to single cells or organelles). The probe remains in place throughout various stages of analysis, without needing removal or transfer between instruments.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Mapping trace element or metal distribution in biological tissue sections (e.g., identifying metal accumulations in neurons related to neurodegenerative diseases).
• On-site microscopic characterization and elemental analysis of single cells or subcellular structures in research and pathology labs.
• Simultaneous topographic imaging and chemical analysis of biopsies for cancer diagnostics or other diseases.
• High-resolution elemental mapping in forensic samples.
• Materials science research, such as detecting contaminants or inclusions at the micro- or nanoscale.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables highly sensitive, quantitative, and spatially-resolved analysis of chemical elements at nanometer resolution.
• Allows in-situ (on the spot) analysis and microscopic observation both before and after ablation, enhancing data reliability.
• Integrates with existing commercial LMD systems, reducing need for multiple or new equipment.
• Minimizes sample handling and risk of contamination by keeping samples stationary between steps.
• Combines topographical and chemical analysis in a single workflow, improving diagnostic and research capabilities.
• Optional collection of specific ablated regions for further molecular analysis (e.g., of proteins in particular tissue areas).

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Patent Abstract

A laser ablation chamber, suitable for use in a conventional laser microdissection unit (LMD), enables in combination with the LMD both a quantitative spatially-resolved nano-local and distribution analysis of element concentrations in a sample and a microscopic recording of the surface topography of said sample in the nanometer range. This can optionally be followed by further examinations without for this purpose the sample needing to be removed from a slide comprising the sample. For the examination, a region of the sample to be analyzed is selected with the aid of a microscope of an LMD. In the process, the sample is situated on the underside of a cover glass (slide), which at the same time is part of a laser ablation chamber that is mounted underneath the slide and within the LMD. Part of the sample is ablated and analyzed. Optionally, it is possible to cut out in a targeted fashion certain regions of the tissue in which metals were detected by means of the available LMD instruments for the purpose of further analysis and to collect these regions in sample containers that are attached under the slide after the laser ablation.