Application of nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry to microbial ecology study

Abstract

Generally considering the widespread distribution and functional importance of microorganisms in biogeochemical processes, single-cell methods to detect their metabolic activities in naturally complex environments are essential. Recent methodological advancements in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) - based imaging techniques have revealed novel insights into metabolically active cells and their identification. The nano-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) represents the most advanced generation of ion microprobe imaging technique, which possesses well-focused primary ion beam, high levels of sensitivity, ion transmission, mass resolution and spatial resolution (< 50 nm), co..