X-ray fluorescence analysis enables the study of trace element distributions in biological specimens. When this analysis is done under cryogenic conditions, cells are cryofixed as closely as possible to their natural physiological state, and the corresponding intracellular elemental densities can be analyzed. Details about the experimental setup used for analysis at the P06 beamline at Petra III, DESY and the used cryo-transfer system are described in this work. The system was applied to analyze the elemental distribution in single HeLa cells, a cell line frequently used in a wide range of biological applications. Cells adhered to silicon nitride substrates were cryoprotected within an amorphous ice matrix. Using a continuous scanning scheme and a KB x-ray focus, the distribution of elements in the cells was studied. We were able to image the intracellular potassium and zinc levels in HeLa cells as two key elements relevant for the physiology of cells.

中文翻译：

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在 Petra III 的 P06 光束线处冷冻水合 HeLa 细胞中痕量元素分布的显微 X 射线荧光分析

X 射线荧光分析能够研究生物样本中的微量元素分布。在低温条件下进行这种分析时，细胞会尽可能接近其自然生理状态进行冷冻固定，并且可以分析相应的细胞内元素密度。这项工作描述了有关在 Petra III、DESY 和使用的低温转移系统的 P06 光束线进行分析的实验设置的详细信息。该系统用于分析单个 HeLa 细胞中的元素分布，这种细胞系经常用于广泛的生物学应用。粘附在氮化硅基底上的细胞在无定形冰基质内进行冷冻保护。使用连续扫描方案和 KB x 射线焦点，研究了细胞中元素的分布。