Illuminating the brain: Revealing brain biochemistry with synchrotron X-ray spectromicroscopy

Everett, James; Brooks, Jake; Lermyte, Frederik; Tjhin, Vindy Tjendana; Hands-Portman, Ian; Hill, Emily; Collingwood, Joanna F.; Telling, Neil D.

Abstract

The synchrotron x-ray spectromicroscopy technique Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy (STXM) offers a powerful means to examine the underlying biochemistry of biological systems, owing to its combined chemical sensitivity and nanoscale spatial resolution. Here we introduce and demonstrate methodology for the use of STXM to examine the biochemistry of the human brain. We then discuss how this approach can help us better understand the biochemical changes that occur during the development of degenerative brain disorders, potentially facilitating the development of new therapies for disease diagnosis and treatment.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 12, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jun 16, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-07
• Deposit Date: Oct 23, 2023
• Journal: JOURNAL OF ELECTRON SPECTROSCOPY AND RELATED PHENOMENA
• Print ISSN: 0368-2048
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 266
• Article Number: ARTN 147355
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.elspec.2023.147355