Laser ablation-single-particle-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry as a multimodality bioimaging tool in nano-based omics

Advanced data processing and visualization techniques were applied to laser ablation-single particle-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-sp-ICPMS) data obtained from imaging of roots of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) which were exposed to ionic silver (Ag+). Highly multiplexed images with tissue level resolution were generated, showing the uptake and transformation of Ag+ to silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in whole root cross-sections, and revealing that the size of biosynthesized AgNPs is predisposed by the reducing power of particular root compartments. Various Ag+ and AgNP visualization strategies are shown with special emphasis on spatially resolved information associated with the number and spherical-equivalent size of individual AgNPs in user-selected root cross-sectional regions, including statistical analysis of the AgNP distribution. Normally, this multimodality information can only be obtained by combining the results of techniques from several complementary platforms.