In situ Analysis of the Fate and behavior of Inorganic Nanomaterials in Biological System by Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Probe Techniques

Abstract

\n\nThe comprehensive understanding of nanomaterial behavior in biological systems is essential in accurately modeling and predicting nanomaterial fate and toxicity. Synchrotron radiation (SR) X-ray techniques, based on their ability to study electronic configuration, coordination geometry, or oxidative state of nanomaterials with high sensitivity and spatial resolution, have been introduced to analyze the transformation behavior of nanomaterials in biological systems. \n\n\n\nPrevious research in this field are classified and summarized. \n\n\n\nTo start with, a brief introduction of a few widely used SR-based analytical techniques including X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence microprobe, scanning transmission X-ray microscopy and circular dichroism spectroscopy is provided. Then, the recent advances of their applications in the analysis of nanomaterial behaviors are elaborated based on different nanomaterial transformation forms such as biodistribution, biomolecule interaction, decomposition, redox reaction, and recrystallization/agglomeration. Finally, a few challenges faced in this field are proposed.\n\n\n\nThis review summarizes the application of SR X-ray techniques in analyzing the fate of inorganic nanomaterials in biological systems. We hope it can help the readers to have a general understanding of the applications of SR-based techniques in studying nanomaterial biotransformation and to stimulate more insightful researches in relevant fields.\n