Elemental distribution images in prostate samples by X-ray fluorescence microtomography

An X-ray transmission microtomography (CT) system combined with an X-ray fluorescence microtomography (XRFμCT) system was implemented in the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), in order to determine the elemental distribution in prostate samples aiming at establishing a correlation between the concentration of some elements and the characteristics and pathology of the tissues.The CT images were reconstructed using a filtered-back projection algorithm and the XRFμCT images were reconstructed using a filtered-back projection algorithm with absorption corrections.

► In this study we evaluated prostate tissues by microtomography imaging techniques.
► The elemental distribution of iron, copper and zinc was obtained in each sample.
► The great advantage of this technique is the visualization in three-dimension.
► The elemental distribution visualization was obtained without damaging the material.