Fig. 2
Cryo-XFM imaging of SK-N-AS cells treated with three different nanocomposites. a SK-N-AS cells were treated with 250 nM Fe3O4@TiO2 nanocomposites for 1 h. The distribution of Ti and Fe (as proxy for nanocomposites) in SK-N-AS cells was cytoplasmic or associated with the membrane; b the same cell was imaged after a 45 degree rotation, with all Ti signal separated from the Zn-rich area of the nucleus; c SK-N-AS cells treated with DOPAC–Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoconjugates showing large aggregates with dense concentration of Ti and Fe; d SK-N-AS cells also display punctate pattern of smaller aggregates of nanocomposites apparently co-localizing with Mn and Zn signal. e SK-N-AS cells treated with MIBG–Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoconjugates. Some co-localization of Ti and Fe puncta with Mn and Zn is observed, indicating either potential mitochondrial or nuclear distribution of MIBG–Fe3O4@TiO2 nanoconjugates. f After a + 60 degree rotation, image of the lower portion of same cell is still indicating Ti and Mn co-localization for aggregates nc 3 and nc 4; g scan of the upper portion of the same cell after a -60 degree rotation suggests that aggregate nc1 is in fact immediately above the nucleus. Scale bar and elemental concentration indicator (black—no signal to red—highest signal) are located under each image