Single-Cell Analysis by Use of ICP-MS
Theiner, S. et al.
Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2020
DOI: 10.1039/D0JA00194E
In this review article, the authors describe the fundamentals, instrumentation, and recent developments of single-cell analysis using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (sc-ICP-MS).
Metals and hetero-elements present in cells (e.g. in the form of engineered metallic nanoparticles) can be detected qualitatively on a single cell level. When appropriate calibration strategies are available, the metal concentrations can further be quantified.
Time-of-flight (TOF) ICP-MS is discussed as one promising method for single-cell analysis due to its wide quasi-simultaneous acquisition range, low full-spectrum acquisition time, and its high mass resolving power. For single-cell analysis, ICP-TOFMS can be coupled to laser ablation or liquid sample introduction systems.
