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Updated: May 5, 2026
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Single-cell metabolomics: analytical and biological perspectives.
1Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, CH-8093 Zürich, Switzerland.
Measuring the single-cell metabolome offers insights into cell diversity and responses. Advances in techniques like mass spectrometry are enabling new biological discoveries, particularly in cancer and stem cell research.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- The metabolome, or small-molecule metabolites, reflects cellular phenotype and environmental responses.
- Measuring the single-cell metabolome is challenging due to metabolic dynamics, molecular diversity, and lack of amplification methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state and challenges of single-cell metabolomics.
- To highlight the potential of single-cell metabolomics for biological discovery.
Main Methods:
- Mass spectrometry
- Capillary electrophoresis
- Optical spectroscopy and fluorescence detection
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in single-cell metabolomics despite current limitations.
- Methodologies are shifting from feasibility studies to generating biological insights.
Conclusions:
- Single-cell metabolomics is a rapidly advancing field with broad applications.
- Key areas include cancer biology, stem cell research, and drug monitoring.
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