The single-probe: a miniaturized multifunctional device for single cell mass spectrometry analysis

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Cell Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Metabolomic analysis traditionally requires cell lysis, limiting real-time intracellular studies.
• Existing single-cell analysis methods often lack the spatial resolution or throughput for comprehensive metabolomics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel Single-probe mass spectrometry (MS) technology for real-time, in situ metabolomic analysis of individual living cells.
• To demonstrate the capability of the Single-probe MS for detecting intracellular metabolites and anticancer drugs in single cancer cells.

Main Methods:

• Development of a miniaturized, multifunctional sampling and ionization device (Single-probe) with a tip size <10 μm.
• Direct coupling of the Single-probe to a mass spectrometer for intracellular sampling and analysis.
• Application of the Single-probe MS for detecting metabolites and drugs (paclitaxel, doxorubicin, OSW-1) in HeLa cervical cancer cells.

Main Results:

• Successful real-time, in situ detection of intracellular metabolites in individual HeLa cells.
• Quantification of anticancer small molecules (paclitaxel, doxorubicin, OSW-1) within single HeLa cells.
• Demonstration of the Single-probe MS's ability to perform high-resolution single-cell metabolomics.

Conclusions:

• The Single-probe MS technology offers a powerful new method for single-cell mass spectrometry (SCMS).
• Its accessible fabrication and broad applicability position it to advance various research disciplines.
• This technology could reshape analytical sciences by enabling unprecedented insights into cellular metabolism and drug responses at the single-cell level.