Native State Single-Cell Printing System and Analysis for Matrix Effects.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Mass spectrometry faces limitations in analyzing live single cells due to matrix effects.
• Existing methods struggle to preserve the native state of cells during analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel system for analyzing live single cells in their native state, overcoming matrix effects.
• To enhance the speed and accuracy of single-cell analysis using mass spectrometry.

Main Methods:

• A three-phase droplet-based single-cell printing analysis system (TP-SCP) was developed.
• TP-SCP integrates packaging, extraction, separation, printing, and analysis of single cells.
• Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry was employed for analysis.

Main Results:

• TP-SCP achieved 44% cell packaging and 88% single-cell packaging.
• The system processed 3-4 cells per second, significantly faster than traditional methods.
• Analysis revealed increased monounsaturated phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylethanolamine in cancer cells.
• Cell classification and identification accuracy reached 100% using PCA and LDA.

Conclusions:

• TP-SCP effectively eliminates matrix effects, enabling native single-cell analysis.
• The system offers a high-throughput and accurate framework for cell biology and cancer research.
• This method provides a robust approach for cell quality control, diagnosis, and prevention.