True one cell chemical analysis: a review.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Individual cell heterogeneity is recognized, driving demand for single-cell chemical analysis.
• True One Cell (TOC) analysis is crucial for understanding chemical differences between cells.
• The field of TOC analysis is rapidly expanding with new technological developments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common techniques used in True One Cell (TOC) chemical analysis.
• To highlight advancements in micro- and nanomanipulation, spectroscopy, microscopy, and mass spectrometry for TOC.
• To provide an overview of current methodologies for single-cell chemical characterization.

Main Methods:

• Micro- and nanomanipulation techniques for isolating and handling single cells.
• Raman spectroscopy for non-destructive chemical identification of cellular components.
• Mass spectrometric imaging for spatially resolved chemical analysis of cells.
• Advanced microscopy techniques to complement chemical analysis.

Main Results:

• TOC analysis provides direct chemical composition data at the single-cell level.
• Various techniques enable detailed chemical mapping and identification within individual cells.
• The integration of manipulation, spectroscopy, and imaging offers comprehensive single-cell chemical insights.

Conclusions:

• True One Cell (TOC) analysis is essential for investigating cellular heterogeneity.
• Technological advancements are continuously improving the capabilities of TOC analysis.
• This review consolidates key methods for researchers in single-cell chemical analysis.