Real-Time Cell Analysis Using Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy at Single and Bulk
Swati Ramesh Pawar1, Deepak Kumar1, Rushikesh Biradar1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab, India.
Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry
|October 18, 2025
Summary
This review explores mass spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques for real-time cellular metabolism analysis. It highlights methods for single-cell and bulk analysis, crucial for understanding disease mechanisms and cellular heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Metabolomics
- Cellular Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding cellular metabolism is vital for biological processes and disease mechanisms.
- Mass spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) are key analytical methods in metabolomics for metabolite identification and quantification.
- Real-time analysis of cellular metabolism is essential for comprehensive biological insights.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and discuss MS and NMR-based techniques for real-time cellular metabolism analysis.
- To explore methods for both single-cell and bulk cellular analysis.
- To cover technological platforms, recent applications, and data analysis tools in metabolomics.
Main Methods:
- Discussed MS techniques: MALDI, SIMS, DESI, DART, nano ESI for live single-cell analysis.
- Examined NMR hyperpolarization techniques: DNP, parahydrogen-induced polarization, SABER, HRMAS NMR, and in vivo MRS for live bulk cell analysis.
- Included an overview of metabolomics data analysis tools like PCA and PLS-DA.
Main Results:
- MS techniques enable live, real-time single-cell metabolomic investigations, revealing cellular heterogeneity.
- NMR techniques, particularly with hyperpolarization, aim to overcome sensitivity limitations for bulk cellular analysis.
- The review synthesizes current technological platforms and applications of MS and NMR in metabolomics.
Conclusions:
- MS and NMR are powerful, complementary tools for comprehensive real-time metabolomics.
- Single-cell MS offers insights into cellular heterogeneity, while advanced NMR methods enhance bulk analysis sensitivity.
- Effective utilization of these techniques and data analysis tools is crucial for advancing our understanding of cellular metabolism.
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