Harnessing ICP-MS for Quantitative Analysis of Metal-Based Nanoparticle-Cell Interactions

The increasing use of metal-based nanoparticles in biomedical and environmental applications has intensified the need for advanced analytical strategies capable of elucidating their interactions with biological systems. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has emerged as a powerful and versatile tool for the quantitative analysis of nanoparticle-cell interactions owing to its sensitivity, selectivity, and multielement capability. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of recent developments in ICP-MS-based technologies for investigating cellular uptake, intracellular distribution and biotransformation of metal-containing nanoparticles. Approaches ranging from conventional bulk analysis to single particle and single cell approaches are discussed, highlighting their respective strengths and limitations. The coupling of ICP-MS with separation techniques and emerging imaging and mass cytometry strategies is also presented, underscoring the critical role of ICP-MS in advancing nanotoxicology and nanomedicine research.