Intact living-cell electrolaunching ionization mass spectrometry for single-cell metabolomics.

ABSTRACT: While single-cell mass spectrometry can reveal cellular heterogeneity and the molecular mechanisms of intracellular biochemical reactions, its application is limited by the insufficient detection sensitivity resulting from matrix interference and sample dilution. Herein, we propose an intact living-cell electrolaunching ionization mass spectrometry (ILCEI-MS) method. A capillary emitter with a narrow-bore, constant-inner-diameter ensures that the entire living cell enters the MS ion-transfer tube. Inlet ionization improves sample utilization, and no solvent is required, preventing sample dilution and matrix interference. Based on these features, the detection sensitivity is greatly improved, and the average signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio is about 20 : 1 of single-cell peaks in the TIC of ILCE

SUBMITTER: Shao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9278508 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature