Recent advances in single-cell ultra-trace analysis

Abstract

Currently, single-cell analysis has become increasingly important. It can reveal cell-to-cell variances in a heterogeneous cell population and obtain a rare but important cytological information. Statistical analysis of cell populations based on single cell analysis results in a more realistic state of cell distribution, which is more conducive to biochemical and biomedical development than traditional average analysis based on a large population of cells. Due to extremely small volume of cells and low content/concentration of target analyte in individual cell, ultra-sensitive and anti-interference analysis protocols are urgently required. Herein, we present the state-of-the-art advances in single-cell analysis in the last three years, involving optical analysis, electrochemical analysis, and mass spectrometric analysis. In addition to the introduction of the latest analytical approaches, we highlight quantitative single-cell analysis in terms of calibration methods, sensitivity and/or detection limit. Finally, future perspectives in single-cell analysis are depicted.