Sample introduction of single selenized yeast cells (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) by micro droplet generation into an ICP-sector field mass spectrometer for label-free detection of trace elements

Current trends in single cell analysis

“…Here, cells are embedded in a single droplet, which is shot into the plasma directly. With this sample introduction method, metals in yeast cells have been detected already by Shigeta et al [9] at attogram levels. A similar approach was presented by Verboket et al [4], but they used a novel microfluidic system for droplet generation and direct injection into the ICP-MS.…”

Acquisition of fast transient signals in ICP-MS with enhanced time resolution

“…Several groups have reported the use of micro-droplet generators (µDG), which deliver discrete droplets to the ICP-MS with up to 100% transport efficiency. [7][8][9] Signals in the order of 500 μs duration have been reported for both single nanoparticles and cells using this approach. 7,9 Another notable form of transient sampling is laser ablation (LA), which is applied to sample solid targets, such as tissue sections [10][11][12] or isolated cells.…”

“…[7][8][9] Signals in the order of 500 μs duration have been reported for both single nanoparticles and cells using this approach. 7,9 Another notable form of transient sampling is laser ablation (LA), which is applied to sample solid targets, such as tissue sections [10][11][12] or isolated cells. 13,14 LA-ICP-MS offers a combination of high sensitivity and high spatial resolution, which is critical to many bio-imaging applications.…”

A Microfluidic Chip for ICPMS Sample Introduction

“…The droplets can be transported into ICPMS with close to 100% efficiency 5 . These microdroplet dispensers have been applied for quantitatively measuring single nanoparticles 5,6 as well as characterizing individual biological cells 7 . A similar system based on thermal inkjet technology 8 was tested for analysis of biological samples 9 .…”