Single-Cell Metabolomics: Technology and Applications

Abstract Metabolites are arguably the end product of any biological process performed in the “cell” that yields most of the immediate information about the cellular phenotype. Single-cell metabolomics (SCM) provides much penetration to elucidate cellular heterogeneity of metabolite generation under particular conditions at particular time intervals, and SCM has better potential to provide holistic and comprehensive insights for understanding organisms’ responses under different pathophysiological conditions. However, enormous structural diversity, chemical instability due to rapid turnover, and lack of an amplification option render analysis of single-cell metabolites extremely difficult. The major challenge in SCM is to have sensitive instruments and assays that can identify major metabolites in nano-to-attomole range. Several modern methods—such as improved ionization methods, high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), mass cytometry, and other sensitive techniques—are leading the way for SCM. This chapter examines basic sampling methods, SCM platforms, and data analysis programs, along with potential applications and the future of SCM technology.