Spatial single cell metabolomics: Current challenges and future developments

Single cell metabolomics is a rapidly advancing field of bio-analytical chemistry which aims to observe cellular biology with the greatest detail possible. Mass spectrometry imaging and selective cell sampling (e.g. using nanocapillaries) are two common approaches within the field. Recent achievements such as observation of cell-cell interactions, lipids determining cell states and rapid phenotypic identification demonstrate the efficacy of these approaches and the momentum of the field. However, single cell metabolomics can only continue with the same impetus if the universal challenges to the field are met, such as the lack of strategies for standardisation and quanti-fication, and lack of specificity/sensitivity. Mass spectrometry imaging and selective cell sampling come with unique advan-tages and challenges which, in many cases are complemen-tary to each other. We propose here that the challenges specific to each approach could be ameliorated with collabo-ration between the two communities driving these approaches.

Automated summary

Single cell metabolomics is a rapidly growing field in bio-analytical chemistry that aims to observe cellular biology in great detail. Two common approaches within this field are mass spectrometry imaging and selective cell sampling. Recent achievements in cell-cell interactions, lipid analysis, and phenotypic identification demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches. However, the field faces challenges such as standardization, quantification, specificity, and sensitivity. Collaboration between the communities driving these approaches can help address the challenges specific to each approach.