Droplet microextraction for single cell mass spectrometric analysis
Miniaturization of classical extraction procedures, which was the origin of microextraction techniques, has reduced the consumption/requirement of extractant solvents in the liquid-based formats from the mL to the m L range. The use of lower droplets, at the nL or even pL levels, opens a door to process special systems characterized by their small sizes or low availability. In a previous post, we discussed the potential of liquid extraction surface analysis (LESA) [1,2]. This technique is so powerful to analyze surfaces as it integrates the liquid extraction of the solid samples with the on-line mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of the extracts. LESA works with nL droplets allowing the superficial analysis of tissues or bacteria colonies. One question arises in this context. Is it possible to use this technology to analyze single cells? For the theoretical point of view, that approach is possible. However, a recent study published in Nature points up that using nL droplets to ext...