Single Cell Proteomics

Combining single cell isolation and nanoliter dispensing for sample preparation using a single device

Challenges of current technologies in single cell proteomics

Several ion sources such as MALDI, ESI, ICP and SIMS have already proven their potential for single cell studies in the fields of metabolomics, proteomics, ionomics, metallomics and lipidomics. Until now, widespread use of single cell mass spectrometry methods are limited due to labor-intensive sample preparation and a lack of complete solutions. cellenONE® overcomes these challenges by combining single cell isolation and nanoliter dispensing to perform every step of the sample preparation using a single device.

Introducing the proteoCHIP, a universal option for single cell proteomics sample preparation at surprising sensitivity and throughput.

The automated processing using cellenONE®, a commercial system combining single cell isolation and picoliter dispensing, allows for the reduction of final sample volumes to low nanoliters and is submerged under an oil layer to prevent evaporation.

With this specialized workflow, we achieved around 1,000 protein groups per analytical run at remarkable reporter ion signal to noise while reducing or eliminating the carrier proteome.

Our workflow is compatible with all labeling reagents, can be easily adapted to custom workflows, and is a viable option for multiplexed and label-free sample preparation. The specialized proteoCHIP design allows for the direct injection of single cells via a standard autosampler resulting in the recovery of 30% more protein groups compared to samples transferred to PEG coated vials. We are therefore confident that our versatile, sensitive, and automated sample preparation workflow will be easily adoptable by non-specialized groups and will drive biological applications of single cell proteomics.

Related publication

An automated workflow for label-free and multiplexed single cell proteomics sample preparation at unprecedented sensitivity

In collaboration with

graph - An automated workflow for label-free and multiplexed single cell proteomics sample preparation at unprecedented sensitivity

Figure 1: Illustration of the proteoCHIP based TMT-labeling workflow. (a) Up to sixteen nanowells/single cells per TMT set are prepared inside the cellenONE®, (b) are automatically combined via centrifugation and (c) directly interfaced with a standard autosampler for loss-less acquisition.

Featured application note

Arraying of single cells for quantitative high throughput Laser Ablation ICP-TOF-MS

Learn how cellenONE® technology has enabled quantitative high throughput isotopic fingerprinting of single cells using LA-ICP-TOF-MS in our application note.

In collaboration with

Scheme describing the method for quantitative analysis and isotopic fingerprinting by laser ablation ICP TOF mass spectrometry with cellenONE®.

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cellenONE®

cellenONE® is a revolutionary technology with advanced visual processing solutions that provides real-time and high accuracy single cell isolation and dispensing.

proteoCHIP Product Line

Cellenion’s proteoCHIP product line is providing scientists with innovative tools to facilitate miniaturized sample preparation of individual cells for single cell proteomics workflows.