ICP-MS-based Methodology in Metallomics: Towards Single Particle Analysis, Single Cell Analysis, and Spatial Metallomics

Abstract

As an emerging interdisciplinary science, metallomics aims to integrate research fields related to metals and metalloids in biological systems from a systematic perspective. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is considered one of the most versatile tools for metallomics research. This review presents a brief overview of ICP-MS and describes recent advances in ICP-MS instrumentation. Then, ICP-MS-based methods and applications are discussed, focusing on single particle analysis, single cell analysis, and spatial metallomics. With the rapid developments in instrumentation and methodology, ICP-MS-based methodologies will evolve further and play a dominant role in metallomics research.