Analytical methods for copper, zinc and iron quantification in mammalian cells

Abstract

Highly complex analytical methods with different accuracies of measurement, reproducibilities and ease of analyses are currently being used to quantify metals in cellular media and tissue samples. In this review, the analytical methods commonly used for iron, copper and zinc quantification in mammalian cells are presented and discussed. Herein, we present a literature survey of the most commonly found concentrations of these metals in various mammalian cells in culture and tissues. The aim of this review is to help researchers in metallomic-related areas identify the method that best suits their needs for the accurate quantification of these metals in cells. This accuracy goes beyond simple knowledge of the limit of detection of each technique and needs to be evaluated through comparisons with similar previous studies. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.