Chemical Analysis of Single Cells

Abstract

In this Review, we provide an overview of methods developedfor chemical analysis of single cells over the last two years.Many biological systems contain an ensemble of cells withheterogeneous chemistry; therefore, it is important to analyzethem on an individual basis in order to elucidate the role each cellplays in the function of these systems. In clinical diagnostics, thedevelopment of extremely sensitive measurements, down tosingle cells, may provide the best ability for diagnoses. Single cellanalysis has, in fact, been present for quite some time.Investigators in life sciences consider the cell as the unit of lifeand so the pursuit to quantify, image, and modulate the cell hasbeen ongoing for decades.