Name: integrated cell manipulation platform coupled with the single-probe for mass spectrometry analysis of drugs and metabolites in single suspension cells
Uploaded: 2019-06-21T15:00:00
Duration: 7 min 55 s
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Integrated Cell Manipulation Platform Coupled with the Single-probe for Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Drugs and Metabolites in Single Suspension Cells at JoVE

The authors thank Naga Rama Kothapalli for her work in developing sample preparation for both suspension cells and cell lysate experiments. Additionally, the authors thank the NIH (R01GM116116 and R21CA204706) for funding.

1. Glass cell-selection probe fabrication
<ol>
	<li>Convert single-bore glass tubing into a tapered probe with a sharp tip.
	<ol>
		<li>Place a single-bore glass tube (ID: 0.3 mm, OD: 1.1. mm) into the clamps of a vertical pipette holder, centering the glass with respect to the heating coil and tighten to secure the tube in place. The heating coil is comprised of an 18-gauge nickel-chromium resistance wire (~60 mm in length) coiled around a metal rod (diameter = 3.90 mm) 2.5 times.</li>
		<li>Set the glass tubing with temperature program 19.5 (manufacturer&#8217;s unit). This parameter can be modified for a particular instrument.</li>
		<li>Set the solenoid plunger at 4 (manufacturer&#8217;s unit). This parameter can be modified for a particular instrument.</li>
		<li>Trigger the solenoid to pull the glass tubing. This step creates two probes fused at the tip.</li>
		<li>Use tweezers to cut ~1 mm away from the tip of each probe, creating an orifice of ~10 &#181;m in diameter at the probe tip.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Bend the glass probe for easy coupling to the ICMP/single-probe SCMS setup.
	<ol>
		<li>Set a pulled glass probe into the microforge, positioning the tip ~3 mm above the platinum heating wire.</li>
		<li>Turn the heat on the platinum wire to 30% of the maximum temperature.</li>
		<li>Bend the probe ~45&#176; from the original position (Figure 2).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Integrated cell manipulation platform assembly
<ol>
	<li>Place the inverted microscope, microinjector, and two cell manipulation systems on a motorized table for easy coupling with the mass spectrometer.
	<ol>
		<li>Modify one of the cell manipulation systems to accommodate a single-probe by replacing the end with an arm clamp.</li>
		<li>Use a plastic syringe with a needle to fill the microinjector with mineral oil. Avoid bubbles in the tubing as this will affect suctioning.</li>
		<li>Replace the stage insert of the inverted microscope with the heated plate. Set the heated plate at 37 &#176;C prior to analysis.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Set up the glass cell-selection device.
	<ol>
		<li>Insert the glass cell-selection probe inside the metal holder of the microinjector by placing the long (non-bent) side into the capillary holder and tightening the screw to secure the probe in place. Position the probe tip&#8217;s angle parallel to the heated plate. 
		CAUTION: The glass probe is very sharp and fragile, and it breaks easily. Protect your eyes and be extra cautious while inserting the probe into the microinjector.</li>
		<li>Secure the metal holder of the microinjector into the cell manipulation system. Position the probe tip near the middle of the inverted microscope light.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
3. Create an extended ion transfer tube for the mass spectrometer inlet
<ol>
	<li>Use a metal cutter to cut a piece of stainless-steel tubing (OD: 0.0625 (1/16) in, ID: 0.021 in) ~250 mm in length.</li>
	<li>Measure 135 mm from the end and place a metal feral so ~135 mm will be exposed to the atmosphere and ~115 mm will be inside the mass spectrometer. Secure the feral using two wrenches to tighten it.</li>
</ol>
4. Couple the ICMP with a single-probe setup
<ol>
	<li>Secure the glass slide containing the single-probe into the arm clamp of the cell manipulation system. 
	NOTE: Single-probes are fabricated according to a previously-published protocol48 with two minor changes in the current study: the nano-ESI emitter is made longer for easy coupling to the mass spectrometer, and the single-probes are glued to the glass side on the right-hand side to avoid interfering with the spatial movement of the glass cell-selection device (Figure 2).</li>
	<li>Connect the solvent-providing capillary to a conductive union by placing the capillary into the sleeve (1/16 x .005 in) of the plastic ferrule and finger-tightening the fitting.
	<ol>
		<li>Connect the other side of the conductive union to a capillary (ID: 40 &#181;m, OD: 150 &#181;m), which is connected to a syringe containing the sampling solvent, by placing the capillary into the sleeve (1/32 x .007 in) and tightening the fitting. Use acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid as the sampling solvent in these experiments. 
		NOTE: The sampling solvent is flexible, but it should primarily contain acetonitrile (or acetonitrile with formic acid for better ionization) for a rapid microscale cell lysis.</li>
		<li>Secure the syringe into the syringe pump on the mass spectrometer.</li>
		<li>Place the ionization voltage cord onto a copper wire attached to the conductive union.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Position the nano-ESI emitter ~1 mm to the orifice of the extended ion transfer tube.
	<ol>
		<li>Use the cell manipulation system to control the spatial movements of the Single-probe and position the nano-ESI emitter centrally in front of the extended ion transfer tubing.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
5. Suspended cell sample preparation
<ol>
	<li>The day before analysis (~18-24 h), seed out cells for testing in a cell culture flask (T25). K562 human myeloid leukemia cells are used as models in this study.
	<ol>
		<li>Heat 1x phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) medium supplemented with 10% synthetic fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin at 37 &#176;C for 30 min.</li>
		<li>Seed ~1 x 106 cells in a total volume of 10 mL by combining cells with warm medium. In general, use a 10-mL pipette to place 8 mL of RPMI medium into a cell culture flask. Then, use a 2 mL pipette to put 2 mL of confluent K562 cells the medium for ~1 x 106 cells.</li>
		<li>Incubate the cells at 37 &#176;C and 5% CO2 until analysis.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Prepare cells for analysis.
	<ol>
		<li>Pipette cells from the cell culture flask into a 15-mL centrifuge tube.</li>
		<li>Spin cells down at 400 x g and 37 &#176;C for 5 min and discard the supernatant.</li>
		<li>Resuspend cells in 4 mL of RPMI medium containing the drug compound at the desired treatment concentration. 
		NOTE: For analysis of control cells, resuspend the cells in 4 mL of RPMI medium and skip to Step 6.</li>
		<li>Incubate the cells for the duration of the treatment time at 37 &#176;C and 5% CO2.</li>
		<li>Spin cells down at 400 x g and 37 &#176;C for 5 min. Aspirate the supernatant.</li>
		<li>Cells are resuspended in 10 mL of PBS, and centrifuge at 400 x g and 37 &#176;C for 5 min. After spinning, discard the supernatant. Repeat this step 3 times to minimize detection of drug from extracellular constituents.</li>
		<li>Resuspend cells in 4 mL of PBS for analysis.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
6. Perform SCMS measurements using the ICMP/single-probe setup
<ol>
	<li>Customize parameters for the mass spectrometer for the experiment.
	<ol>
		<li>Under the Scan Mode heading of the instrument software, select Define Scan. Use a resolution of 60,000 m/&#8710;m at m/z 400, 1 microscan, 100 ms maximum injection time, and automatic gain control (AGC) on. A mass range (m/z) of 100-1000 was utilized for the experiments. Parameters can be modified based on the instrument model.</li>
		<li>Under Syringe Pump, select a flow rate of 150 nL/min. Flow rate needs to be optimized for each experiment.</li>
		<li>Select NSI Source and apply a voltage of ~4.5 kV. This parameter also needs to be optimized for each experiment.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Turn on the inverted microscope (with 40x magnification selected for both the top plate and bottom lens) and connect it to the USB-port of a laptop to capture live-video feeds. Turn on the heated plate and set it to 37 &#176;C.</li>
	<li>On the computer, go to the Acquire Data tab, and select Continuously under Acquire Time.</li>
	<li>Prepare sample for analysis.
	<ol>
		<li>Pipette 2-3 mL of sample into the lid of a small Petri dish (35 mm x 12 mm).</li>
		<li>6.4.2 Position the sample in the center of the light from the inverted microscope on top of the heated plate.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Prepare the glass cell-selection probe for analysis. Use the cell manipulation system to move the probe so its tip is focused under the inverted microscope in the same plane as the cells.</li>
	<li>Select an individual cell for analysis.
	<ol>
		<li>Use the cell manipulation system to move the cell-selection probe tip to a targeted cell. This process is monitored using the inverted microscope. 
		NOTE: If the tip of the cell-selection probe cannot be focused in the same plane as the cells, it is possible that the bent part of the probe is not appropriately angled. Adjust the position of the cell-selection probe until both probe tips can be focused along with cells under the microscope.</li>
		<li>Gently turn the handle of the microinjector to adjust the position of the mineral oil inside the tubing. A gentle suction is provided by the microinjector to secure the targeted cell to the cell-selection probe tip. 
		NOTE: If the cell cannot be captured by the cell-selection probe through the suction force, check the cell-selection probe to ensure it is fully-inserted into the capillary holder. In addition, inspect the mineral oil levels in the microinjector and tubing, and expel air if there is any.</li>
		<li>Use the cell manipulation system to move the cell at the cell-selection probe tip to the single-probe tip, using a digital microscope focused on the single-probe tip to monitor this process. When touching, a small acetonitrile droplet at the single-probe tip induces a rapid lyses of the cell, and then cell lysate is immediately ionized for on-line MS analysis. 
		NOTE: Because the selected cell is secured to the cell-selection probe tip through a gentle suction, this cell can be potentially detached during its transfer to the Single-probe tip. Therefore, if ion signals of typical cellular lipids (see representative results below) are not observed within 5 s, it is possible that the cell became unattached, and the selection of a different cell is needed.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

     

The authors have nothing to disclose.

The integrated cell manipulation and analysis platform is constructed to expand the versatility of the single-probe MS method, allowing for on-line, rapid analysis of non-adherent cells in a near-native environment. A major advantage of the technique is that minimal sample preparation is required, so the cells are analyzed in conditions that mimic their standard state. Particularly, individual cells of interest can be visually identified and selected, minimizing the influence of matrix effect on MS ionization efficiency while maintaining cells in their natural environment, so the results are more representative cells&#8217; native status (Figure S3). This technique can be potentially used to study patient cells suspended in biofluids in future studies. Another advantage of this technique is the flexible selection of the sampling solvent. It is important to include acetonitrile as the main sampling solvent so that microscale lysis can occur rapidly. Potentially, internal standards (e.g., isotopically-labeled drug compounds) can be added into the sampling solvent for quantification of molecules of interest (e.g., drug molecules) from individual cells, including those can play a key role in revolutionizing personalizing drug treatments in the future54.
Although this integrated system can be conveniently used to analyze broad ranges of cells, a limitation of the method is that neither the single-probe nor cell-selection probe is commercially-available; dictating the need for optimization of many parameters (e.g., flow rate, voltage, length between the nano-ESI emitter and ion transfer tubing, etc.) prior to each experiment. In addition, due to the smallness of the Single-probe and cell-selection probe, environmental perturbation (e.g., air flow) may result in difficulties establishing a junction between the two probes. A short-term solution is the bending of the cell-selection probe close to the end to minimize the length of tapering. Future work includes the development of a housing to enclose the critical parts of the setup to minimize environmental effects. Due to the limited amount of cellular contents and short acquisition time (~2-3 s) from a cell, MS/MS analysis can be only conducted for relatively abundant species. Other factors influencing the detection sensitivity include the suppressed ionization efficiency due to the introduction of matrix along with the cell and potential ion loss through the extended ion transfer tubing.

Human biology, especially disease biology, is increasingly understood to be the result of activities on the level of individual cells, but the traditional analytical methods, such as liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS), are generally used to analyze samples prepared from populations of cells, whereas the acquired molecular information cannot accurately represent the chemical processes on the individual-cell level. These standard, traditional methods are unable to discern the effects of cellular heterogeneity on an analytical measurement, and the process of destroying and mixing the cells to prepare the lysate potentially leads to the alteration or loss of cellular components1,2. These limitations of traditional methods are especially important in the analysis of patient cells, in which the obtained samples can contain a complex mixture of many different cell types. To overcome these deficiencies, single cell molecular analysis methods, including single cell mass spectrometry (SCMS) methods, are increasingly being developed and applied to bioanalysis, especially of cellular metabolites and low molecular weight biomolecules3,4.
The first SCMS techniques developed used vacuum-based techniques to perform the analyses under non-ambient conditions2,5,6,7,8,9,10,11. Non-ambient SCMS techniques are capable of analyzing cellular lipids and metabolites, but require sample pretreatment under artificial conditions, and therefore are not suitable for real-time analysis. The sample preparation process for non-ambient analysis includes the addition of matrix components, and this preparation can alter cellular components from their natural environment12. Therefore, ambient mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, which do not require a vacuum for the sampling environment, are utilized to analyze cells in a near-native environment. Not having a vacuum environment allows for versatility in the experimental design; cameras can be added to monitor the cellular process and softer ionization techniques can be combined with separation techniques to receive better information from each single-cell experiment4,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42.
The single-probe SCMS method is an ambient technique that analyzes live, mammalian cancer cell lines in a near-native environment21,43,44,45,46. In addition, the single-probe device has been used for other mass spectrometry applications, including analysis of extracellular molecules in multicellular spheroids and MS imaging of tissues47,48,49,50,51,52. However, since cell immobilization on substrates is required for this method, suspension cells cannot be directly analyzed using this technique3,53. Therefore, the single-probe SCMS system could not be directly used to sample non-adherent single cells, such as non-adherent cell lines or suspension cells isolated from a patient&#8217;s blood or other bodily fluids54. In this work, an integrated cell manipulation platform (ICMP) is coupled with the single-probe SCMS technique to analyze live, suspension cells on-line with minimal sample preparation (Figure 1)46. The ICMP consists of an inverted microscope to monitor cell selection, a glass cell-selection probe, a microinjector to capture individual floating cells, a heated plate to maintain cellular temperature, two cell manipulation systems to control spatial movements of both the glass cell-selection probe and single-probe, and a digital microscope to observe cell transfer from the cell-selection probe tip to the single-probe tip. The fabrication of the single-probe is detailed in previous publications and will not be addressed here21,48. The ICMP/single-probe system is coupled to a high resolution mass spectrometer. This integrated setup allows for the sampling of identified single cells from complex biological samples with minimal effects from matrix molecules.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Acetontrile</td>
			<td>Millipore Co.</td>
			<td>AX0145-1</td>
			<td>Sampling solvent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CellTram Vario</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>6221</td>
			<td>ICMP</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Copper wire</td>
			<td>stores.ebay.com/jewelerheaven</td>
			<td>Dead soft, round, 20 guage, 25 ft</td>
			<td>Conductive union setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Digital stereomicroscope</td>
			<td>Shenzhen D&#38;F Co.</td>
			<td>Supereyes T004</td>
			<td>Analysis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Disposable micropipette, 1-5 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Rochester Scientific</td>
			<td>5065</td>
			<td>Cell-selection probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dual bore quartz tubing, 1.120&#34;x0.005&#34;x12&#34;</td>
			<td>Friedrich &#38; Dimmock, Inc.</td>
			<td>MBT-005-020-2Q</td>
			<td>Single-probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Epoxy resin</td>
			<td>Devcon</td>
			<td>Part No. 20945</td>
			<td>Single-probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Eppendorf cell manipulation system</td>
			<td>Eppendorf</td>
			<td>Transferman NK517800397-U.R.</td>
			<td>ICMP</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>External nut</td>
			<td>VALCO*CHEMINERT</td>
			<td>EN1</td>
			<td>Ion transfer tube fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Formic acid</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>399388-500ML</td>
			<td>Sampling solvent</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fused silica capillary, ID: 40 &#181;m, OD: 100 &#181;m</td>
			<td>Polymicro Technologies</td>
			<td>TSP040105</td>
			<td>Single-probe fabrication, conductive union setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fused silica capillary, ID: 50 &#181;m, OD: 150 &#181;m</td>
			<td>Polymicro Technologies</td>
			<td>1068150015</td>
			<td>Conductive union setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HyClone Synthetic fetal bovine serum (FBS)</td>
			<td>Fischer Sci</td>
			<td>SH3006603</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Inline MicroFilter</td>
			<td>IDEX Health &#38; Science LLC</td>
			<td>M-520</td>
			<td>Conductive union setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laser puller</td>
			<td>Sutter Instrument Co.</td>
			<td>Model P-2000</td>
			<td>Single-probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LED UV lamp</td>
			<td>Foshan Liang Ya Dental Equipment</td>
			<td>LY-C240</td>
			<td>Single-probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometer</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>LTQ Orbitrap XL</td>
			<td>Analysis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microforge</td>
			<td>Narishige, Co.</td>
			<td>MF-9</td>
			<td>Cell-selection probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microunion</td>
			<td>IDEX Health &#38; Science LLC</td>
			<td>M-539</td>
			<td>Conductive union</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PEEK tubing, 1/32x0.005x 5ft</td>
			<td>IDEX Health &#38; Science LLC</td>
			<td>1576</td>
			<td>Conductive union setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PEEK tubing, 1/32x0.007x 5ft</td>
			<td>IDEX Health &#38; Science LLC</td>
			<td>1577</td>
			<td>Conductive union setup</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Penicillin/Streptomycin</td>
			<td>Gibco/Life Technologies</td>
			<td>15140-122</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Petri dish, 35x10 mm</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>25382-334</td>
			<td>Sample preparation</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS)</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>0780-50L</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Platinum wire</td>
			<td>Narishige, Co.</td>
			<td>Model PT-A</td>
			<td>Microforge</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Power supply</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td>PSM-2120</td>
			<td>ICMP</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>RPMI, 1X with Corning glutagro</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>10-104-CV</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Single-bore tubes</td>
			<td>Boralex</td>
			<td>5065</td>
			<td>Cell-selection probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless steel ferrules, for 1/16&#34; OD</td>
			<td>IDEX Health &#38; Science LLC</td>
			<td>VHP-200-01x</td>
			<td>Ion transfer tube fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stainless steel tubing, 1/32x 205 &#181;m x30 cm</td>
			<td>IDEX Health &#38; Science LLC</td>
			<td>U-1128</td>
			<td>Ion transfer tube fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Syringe, 250 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Hamilton</td>
			<td>1725LTN250UL</td>
			<td>Sampling syringe</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>T25 flask</td>
			<td>CellStar</td>
			<td>690160</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thermo LTQ XL ion source interface flange</td>
			<td>New Objective</td>
			<td>PB5500</td>
			<td>Analysis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>ThermoPlate</td>
			<td>TokaiHit</td>
			<td>55R30N</td>
			<td>ICMP</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>TrypLE Express</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>12605-010</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tube cutter, for 1/16&#34; stainless steel</td>
			<td>SUPELCO</td>
			<td>58692-U</td>
			<td>Ion transfer tube fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>USB digital photography microscope</td>
			<td>dx.com</td>
			<td>SO2 25~500X</td>
			<td>Analysis</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>UV curing resin</td>
			<td>Prime Dental</td>
			<td>Item No. 006.030</td>
			<td>Single-probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vertical pipette puller</td>
			<td>David Kopf Instruments</td>
			<td>Model 720</td>
			<td>Cell-selection probe fabrication</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Voltage housing</td>
			<td>PicoChip</td>
			<td>PCH-A00120</td>
			<td>ICMP/MS interface</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Wire cutter</td>
			<td>Craftsman</td>
			<td>4 1/2 in end nipper</td>
			<td>Conductive union setup</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

integrated cell manipulation platform coupled with the single-probe for mass spectrometry analysis of drugs and metabolites in single suspension cells

Single cell mass spectrometry (SCMS) enables sensitive detection and accurate analysis of broad ranges of cellular species on the individual-cell level. The single-probe, a microscale sampling and ionization device, can be coupled with a mass spectrometer for on-line, rapid SCMS analysis of cellular constituents under ambient conditions. Previously, the single-probe SCMS technique was primarily used to measure cells immobilized onto a substrate, limiting the types of cells for studies. In the current study, the single-probe SCMS technology has been integrated with a cell manipulation system, typically used for in vitro fertilization. This integrated cell manipulation and analysis platform uses a cell-selection probe to capture identified individual floating cells and transfer the cells to the single-probe tip for microscale lysis, followed by immediate mass spectrometry analysis. This capture and transfer process removes the cells from the surrounding solution prior to analysis, minimizing the introduction of matrix molecules in the mass spectrometry analysis. This integrated setup is capable of SCMS analysis of targeted patient-isolated cells present in body fluids samples (e.g., urine, blood, saliva, etc.), allowing for potential applications of SCMS analysis to human medicine and disease biology.

First, untreated K562 cells are used to establish the experimental method. In a typical SCMS experiment, obvious changes of mass spectra can be observed from transferring a cell, during the detection of cellular contents, and after finishing the measurement (Figure S1). Three common cellular lipid peaks (phosphatidylcholine, PC), including PC(34:4) (m/z 754.536), PC(36:4) (m/z 782.567), and PC(38:5) (m/z 808.583), are monitored to ensure the cell is successfully transferred and cellular contents are detected (Figure S2)21,43,46,55,56. If lipid peaks are not seen within 5 s, the mineral oil level in the microinjector is altered to reduce the suction holding the cell at the cell-selection probe tip; caution needs to be taken so that no mineral oil is pushed out from the cell-selection probe. The identity of many PC&#8217;s in the mass range of m/z 750-850 are confirmed using MS/MS on untreated cell lysate samples (Figure 3, Figure S2, Table 1)46.
K562 cells are also subjected to treatment with various drug compounds to expand the versatility of the method. K562 cells are incubated with gemcitabine (1 &#181;M) and taxol (1 &#181;M) for 1 h and OSW-1 (100 nM, 1 &#181;M) for 4 h and 2 h, respectively. Cells are then washed with PBS to minimize the detection of drug compounds from extracellular content. The contribution of matrix (e.g., ions from cell culture medium, PBS, and solvent) to mass spectra of cellular contents can be eliminated through data subtraction, due to their significantly different ion signals (Figure S3). All three drug compounds are detected using the ICMP/single-probe MS setup (Figure S4)46. These results suggest this method can be used to study intracellular lipids, drugs, and metabolites on the single-cell level from cells in solution in a near-native environment.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/59875/59875fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1. Experimental setup for single suspension cell MS experiments. (A) The integrated cell manipulation platform (ICMP) coupled with a mass spectrometer. (B) Schematic for analysis of suspended cells. (C) Experimental view of K562 cells to be selected using the cell-selection probe. Reprinted with permission from Standke et al.46. Copyright 2019 American Chemical Society. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/59875/59875fig1large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 2" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/59875/59875fig2.jpg" /> 
Figure 2. Photos of a modified single-probe and a cell-selection probe utilized for single suspension cell MS experiments. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/59875/59875fig2large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<img alt="Figure 3" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/59875/59875fig3.jpg" /> 
Figure 3. Zoomed-in mass spectrum from a single cell showing the representative species (m/z 750-850). Chemical structures are confirmed using MS/MS analysis (Figure S1). Reprinted with permission from Standke et al46. Copyright 2019 American Chemical Society. <a href="https://www.jove.com/files/ftp_upload/59875/59875fig3large.jpg" target="_blank">Please click here to view a larger version of this figure.</a>
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Drug Molecule*</td>
			<td>m/z</td>
			<td>Mass Error (ppm)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[Gemcitabine + H]+</td>
			<td>264.076</td>
			<td>11.32</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[Taxol + Na]+</td>
			<td>876.318</td>
			<td>2.74</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[OSW-1 + Na]+</td>
			<td>895.445</td>
			<td>0.89</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cellular Lipids</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(34:4) + H]+</td>
			<td>754.535</td>
			<td>3.71</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(34:3) + H]+</td>
			<td>756.551</td>
			<td>3.44</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(34:2) + H]+</td>
			<td>758.569</td>
			<td>0.66</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(36:5) + H]+</td>
			<td>780.551</td>
			<td>3.07</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(36:4) + H]+</td>
			<td>782.568</td>
			<td>2.17</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(36:3) + H]+</td>
			<td>784.585</td>
			<td>0.64</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(38:7) + H]+</td>
			<td>804.551</td>
			<td>4.1</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(38:6) + H]+</td>
			<td>806.567</td>
			<td>2.48</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(38:5) + H]+</td>
			<td>808.583</td>
			<td>2.72</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(38:4) + H]+</td>
			<td>810.601</td>
			<td>0</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>[PC(40:7) + H]+</td>
			<td>832.583</td>
			<td>3.12</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1. Identified cellular components using the ICMP/Single-probe setup. The detection of all drug compounds were confirmed by comparing the MS/MS results with standard compound.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Integrated Cell Manipulation Platform Coupled with the Single-probe for Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Drugs and Metabolites in Single Suspension Cells at JoVE

Integrated Cell Manipulation Platform Coupled with the Single-probe for Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Drugs and Metabolites in Single Suspension Cells

An integrated cell manipulation platform is developed for use in conjunction with a single-probe mass spectrometry setup for the on-line analysis of individual suspension cells under ambient conditions.

Single cell mass spectrometry (SCMS) enables sensitive detection and accurate analysis of broad ranges of cellular species on the individual-cell level. ...

Since this method analyzes cells from solution, it can be used to study cells in a near native environment. This includes analysis of patient derived cell samples. This technique requires little to no sample preparation of cells.Therefore, we can analyze individual cells online under ambient conditions, which allows us to explore cellular heterogeneity. This technique can be applied to study liquid biopsies from a variety of different disease states, since it can analyze different types of cells directly isolated from patient samples. To convert single bore glass tubing into a tapered probe with a sharp tip, first place a single bore glass tube into the clamps of a vertical pipette holder, centering the glass with respect to the heating coil and tighten to secure the tube in place.The heating coil is comprised of an 18 gauge nickel chromium resistance wire coiled around a metal rod 2.5 times. Set the glass tubing with temperature program 19.5. Set the solenoid plunger at four.Trigger the solenoid to pull the glass tubing. This step creates two probes fused at the tip. Use sweaters to cut approximately one millimeter away from the tip of each probe, creating an orifice of approximately 10 microns in diameter at the probe tip.To bend the glass probe for easy coupling to the ICMP, single probe SCMS set up. First set a pulled glass probe into the microforge. Position the top approximately three millimeters above the platinum heating wire.Then, turn the heat on the platinum wire to 30%of the maximum temperature. Bend the probe approximately 45 degrees from the original position. Place the inverted microscope microinjector in two cell manipulation systems on a motorized table for easy coupling with the mass spectrometer.To set up the glass cell selection device, insert the glass cell selection probe inside the metal holder of the microinjector by placing the long slide into the capillary holder and tightening the screw to secure the probe in place. Position the probe tips angled parallel to the heated plate. Secure the metal holder of the micro injector into the cell manipulation system.Then position the probe tip near the middle of the inverted microscope light. Secure the glass slide containing the single probe into the arm clamp of the cell manipulation system. Connect the solvent providing capillary to a conductive union by placing the capillary into the sleeve of the plastic ferrule and finger tightening the fitting.Connect the other side of the conductive union to a capillary which is connected to a syringe containing the sampling solvent by placing the capillary into the sleeve and tightening the fitting. Use acetonitrile with 0.1%formic acid as the sampling solvent in these experiments. Secure the syringe into the syringe pump on the mass spectrometer.Position the nanoelectrospray ionization or nano ESI emitter approximately one millimeter to the orifice of the extended ion transfer tube. Use the cell manipulation system to control the spacial movements of the single probe and position the nano ESI emitter centrally in front of the extended ion transfer tubing. Pipette the cells from the cell culture flask into a 15 milliliter centrifuge tube.Spin the cells at 400 times G in 37 degrees Celsius for five minutes and discard the supernatant. Resuspend the cells in four milliliters of RPMI medium containing the drug compound at the desired treatment concentration. Customize the experimental parameters for the mass spectrometer.Under the scan mode heading of the instrument software, select define scan. Use a resolution of 60, 000 at M over Z 400, one microscan 100 millisecond maximum injection time and automatic gain control on. Under syringe pump, select the flow rate of 150 nanoliters per minute.Select NSI source and apply a voltage of approximately 4.5 kilovolts. Turn on the inverted microscope at 40 times magnification selected for both the top plate and bottom lens. Connect it to the USB port of a laptop to capture live video feeds.Turn on the heated plate and set it to 37 degrees Celsius. On the computer, go to the acquire data tab and select continuously under acquired time. To prepare the sample for analysis, pipette two to three of the sample into the lid of a small petri dish.Position the sample in the center of the light from the inverted microscope on top of the heated plate. Prepare the glass cell selection probe for analysis. Use the cell manipulation system to move the probe so its top is focused under the inverted microcsope in the same plane as the cells.Use the cell manipulation system to move the cell selection probe tip to a targeted cell for analysis. This process is monitored using the inverted microscope. Gently turn the handle of the microinjector to adjust the position of the mineral oil inside the tubing.A gentle suction is provided by the microinjector to secure the targeted cell to the cell selection probe tip. Use the cell manipulation system to move the cell at the cell selection probe tip to the single probe tip using a digital microscope focused on the single probe tip to monitor this process. Untreated K-562 cells are used to establish the experimental method.In a typical SCMS experiment, obvious changes of mass spectra can be observed from transferring a cell during the detection of cellular contents and after finishing the measurement. Three common cellular lipid peaks including PC 34:4, PC 36:4, and PC 38:5 are monitored to ensure the cell is successfully transferred and cellular contents are detected. The identity of many PCs in the mass range of 750 to 850 are confirmed using MSMS on untreated cell lysate samples.Using the ICMP single probe MS set up, Gemcitabine, Taxol and OSW1 were detected following incubation with K-562 cells. These results suggest this method can be used to study intracellular lipids, drugs, and metabolites on the single cell level from cells in solution in a near native environment. Remember to securely place the glass cell selection probe into the universal pipette holder so that suction can be adequately applied.This method can also be applied to patient derived samples to distinguish differences among cellular metabolites from a variety of cell types, which allows us to gain a better understanding of these disease states. After developing this method, we could potentially implement the quantification of drug compounds at the single cell level. When working with cells, it is important to have appropriate personal protective equipment including lab coat and gloves.Additional eye wear may be used when working with glass.

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