质谱学报2025，Vol.46Issue(6)：879-888,10.DOI:10.7538/zpxb.2025.0085
单细胞分析用流式质谱仪的研制与表征
Development and Characterization of a Mass Cytometer for Single-Cell Analysis
摘要
Abstract
Flow cytometry is widely used for single-cell analysis but is constrained by a limited number of detection channels(typically<12)and by spectral overlap between fluorophores.Mass cytometry,based on mass spectrometric detection principles,addresses these limitations by employing metal isotope labeling,enabling a substantial expansion of detection channels(>40)and effectively reducing inter-channel signal interference.Nevertheless,the high cost of imported mass cytometers has significantly hindered their widespread adoption in both scientific research and clinical diagnostics.In this study,the development of a domestically manufactured mass cytometer was reported,representing a significant advancement in high-end analytical instrumentation.The system integrated a pneumatic sample introduction module,an inductively coupled plasma(ICP)ion source,a quadrupole ion transmission system,a time-of-flight mass spectrometer(TOF MS),and a high-frequency data acquisition module.Performance evaluation was conducted using multi-element metal standard solutions.The instrument achieved a full mass range resolution exceeding 550(full width at half maximum,FWHM).At a sample flow rate of 30 μL/min,the sensitivity for 159Tb+reaches 9×105 cps/pg.Limits of detection are determined to be 0.4 ng/L for Cs,0.2 ng/L for Tb,and 0.04 ng/L for Ir.An 8 h mass stability test demonstrates a mass drift of less than 0.1 u.Furthermore,the detection of cell surface protein expression using the developed instrument shows high concordance with results obtained from a leading commercial system(Helios).The successful construction and validation of this instrument fill a critical technological gap in the domestic market for high-performance mass cytometry.Its demonstrated resolution,sensitivity,stability,and analytical accuracy establish a robust platform for high-dimensional single-cell analysis.This achievement not only supports the expansion of multi-parameter cellular studies in basic research,but also holds substantial potential for translational applications in clinical diagnostics and precision medicine.关键词
单细胞分析/多通道检测/流式质谱仪/电感耦合等离子体电离Key words
single-cell analysis/multi-channel detection/mass cytometry/inductively coupled plasma ionization分类
化学化工引用本文复制引用
吴娜,杜绪兵,李绍兵,张政,郑义炯,曾安,李鹏,李磊..单细胞分析用流式质谱仪的研制与表征[J].质谱学报,2025,46(6):879-888,10.基金项目
暨南大学科协青年科技人才托举工程项目(21623205) （21623205）
