Single-cell Spatial Metabolomics Service
Decoding Metabolism at Cellular Resolution
Single-cell spatial metabolomics provides a powerful approach to study the metabolic landscape of individual cells within their native tissue environment. By combining advanced mass spectrometry imaging with precise metabolite profiling, this technology allows researchers to explore cellular heterogeneity, tissue interactions, and disease mechanisms at an unprecedented resolution.
Partner with our expert team to transform spatial metabolic data into biological insight, and advance your science with precision, confidence, and tailored support.
Submit Your Request Now
×
- What is
- Workflow
- Advantages
- Applications
- Why choose
- FAQs
- Sample preparation
What is Single-cell Spatial Metabolomics?
Single-cell spatial metabolomics integrates single-cell analysis with spatial metabolomics, enabling the identification and mapping of metabolites in individual cells while preserving their spatial context within tissues. This advanced technique employs high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) methods like MALDI-MSI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging) and DESI-MSI (Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging) to provide a detailed view of metabolic activity at the single-cell level.
The key features of single-cell spatial metabolomics include:
- Single-Cell Metabolic Profiling: Detect a wide range of metabolites from single cells, capturing their unique metabolic signatures.
- Spatial Mapping: Retain the tissue architecture, allowing the accurate localization of metabolites within distinct cell types and tissue regions.
- Comprehensive Data: Combine metabolic data with spatial information to study how metabolic states vary across different cells and tissue environments.
How it works
Advantages
- Unmasks Cellular Heterogeneity Unlike bulk methods that average signals, this technology resolves complex tissues at the cellular level, revealing rare populations that would otherwise be lost.
- Delivers a True Phenotypic Readout While genomics reveals what a cell can do, metabolomics reveals what it is doing, providing a direct, functional snapshot of biological activity.
- Preserves Spatial Context It maps metabolic gradients in situ, enabling you to visualize exactly how tumor cells or neurons interact with their specific local microenvironment.
- Enables Label-Free Discovery The technology detects intrinsic molecules without antibodies or tags, allowing for "hypothesis-free" discovery of biomarkers you didn't know to look for.
- Optimizes Drug Development (DMPK) You can simultaneously visualize drug distribution and metabolic response in the same tissue, confirming if a compound is effectively penetrating target cells.
- Enhances Multi-Omics Studies Spatial metabolic maps can be overlaid with transcriptomics or histology, linking gene expression directly to functional metabolic outcomes.
Applications of Single-cell Spatial Metabolomics
- Cancer: Study tumor microenvironments, identify metabolic biomarkers, and explore metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells.
- Neuroscience: Investigate metabolic pathways in brain tissues to understand neurodegenerative diseases and neural function.
- Immunology: Analyze how immune cells adapt to different microenvironments in diseases like autoimmune disorders and cancer.
- Developmental Biology: Explore how metabolism changes during cell differentiation, tissue regeneration, and embryonic development.
Why choose
- Sub-Cellular Resolution: We utilize advanced MALDI-2 and t-MALDI sources to achieve spatial resolutions down to 5–10 μm, enabling true single-cell definition rather than just "pixelated tissue" views.
- Advanced Cell Segmentation: Our bioinformatics pipeline integrates nuclear staining (DAPI) and machine learning algorithms to precisely define cell boundaries, ensuring that metabolic signals are assigned to specific cells, not the extracellular matrix.
- Multi-Omics Core: We are optimized for Data Fusion. We can co-register your metabolic single-cell map with spatial transcriptomics (e.g., 10x Visium) or IHC images to provide a complete molecular phenotype of every cell.
FAQs
How do you know which signal comes from which cell?
We use Cell Segmentation. We perform a post-MSI stain (H&E or DAPI) on the same slide, co-register the images, and use software to draw boundaries around each nucleus, assigning the metabolic peaks specifically to those coordinate masks.
What is the spatial resolution limit?
We typically achieve 5–10 μm resolution, which is sufficient to resolve individual mammalian cells. For larger cell types (e.g., hepatocytes), we can profile subcellular compartments.
What is the typical turnaround time for single-cell spatial metabolomics service?
The standard turnaround time is typically 3-4 weeks. However, the exact timeline may vary depending on project-specific factors such as sample type, complexity, analytical scope, and customization requirements. For a precise, project-tailored estimate, please contact our technical support team prior to submission.
Learn about other Q&A.
Sample Submission Guidelines
| Sample Type | Description | Required Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue Samples (Frozen) | Fresh or frozen tissue or sections (5-20 μm thick) | Minimum: 10 mg of tissue per sample |
| Single-cell Suspensions | Isolated single-cell suspension from culture or tissue | Minimum: 10,000 - 50,000 cells per sample |
| Cryosectioned Samples | ITO-coated conductive slides | Minimum: 5-10 sections per sample (5-20 μm thick) |
| Cell Cultures (Adherent) | Cells grown on culture plates or flasks, preferably frozen | Minimum: 1 x 106 cells per sample |
| Cell Cultures (Suspension) | Cells grown in suspension culture | Minimum: 1 x 106 cells per sample |
To obtain usable samples, please contact us before starting for more precise technical support.
