title: Analysis of single algal cells by combining mass spectrometry with Raman and fluorescence mapping.
abstract: In order to investigate metabolic properties of single cells of freshwater algae (Haematococcus pluvialis), we implement matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) in combination with microspectroscopic mapping. Straightforward coupling of these two detection platforms was possible thanks to the self-aliquoting properties of micro-arrays for mass spectrometry (MAMS). Following Raman and fluorescence imaging, the isolated cells were covered with a MALDI matrix for targeted metabolic analysis by MALDI-MS. The three consecutive measurements carried out on the same cells yielded complementary information. Using this method, we were able to study the encystment of H. pluvialis - by monitoring the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to adenosine diphosphate (ADP) ratio during the build-up of astaxanthin in the cells as well as the release of β-carotene, the precursor of astaxanthin, into the cytosol.
authors.affiliation: ETH Zürich, Wolfgang-Paulistr. 10, Zürich, Switzerland. zenobi@org.chem.ethz.ch.
authors.forename: Stephan R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Fagerer
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.forename: Alfredo J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ibáñez
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pabst
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Steinhoff
authors.forename: Konstantins
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Jefimovs
authors.forename: Pawel L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Urban
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zenobi
mesh_terms: D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D058086:Microalgae / Q000737:chemistry*; D059010:Single-Cell Analysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman