Development of a single-cell ICP-MS method for element analysis in Pisum sativum leaf protoplasts and chloroplasts
Article
Fan, Y, Tian, X, Xu, T et al. (2026). Development of a single-cell ICP-MS method for element analysis in Pisum sativum leaf protoplasts and chloroplasts
. TALANTA, 305 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129645
Fan, Y, Tian, X, Xu, T et al. (2026). Development of a single-cell ICP-MS method for element analysis in Pisum sativum leaf protoplasts and chloroplasts
. TALANTA, 305 10.1016/j.talanta.2026.129645
Heterogeneity of cellular and subcellular elemental distribution is poorly captured by conventional techniques due to limited sensitivity, throughput, and resolution. Single-cell inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (SC-ICP-MS) enables quantitative single-cell element analysis but remains challenging in multicellular plants because of plant cell complexity and lack of protocols. Herein, this study established a robust SC-ICP-MS method for analyzing elemental heterogeneity in Pisum sativum leaf protoplasts and chloroplasts. An optimized fixation protocol (1% ( v/v ) glutaraldehyde for 15 min for protoplasts; 2.5% ( v/v ) for 30 min for chloroplasts) was applied to preserve structural integrity, with endogenous P and Mg identified as specific indicator elements for protoplasts and chloroplasts, respectively. To reduce interference from broken cells, a broken-signal correction method was employed during data processing. Following isolation, purification, and glutaraldehyde fixation, Pisum sativum leaf protoplasts and chloroplasts were subjected to SC-ICP-MS analysis. Quantitative analysis revealed significant elemental heterogeneity, with P as the most abundant in protoplasts (67.1-135 fg cell−1) and Mg as the most abundant in chloroplasts (33.6-41.5 fg cell−1). This technique advances single-cell element analysis in plants, enabling new insights into nutrient distribution, metal accumulation, and cellular responses to environmental stress beyond conventional techniques.
