Single cell Raman spectroscopy for cell sorting and imaging

► A table is added to compare different cell sorting techniques. ► An exciting work of single cell analysis of CO2 fixation is highlighted. ► Single cell Raman spectroscopy (SCRS) is a non-invasive and label-free technology, allowing in vivo biochemical analysis of individual living cells. ► A key drawback of SCRS is the fact that spontaneous Raman signals are naturally weak. ► This review discussed the recent research progresses significantly enhancing and improving the signal of spontaneous Raman spectroscopy, which include resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS), coherent anti-Stokes Raman spectroscopy (CARS), stimulated Raman spectroscopy (SRS) and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS).