Cell population based mass spectrometry using platinum nanodots for algal and fungal studies

For the first time, we applied cell-population based mass spectrometry (CP-MS) for biosensing intact eukaryotic cells of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cell counts ranging from 1 × 107 to 1.28 × 102 were analyzed using MALDI-MS to obtain the threshold detection sensitivity. Platinum nanodots (Pt NDs) were used to enhance the detection sensitivity of CP-MS. Pt NDs were able to improve the detection sensitivity of CP-MS from 3200 cells/mL to 640 cells/mL (5-fold) for Chlamydomonas. For yeast cells, the detection sensitivity was also increased from 400,000 cells/mL to 3200 cells/mL (125-fold) when Pt NDs were used. Using the Clin Pro tool, the obtained results from MALDI-MS data were validated. Statistical analysis of the mass data was performed using MYSTAT software.

► Cell-population based mass spectrometry (CP-MS) for biosensing intact eukaryotic cells of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
► Pt NDs improve detection sensitivity of CP-MS from 3200 cells/mL to 640 cells/mL (5-fold) for Chlamydomonas.
► For yeast cells, detection sensitivity increased from 400,000 cells/mL to 3200 cells/mL (125-fold)
► The results validated using Clin Pro tools and MYSTAT software.