Achievability of Single Cell Lipidomics with Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer

This technical report presents the feasibility of single cell lipidomics utilizing the Xevo MRT Mass Spectrometer in conjunction with an ACQUITY Premier LC System. The study outlines the methodology for analyzing cultured THP-1 cells, detailing the extraction process using isopropanol and the subsequent dilution for mass spectrometry analysis. The report highlights the mass spectrometer's capabilities, including high sensitivity, excellent dynamic range, and consistent sub-ppm mass accuracy, which enable the identification of up to 180 lipids from a single cell equivalent. The experimental section describes the sample preparation, liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry parameters used in the analysis. Results indicate that the Xevo MRT MS can effectively detect lipids across five orders of magnitude, demonstrating its robustness for single cell applications. The report concludes that this approach provides reliable lipid identification, which is crucial for understanding cellular heterogeneity and biological questions that require single cell resolution.