Single‐Cell Analysis

Abstract

The growing interest of analytical chemists in the research and practical applications of single‐cell analysis (SCA) is demonstrated by permanently increasing number of scientific papers, reviews, and specialized conferences in the past decade. Nowadays, the field of SCA becomes divided into areas of single‐cell genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Specially developed SCA technologies include cell preparation techniques, separation of cellular components, and selective and sensitive detection or identification. Microfluidic devices for single‐cell manipulation and purification are widely applied as diagnostic and therapeutic clinical tools in oncology, immunotherapy, and autoimmune diseases. Apparent is a shift from pure basic research papers and feasibility studies to investigations that yielded new biological insights. Fundamental achievements can be expected in cancer biology, neurobiology, stem cell research, and monitoring of xenobiotics and drugs in tissue sections.