Advances in capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry for cell analysis

Abstract Mass spectrometry has become a powerful tool in the field of bioanalysis. The combination of capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry (CE-MS) offers fast and high-resolution separation, sensitive and selective detection with small sample volumes, which is suitable for cell analysis. Here, we review the recent technical development of CE, MS and hyphenated strategies as well as their potential in cell analysis. In particular, we discuss the multiple MS compatible CE modes including capillary zone electrophoresis, capillary isoelectric focusing, capillary isotachophoresis, micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography and capillary electrochromatography for achieving better separation efficiency and selectivity before MS detection. For enhancing the sensitivity of CE-MS, several online preconcentration methods including dynamic pH junction, transient isotachophoresis and solid phase extraction are also reviewed and discussed. We also summarize the existing applications of CE-MS in cell analysis including cell biomacromolecule analysis, cell metabolism and single cell analysis.