Imaging mass cytometry (IMC) and other multiplexed imaging methods have enabled the spatially resolved study of single cells, their phenotype, activity and cellular interactions. By substituting fluorescence-based reporters with heavy metal isotopes, laser ablation and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, IMC can measure more than 40 tagged antibodies in images that are qualitatively similar to standard fluorescence microscopy. Paired with computer vision methods, IMC has been primarily used to simultaneously detect multi-parameter single cell phenotypes and their organization in histopathology images but its potential in other applications has yet to be investigated. To pursue uses of IMC beyond antibody staining of tissue sections, we have investigated its ability to measure other reagents and sample types. We show the benefits of multiparameter analysis of single cells within engineered tissue environments in microfluidic devices. Further, we use IMC to directly measure therapeutics and their impact on cell activity within intact tissues, the therapy’s localization to on and off target single cell populations, and the location and cellular environments associated with effective drug delivery.

New applications for imaging mass cytometry

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.