Mass spectrometry based metabolomics is the highly multiplexed, label-free analysis of small molecules such as metabolites or lipids in biological systems, and thus one of the most direct ways to characterize phenotypes. However, the phenotyping of populations with single-cell resolution is a great challenge due to the small number of molecules contained in an individual cell. Here we describe a microarray-based sample preparation workflow for MALDI mass spectrometry that has single-cell sensitivity and allows high-throughput analysis of lipids and pigments in single algae cells. The microarray targets receive individual cells in 1430 separate spots that allow the cells to be lysed individually without cross-contamination. Using positive ion mode and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid as the MALDI matrix, the mass spectra unveil information about the relative composition of more than 20 different lipids/pigments in each individual cell within the population. Thus, the method allows the analysis of cellular phenotypes in a population on a completely new level.

The consequences of cellular heterogeneity, such as biocide persistence, can only be tackled by studying each individual in a cell population. Fluorescent tags provide tools for the high-throughput analysis of genomes, RNA transcripts, or proteins on the single-cell level. However, the analysis of lower-molecular-weight compounds that elude tagging is still a great challenge. Here, we describe a novel high-throughput microscale sample preparation technique for single cells that allows a mass spectrum to be obtained for each individual cell within a microbial population. The approach presented includes spotting Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells, using a noncontact microarrayer, onto a specialized slide and controlled lysis of cells separated on the slide. Throughout the sample preparation, analytes were traced and individual steps optimized using autofluorescence detection of chlorophyll. The lysates of isolated cells are subjected to a direct, label-free analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry. Thus, we were able to differentiate individual cells of two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains based on single-cell mass spectra. Furthermore, we showed that only population profiles with real single-cell resolution render a nondistorted picture of the phenotypes contained in a population.