Advanced Single Cell Mass Spectrometry for Proteomics

Costs vary widely depending on sample number, cell type complexity, and the depth of proteomic coverage required, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per sample set. Factors like LCM capture time, extraction protocol complexity, and mass spectrometry instrument access all influence final pricing. Contact our team for guidance tailored to your specific research design.

Mass spectrometry identifies and measures molecules, like proteins, by ionizing them and analyzing their mass-to-charge ratio. In proteomics, this reveals which proteins are present in a sample and in what quantities. When combined with precise cell isolation, mass spectrometry can generate protein profiles specific to a single cell type rather than an averaged mixture.

Yes. Advances in contact-free laser capture and sensitive mass spectrometry instrumentation now allow researchers to generate meaningful protein profiles from individual cells or very small populations. The Accuva Cellect uses a gentle IR laser to isolate single cells down to picogram quantities without contamination, preserving protein integrity so mass spectrometry results reflect a genuinely pure, cell-specific input.

FFPE and fresh-frozen tissue are the primary sample types supported for LCM-based proteomic workflows. The Accuva Cellect handles both, along with H&E stained, LCM-optimized stain, immunofluorescence, unstained, and cell culture samples, making archived retrospective cohorts usable for modern protein-level analysis alongside freshly prepared samples.

Capture time depends on the number of target cells and tissue complexity, ranging from under an hour for a small, defined population to several hours for larger or more heterogeneous sample sets. Protein extraction protocols typically add another one to two hours before samples are ready for mass spectrometry submission.

Yes. Laxco provides on-site applications training, virtual applications training, live technical support, and 48-hour response times to help labs optimize their laser capture microdissection setup and workflow.

Yes. Laxco offers Grant Language Kits that help researchers describe laser capture microdissection methodology accurately and competitively within NIH, NSF, HHMI, and DOD proposals. This support is part of the broader Grant Assistance Program designed to strengthen funding applications built around single cell proteomic research.

Yes. This certification gives U.S. research and clinical laboratories added confidence when integrating the system into regulated or grant-funded research environments.