Novel multimodal approach of LA-ICP-MS exploring innovative Ru-tetrazene: In situ tracking and bioimaging-guided cancer treatment

In this study, we employed LA-ICP-MS to trace a novel, unique Ru-based complex in a lung cancer cell line. This
work highlights the importance of the time synchronization of all instrumentation, including the Aerosol Rapid
Introduction System. It introduces bulk in situ LA-ICP-MS for rapid screening of chemotherapeutic penetration
into the cell and the use of high-resolution 2D single cell imaging, which is used for both large-scale mapping for
the monitoring of large cellular variability and for imaging single cells for the precise localization of ruthenium
tetrazene accumulation. Furthermore, laser ablation sampling was employed to clarify the mechanism of the
kinetics, with Ru-based substance cell influx determined after 6, 12 and 24 h of treatment with the complex. A
pilot study employing multielement 2D imaging with Q-based ICP-MS was also conducted, in which the objects
of interest were nutritional trace elements whose activity is directly related to the resistance mechanisms of
cancer cells.