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. Our results provide essential information about the broad-scale significance of the LA-ICP-MS technique in cancer research, including elucidating treatment efficacy, investigating the synergistic effects of various compounds during treatment and revealing kinetic and resistance mechanisms. These crucial steps towards personalised treatment are demonstrated using novel tetrazene. LA-ICP-MS, which focuses on tracing metals, metalloids and organometallic compounds, has strong potential for implementation in clinical research.