Metallomics bridges chemistry and the biological or environmental sciences from a quantitative systems approach and covers the fields metallo-proteomics, metallo-metabolomics and ionic, “free” metal species. From an analytical chemical viewpoint metallo-proteins, metallo-metabolites and ionic forms of elements with different valance states are considered as metal species. The total sum of those metal species built up the metallome of an organism, in a sample or in an environmental compartment. Metallo-proteins typically are controlled strictly regarding metal transport across barriers but small metal species can often circumvent such essential control systems. In cellular chemistry this may result in derailment of cellular biochemistry and shifting away from physiological condition, i.e. interfering redox balances and promoting oxidative stress. The interaction of metallic nanoparticles with organisms and the environment is a field of growing relevance within metallomics.
Metal species in liquid samples or extracts are characterized and quantified by a range of hyphenated systems consisting of a separation technique such as liquid chromatography (HPLC), capillary electrophoresis (CE) or field flow fractionation (FFF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for element selective detection. In addition spatial distribution of elements e.g. by laser ablation in solid samples such as tissues can provide deep insight into cellular metal storage or precipitation. Due to the large structural variety of elemental species and often low concentrations, this emerging field continuously needs improved methods with higher sensitivity and selectivity accompanied by reliable quality control.
This Research Topic is intended to highlight specifically recent knowledge in the metallomics field based on sophisticated techniques for metal speciation, spatial distribution of metals e.g. in tissue or even cells analyzed by novel, and advanced approaches in metallo-bio-imaging techniques and analysis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs). Novel approaches include instrumental developments, improved separation strategies, innovative calibration, and quantification including isotope dilution and novel concepts for comprehensive characterization of dissolved and particulate metal species.
We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Improved methodology of metal speciation techniques towards higher sensitivity, and selectivity
• Development of novel analytical methodology for the quantitative analysis of metallo-proteins, metallo-metabolites, and metal species
• Studies on the analysis of metallic nanoparticles
- e.g. aggregates of nanoparticles with biomolecules
- Combined analysis of low molecular mass species and nanoparticles
- Dissolution/stability of nanoparticles in contact with organisms or cells
• Advanced quality control concepts in speciation analysis
• Novel methods for bioimaging including
- Advanced forms of microscopy like Super-Resolution Single-Photon, and Multiphoton Fluorescence Microscopy
- New fluorescent probes for specific metabolites or chemical species,
- Elemental bioimaging, e.g. by LA-ICP-MS, NanoSIMS, TEM/X-EDS or SXRF
- Novel combinations of elemental imaging with protein (e.g. MALDI), and/or metabolite imaging
Metallomics bridges chemistry and the biological or environmental sciences from a quantitative systems approach and covers the fields metallo-proteomics, metallo-metabolomics and ionic, “free” metal species. From an analytical chemical viewpoint metallo-proteins, metallo-metabolites and ionic forms of elements with different valance states are considered as metal species. The total sum of those metal species built up the metallome of an organism, in a sample or in an environmental compartment. Metallo-proteins typically are controlled strictly regarding metal transport across barriers but small metal species can often circumvent such essential control systems. In cellular chemistry this may result in derailment of cellular biochemistry and shifting away from physiological condition, i.e. interfering redox balances and promoting oxidative stress. The interaction of metallic nanoparticles with organisms and the environment is a field of growing relevance within metallomics.
Metal species in liquid samples or extracts are characterized and quantified by a range of hyphenated systems consisting of a separation technique such as liquid chromatography (HPLC), capillary electrophoresis (CE) or field flow fractionation (FFF) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for element selective detection. In addition spatial distribution of elements e.g. by laser ablation in solid samples such as tissues can provide deep insight into cellular metal storage or precipitation. Due to the large structural variety of elemental species and often low concentrations, this emerging field continuously needs improved methods with higher sensitivity and selectivity accompanied by reliable quality control.
This Research Topic is intended to highlight specifically recent knowledge in the metallomics field based on sophisticated techniques for metal speciation, spatial distribution of metals e.g. in tissue or even cells analyzed by novel, and advanced approaches in metallo-bio-imaging techniques and analysis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs). Novel approaches include instrumental developments, improved separation strategies, innovative calibration, and quantification including isotope dilution and novel concepts for comprehensive characterization of dissolved and particulate metal species.
We welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Perspective articles on themes including, but not limited to:
• Improved methodology of metal speciation techniques towards higher sensitivity, and selectivity
• Development of novel analytical methodology for the quantitative analysis of metallo-proteins, metallo-metabolites, and metal species
• Studies on the analysis of metallic nanoparticles
- e.g. aggregates of nanoparticles with biomolecules
- Combined analysis of low molecular mass species and nanoparticles
- Dissolution/stability of nanoparticles in contact with organisms or cells
• Advanced quality control concepts in speciation analysis
• Novel methods for bioimaging including
- Advanced forms of microscopy like Super-Resolution Single-Photon, and Multiphoton Fluorescence Microscopy
- New fluorescent probes for specific metabolites or chemical species,
- Elemental bioimaging, e.g. by LA-ICP-MS, NanoSIMS, TEM/X-EDS or SXRF
- Novel combinations of elemental imaging with protein (e.g. MALDI), and/or metabolite imaging