AM-DMF-SCP: Integrated Single-Cell Proteomics Analysis on an Active Matrix Digital Microfluidic Chip.

Single-cell proteomics offers unparalleled insights into cellular diversity and molecular mechanisms, enabling a deeper understanding of complex biological processes at the individual cell level. Here, we develop an integrated sample processing on an active-matrix digital microfluidic chip for single-cell proteomics (AM-DMF-SCP). Employing the AM-DMF-SCP approach and data-independent acquisition (DIA), we identify an average of 2258 protein groups in single HeLa cells within 15 min of the liquid chromatography gradient. We performed comparative analyses of three tumor cell lines: HeLa, A549, and HepG2, and machine learning was utilized to identify the unique features of these cell lines. Applying the AM-DMF-SCP to characterize the proteomes of a third-generation EGFR inhibitor, ASK120067-resistant cells (67R) and their parental NCI-H1975 cells, we observed a potential correlation between elevated VIM expression and 67R resistance, which is consistent with the findings from bulk sample analyses. These results suggest that AM-DMF-SCP is an automated, robust, and sensitive platform for single-cell proteomics and demonstrate the potential for providing valuable insights into cellular mechanisms.

A novel cationic covalent organic framework as adsorbent for simultaneous removal of methyl orange and hexavalent chromium.

The simultaneous removal of toxic, carcinogenic organic dyes and metal ions from water by one material offers significant advantages when fast, facile, and robust water purification is required. Ionic covalent organic frameworks (ICOFs) have the combined properties of COFs and ion exchange resins and are expected to achieve simultaneous capture of heavy metal ions and organic dyes from water. Herein, a novel guanidinium-based ICOF was synthesized using a solvothermal method. Benefitting from the cationic character, porosity and nanoscale pore size of ICOFs, the adsorbent exhibited high simultaneous adsorption capacities of 290 mg g-1 and 158 mg g-1 for methyl orange (MO) and Cr(vi), respectively, and retained more than 90% adsorption capacity after six adsorption-desorption cycles. In addition, based on dual control of size-exclusion and charge-selection, precisely selective adsorption is achieved towards diverse mixed anionic and cationic pollutants. This strategy offers a practical solution for COFs to confront environmental pollution issues.