Metabolic profiling of single cells by exploiting NADH and FAD fluorescence via flow cytometry.

Objective: The metabolism of different cells within the same microenvironment can differ and dictate physiological or pathological adaptions. Current single-cell analysis methods of metabolism are not label-free.

Methods: The study introduces a label-free, live-cell analysis method assessing endogenous fluorescence of NAD(P)H and FAD in surface-stained cells by flow cytometry.