Immunoassays based on inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry detection: So far so good, so what?

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has been traditionally employed in life sciences for total element content and speciation studies. Nonetheless, using element-tagged antibodies, ICP-MS also serves as a detector immunoassays thus allowing the determination of organic molecules (i.e. proteins, biomarkers, toxins, etc.) cells. When compared to conventional immunoassay detection approaches (e.g. fluorescence, UV/VIS absorbance, etc.), offers several unique attractive features such as: (i) high sensitivity selectivity; (ii) multiplexed capabilities; (iii) large dynamic range; (iv) robustness analysis both liquid solid samples. However, despite above-mentioned features, based on are mostly unknown among scientists not real breakthrough yet produced routine clinical applications. This work reviews most recent developments applications over last years, emphasising current challenges future trends this promising analytical tool.