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Many biological systems contain an ensemble of cells with heterogeneous chemistry; therefore, it is important to analyze them on an individual basis in order to elucidate the role each cell plays in the function of these systems. In clinical diagnostics, the development of extremely sensitive measurements, down to single cells, may provide the best ability for diagnoses. Single cell analysis has, in fact, been present for quite some time. Investigators in life sciences consider the cell as the unit of life and so the pursuit to quantify, image, and modulate the cell has been ongoing for decades.

We have made an attempt to be comprehensive, but this Review focuses on the last two years. There are many great works in related areas, and it was difficult to draw a specific line between quantitative chemical analysis of cells and qualitative analysis. For example, we have again not covered a great deal of the studies that are truly …