Molecular/elemental imaging of individual cells with a lateral resolution
below 1x1 µm is the current technological challenge for investigating the
smallest dimension of living systems. In the race for such analytical
performances, several techniques have been successfully developed; some are using probes for determining given cellular contents, others use interaction between cellular matter with light or elements for contents
characterization. Morphological techniques may also provide information
about dimensions of a cell, thus opening the way to quantitative studies
when combined to other techniques. Here is presented a prospective view
about the methodological requirements for implementing a multimodal imaging of an individual cell, notably combining FTIR imaging coupled to synchrotron radiation source and Brewster-angle microscopy, but later also using the Pulsed-Raman and X-Ray fluorescence microscopy techniques. Expected opportunities for cell biology investigations will be discussed in face of information every technique is able to provide.