An authentic imaging probe to track cell fate from beginning to end. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Accurate tracing of cell viability is critical for optimizing delivery methods and evaluating the efficacy and safety of cell therapeutics. A nanoparticle-based cell tracker is developed to image cell fate from live to dead. The particle is fabricated from two types of optically quenched polyelectrolytes, a life indicator and a death indicator, through electrostatic interactions. On incubation with cells, the fabricated bifunctional nanoprobes are taken up efficiently and the first colour is produced by normal intracellular proteolysis, reflecting the healthy status of the cells. Depending on the number of coated layers, the signal can persist for several replication cycles. However, as the cells begin dying, the second colour appears quickly to reflect the new cell status. Using this chameleon-like cell tracker, live cells can be distinguished from apoptotic and necrotic cells instantly and definitively.

publication date

  • October 17, 2014

Research

keywords

  • Cell Lineage
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Molecular Probes

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC4852472

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84930340845

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1038/ncomms6216

PubMed ID

  • 25323442

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 5