A method for estimating intracellular ion concentration using optical nanosensors and ratiometric imaging.

ABSTRACT: Optical nanoparticle (NP)-based sensors have been widely implemented as tools for detection of targeted ions and biomolecules. The NP sensing platform offer a modular design that can incorporate different sensing components for greater target specificity and the ability to tune the dynamic range, as well as encapsulation of multiple dyes to generate a ratiometric signal with varying spectra. Despite these advantages, demonstrating quantitative ion imaging for intracellular measurement still possess a major challenge. Here, we describe fundamentals that enable intracellular validation of this approach using ion-selective nanosensors for investigating calcium (Ca²⁺) as a model ion. While conventional indicators can improve individual aspects of indicator performance such as Kd, wa

SUBMITTER: Rong G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5589868 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature