Optochemical nanosensor PEBBLEs: photonic explorers for bioanalysis with biologically localized embedding.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Intracellular monitoring of small analytes is crucial for understanding cellular processes.
• Existing methods for analyte detection can be invasive or lack specificity.
• Development of robust, non-disruptive biosensors is needed for real-time cellular analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop nanosized photonic explorers for bioanalysis with biologically localized embedding (PEBBLEs) for intracellular analyte monitoring.
• To demonstrate the utility of PEBBLEs in direct measurement and ion correlation sensing within cells.
• To showcase the ratiometric, reversible, and cell-protective properties of PEBBLEs.

Main Methods:

• PEBBLEs were synthesized using polymer (polyacrylamide, polydecylmethacrylate) or sol-gel (silica, ormosil) nanoparticles.
• Fluorescent analyte-sensitive indicator dyes and analyte-insensitive reference dyes were incorporated into the nanoparticles.
• Two types of PEBBLE sensors were developed: direct measurement sensors and ion correlation sensors.
• Intracellular sensing experiments were conducted to evaluate PEBBLE performance.

Main Results:

• PEBBLEs were successfully created for the intracellular monitoring of various analytes including H(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), O(2), K(+), Na(+), Cl(-), OH, and glucose.
• The probes demonstrated ratiometric and reversible sensing capabilities.
• PEBBLEs provided protection from cellular interactions, preserving both cell and sensor integrity.

Conclusions:

• PEBBLEs represent a novel platform for intracellular analyte monitoring.
• The developed sensors offer advantages in terms of specificity, reversibility, and minimal cellular disruption.
• PEBBLE technology holds significant potential for advancing bioanalysis and cellular research.