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Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Biomolecular Imaging of Cellular Uptake of Nanoparticles using Multimodal Nonlinear Optical Microscopy
Published on: May 16, 2022
A versatile multimode microscope to probe and manipulate nanoparticles and biomolecules
M Kyoung1, K Karunwi, E D Sheets
1Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University, University Park PA 16802, USA.
This study presents a versatile optical setup for precise measurement and manipulation of biomolecules and nanoparticles in biological systems. The integrated biophotonics platform enables simultaneous cell monitoring and molecular analysis.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Optical Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Quantitative analysis of biomolecules and nanoparticles is crucial for understanding cellular processes.
- Existing optical techniques often lack the flexibility for simultaneous multi-modal measurements.
- Need for integrated platforms to study complex biological systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and demonstrate a flexible, multifaceted optical setup for quantitative measurement and manipulation.
- To integrate multiple advanced biophotonics techniques onto a single platform.
- To enable simultaneous monitoring of cellular morphology and molecular dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Integrated biophotonics techniques including differential interference contrast, wide-field fluorescence, and total internal reflection excitation.
- Single particle tracking and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy for molecular diffusion analysis.
- Dynamic holographic optical trapping for manipulation of biomolecules and nanoparticles.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of a versatile, custom-designed optical system.
- Demonstrated simultaneous monitoring of cell morphology.
- Enabled quantitative measurement of biomolecule lateral diffusion and controlled manipulation.
Conclusions:
- The developed optical setup offers a powerful, adaptable tool for studying biomolecular and nanoparticle interactions in complex biological environments.
- This integrated platform facilitates simultaneous observation of cellular structure and molecular behavior.
- The system provides new capabilities for precise control and analysis in biophysics and cell biology research.
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