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Published on: November 13, 2015
Gold nanoparticle quantitation via fluorescence in solution and cell culture
Parag Aggarwal1, Marina A Dobrovolskaia
1Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Advanced Technology Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|December 1, 2010
Summary
This study introduces a new fluorescence assay for quantifying gold nanoparticle concentration and macrophage uptake. This method offers a faster, more accessible alternative to traditional techniques like ICP-MS.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are increasingly used in biomedical applications.
- Accurate quantification of AuNPs in solution and their cellular uptake is crucial for research.
- Existing methods like ICP-MS are accurate but expensive and time-consuming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and cost-effective fluorescence assay for quantifying gold in solution.
- To enable the measurement of gold nanoparticle uptake by macrophages.
- To provide a preliminary alternative to ICP-MS for gold analysis.
Main Methods:
- A 96-well fluorescence assay was designed.
- The assay relies on the decrease in fluorescence of a dye upon complexation with gold and a ligand.
- Quantification is based on the principle that fluorescence decrease is proportional to gold concentration.
Main Results:
- The assay successfully determines gold concentrations in solution.
- It quantifies the degree of gold nanoparticle uptake by macrophages.
- The method is sensitive and requires minimal sample volume (200 μL).
Conclusions:
- The developed fluorescence assay provides a simple, preliminary method for gold quantification.
- It serves as a valuable tool for supporting macrophage uptake studies.
- This assay offers a practical alternative for researchers without access to advanced instrumentation.
