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Fluorescent metal nanoshell and CK19 detection on single cell image
Jian Zhang1, Yi Fu, Ge Li
1Center for Fluorescence Spectroscopy, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 725 West Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. jian@cfs.biomet.umaryland.edu
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|August 27, 2011
Summary
Novel metal nanoshells with antibodies on their surface enhance fluorescence imaging. These nanoprobes improve cell imaging by increasing signal intensity and reducing background noise for better target molecule detection.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Imaging
- Optical Properties
Background:
- Traditional fluorescence nanoshells encapsulate dyes internally.
- This study explores a novel approach with external antibody labeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize novel fluorescence metal nanoshells.
- To evaluate their performance as imaging agents for cell imaging.
- To investigate the impact of near-field interactions on optical properties.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of 40 nm silica core/10 nm silver shell nanoshells.
- Labeling of nanoshells with Cy5-conjugated anti-CK19 antibodies.
- Optical measurements of single nanoparticles.
- Time-resolved confocal fluorescence microscopy for cell imaging.
Main Results:
- mAb-Ag complexes showed enhanced emission intensity and shortened lifetime compared to metal-free antibodies.
- Nanoshells effectively immunoreacted with cytokeratin 19 on LNCAP and HeLa cells.
- Clear isolation of nanoprobe emissions from cellular autofluorescence was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Novel metal nanoshells with surface-bound antibodies offer superior fluorescence imaging capabilities.
- Enhanced optical properties facilitate precise detection and potential quantification of target molecules.
- This approach provides a promising tool for advanced cell imaging applications.
