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Updated: May 19, 2026

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Multi-color Localization Microscopy of Single Membrane Proteins in Organelles of Live Mammalian Cells
Published on: June 30, 2018
Layered nanoprobe for long-lasting fluorescent cell label.
Seung Koo Lee1, Myung Shin Han, Ching-Hsuan Tung
1Department of Translational Imaging, The Methodist Hospital Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|August 14, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed a novel, long-lasting fluorescent nanoprobe for extended cell imaging. This particle-based label offers a stable signal for up to 3 weeks without toxicity, enabling prolonged cellular studies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cell imaging requires reliable, long-lasting fluorescent labels.
- Existing labels often suffer from photobleaching or short signal duration.
- Developing probes with prolonged intracellular stability is crucial for advanced cell studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and fabricate a novel particle-based fluorescent nanoprobe for extended cell imaging.
- To achieve a long-lasting intracellular fluorescence signal with minimal toxicity.
- To demonstrate the utility of the nanoprobe in prolonged cellular studies.
Main Methods:
- Layer-by-layer fabrication of onion-like nanoprobes using optically quenched polyelectrolytes.
- Intracellular release of fluorescence triggered by proteolysis.
- Cell incubation and assessment of fluorescence signal duration and cellular toxicity.
Main Results:
- Efficient cellular uptake of the assembled nanoprobes.
- Prolonged intracellular fluorescence signal lasting up to 3 weeks.
- No noticeable toxicity observed in cells treated with the nanoprobes.
Conclusions:
- The developed onion-like nanoprobe is a stable, long-lasting fluorescent label suitable for extended cell imaging.
- Layer-by-layer fabrication enables controlled release of fluorescence and prolonged signal duration.
- This technology offers a promising tool for long-term cell tracking and biological studies.
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