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Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications
Published on: November 10, 2017
Lanthanide-based upconversion nanoparticles for connexin-targeted imaging in co-cultures
Sounderya Nagarajan1, Yong Zhang
1Division of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|March 26, 2013
Summary
Surface modification of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) enables deep tissue imaging by allowing antibody conjugation for targeting specific cells like H9c2 cardiac cells. This advancement enhances bioimaging capabilities for biological research.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Optical Imaging
Background:
- Deep tissue imaging requires excitation light penetration and detectable fluorescence emission.
- Near-infrared wavelengths offer reduced absorption and scattering for deeper tissue penetration.
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) are of interest due to their near-infrared excitation and visible/near-infrared emission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss surface modification of UCNs for improved biocompatibility and targeting.
- To enable UCNs dispersion in physiological buffers and antibody conjugation.
- To target cardiac cells (H9c2) and co-cultures using UCNs functionalized with specific antibodies.
Main Methods:
- Surface modification of UCNs to achieve hydrophilicity.
- Conjugation of connexin 43 gap junction protein-specific antibodies to modified UCNs.
- Application of functionalized UCNs for targeting H9c2 cells and co-cultures.
Main Results:
- Hydrophilic UCNs were successfully prepared, allowing dispersion in aqueous environments.
- Antibody conjugation to UCNs was achieved for specific cellular targeting.
- Demonstrated potential for UCNs in deep tissue imaging and cellular targeting applications.
Conclusions:
- Surface modification is crucial for adapting UCNs for biological applications.
- Functionalized UCNs show promise for targeted bioimaging in complex biological systems.
- This approach advances the use of UCNs in deep tissue imaging and cell-specific detection.
