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Intracellular SERS hybrid probes using BSA-reporter conjugates
Andrea Hornemann1, Daniela Drescher, Sabine Flemig
1Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
We developed novel surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) hybrid probes by conjugating reporter molecules to bovine serum albumin (BSA). These biocompatible probes offer stable signals for advanced cellular imaging and bioanalytical sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probes are valuable tools for molecular detection.
- Existing SERS probes often face challenges with biocompatibility and signal stability in biological environments.
- Developing robust and biocompatible SERS probes is crucial for advanced bioimaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create novel SERS hybrid probes with enhanced biocompatibility and signal stability.
- To utilize bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a stabilizing and biocompatible matrix for SERS nanoprobes.
- To demonstrate the application of these probes in cellular imaging and multivariate analysis.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation of reporter molecules to bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- Utilizing gold nanoparticles as the plasmonic core for SERS enhancement.
- Characterization using MALDI-TOF-MS for coupling efficiency and SERS spectroscopy for spectral analysis.
- Application in 3T3 cells for imaging, including duplex imaging and multivariate analysis (hierarchical cluster and principal component analysis).
Main Results:
- BSA-conjugate hybrid nanoprobes exhibited high biocompatibility and stabilized gold nanoparticles.
- Stable reporter signals were achieved due to covalent coupling, altering SERS spectra.
- Successful application in 3T3 cells demonstrated duplex imaging capabilities.
- Multivariate analysis revealed spectral signatures from SERS probes and cellular biomolecules.
Conclusions:
- BSA-conjugate hybrid nanoprobes offer significant advantages over conventional SERS probes.
- These probes show great potential for advanced cellular imaging and high-density bioanalytical sensing.
- The developed probes facilitate detailed analysis of biological samples and cellular structures.
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