Redox-responsive nanoparticles with Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) characteristic for fluorescence imaging

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cellular redox homeostasis is crucial for physiological functions, with distinct redox environments between intracellular and extracellular compartments.
• Monitoring cellular redox states is essential for understanding cellular processes and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel redox-responsive nanoparticles with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics for high-contrast fluorescence bioimaging.
• To investigate the redox-responsive fluorescence behavior of these nanoparticles in differentiating cellular compartments.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized redox-responsive nanoparticles by encapsulating a fluorophore (TPE-MI) into micelles of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)- and cholesterol (CE)-conjugated disulfide poly(amido amine)s.
• Investigated nanoparticle fluorescence profiles upon reaction with glutathione (GSH).
• Utilized confocal microscopy for cellular imaging in MCF-7 and HepG2 cells.

Main Results:

• Encapsulation of TPE-MI enhanced fluorescence efficiency and caused a red shift in emission.
• Nanoparticle fluorescence intensity positively correlated with glutathione (GSH) concentration.
• Demonstrated clear contrast between intracellular and extracellular compartments in cell imaging.

Conclusions:

• Developed PEG-shelled nanoparticles with low cytotoxicity and AIE characteristics for redox-responsive fluorescence imaging.
• These nanoparticles show potential for high-contrast bioimaging and differentiating cellular redox environments.