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A cell-surface-anchored ratiometric fluorescent probe for extracellular pH sensing
Guoliang Ke1, Zhi Zhu, Wei Wang
1State Key Laboratory of Physical Chemistry of Solid Surfaces, Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials, the Key Laboratory for Chemical Biology of Fujian Province, The MOE Key Laboratory of Spectrochemical Analysis & Instrumentation, Department of Chemical Biology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University , Xiamen 361005, P. R. China.
Researchers developed a novel lipid-DNA probe for accurate extracellular pH sensing. This cell-surface-anchored fluorescent sensor offers a reliable method for biological and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Accurate extracellular pH sensing is crucial for biological and clinical applications but remains challenging.
- Existing methods may lack the sensitivity, stability, or ease of use required for complex biological environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple, cell-surface-anchored ratiometric fluorescent probe for accurate extracellular pH sensing.
- To create a probe with high sensitivity, reversibility, stability, and negligible cytotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized an amphiphilic lipid-DNA molecule functionalized with pH-sensitive and pH-insensitive fluorescent dyes.
- Anchored the probe to cell surfaces via hydrophobic interactions with the cell membrane.
- Evaluated the probe's response to pH changes in the 6.0-8.0 range.
- Tested the probe's performance in a 3D cell culture environment.
Main Results:
- The lipid-DNA probe demonstrated a sensitive and reversible response to pH variations between 6.0 and 8.0.
- The probe exhibited stable cell-surface anchoring with negligible cytotoxicity.
- Ratiometric readout ensured accurate pH measurements.
- Successfully applied the probe for extracellular pH sensing in a 3D cell culture model.
Conclusions:
- The developed lipid-DNA probe is a simple, effective, and stable tool for extracellular pH sensing.
- Its cell-surface anchoring and ratiometric capabilities facilitate accurate measurements in biological contexts.
- This sensor holds significant potential for advancing biological and medical studies, particularly in complex 3D environments.
