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Nanostructures Derived from Starch and Chitosan for Fluorescence Bio-Imaging
Yinxue Zu1, Jingran Bi2,3, Huiping Yan4
1Liaoning Key Laboratory of Food Biological Technology, School of Food Science and Technology, Dalian Polytechnic University, Qinggongyuan 1, Ganjingzi District, Dalian 116034, China. zuyinxue123@163.com.
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)
|March 25, 2017
Summary
Novel fluorescent nanostructures (NSs) from starch and chitosan offer superior photostability for bio-imaging. These polysaccharide NSs show potential for cell and fish imaging with low cytotoxicity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Polysaccharide-derived fluorescent nanostructures (NSs) are promising for bio-imaging.
- Developing novel fluorescent probes is crucial for advanced biological applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate polysaccharide-based NSs using starch and chitosan.
- To characterize their optical properties, photostability, and potential as fluorescent probes.
- To evaluate their performance in bio-imaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Alkali-assisted hydrothermal method for NS fabrication.
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for size analysis.
- Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy for surface group analysis.
- Spectroscopic measurements for fluorescence properties and photostability.
- Cytotoxicity assays and in vivo imaging studies.
Main Results:
- Starch NSs averaged 14 nm and chitosan NSs 75 nm.
- NSs exhibited strong, excitation-dependent fluorescence with superior photostability compared to fluorescein and rhodamine B.
- Starch NSs showed a quantum yield of 11.12% at 360 nm excitation.
- Fluorescence intensity was optimal at pH 7 and quenched by oxidative metal ions (Cu(II), Hg(II), Fe(III)).
- Starch NSs demonstrated low cytotoxicity (80% viability at <10 mg/mL for 24h).
Conclusions:
- Facile fabrication of polysaccharide NSs with excellent fluorescent properties.
- Potential application of these NSs as fluorescent probes for bio-imaging in cells and live organisms.
- Demonstrated stability and low cytotoxicity make them attractive for biological applications.
