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Synthesis, Cellular Delivery and In vivo Application of Dendrimer-based pH Sensors
Published on: September 10, 2013
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Multifunctional PHPMA-Derived Polymer for Ratiometric pH Sensing, Fluorescence Imaging, and Magnetic Resonance
Fengyu Su1, Shubhangi Agarwal2, Tingting Pan3,4
1Center for Biosignatures Discovery Automation, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University , Tempe, Arizona 85287, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|December 7, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a novel multimodality probe for pH sensing and imaging using a functional polymer. This advanced probe offers both MRI and fluorescence capabilities for precise cellular pH monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Accurate pH sensing is crucial for understanding cellular processes.
- Existing pH probes often lack multimodality for comprehensive analysis.
- Developing advanced materials for simultaneous optical and magnetic resonance imaging is an ongoing challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel multimodality (MRI/fluorescence) probe for pH sensing and imaging.
- To evaluate the probe's performance in cellular environments.
- To explore its potential for advanced diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a multifunctional polymer based on poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) (PHPMA).
- Integration of a naphthalimide-based ratiometric fluorescence probe and a gadolinium-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid complex (Gd-DOTA).
- Characterization using UV-vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy, MRI, and confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- The polymer demonstrated pH-dependent transverse relaxation time (T2) in MRI.
- Fluorescence-based ratiometric pH sensing showed distinct blue emission (acidic) and green emission (basic) responses.
- The probe was successfully internalized in macrophage J774 and esophageal CP-A cell lines.
Conclusions:
- A novel multimodality probe for pH sensing and imaging was successfully developed.
- The probe exhibits responsive MRI and fluorescence characteristics for pH detection.
- This material offers potential for advanced cellular imaging and diagnostics.
