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Updated: Feb 13, 2026
Quantification of Endothelial Fatty Acid Uptake using Fluorescent Fatty Acid Analogs
Published on: August 15, 2025
Tracking intracellular uptake and localisation of alkyne tagged fatty acids using Raman spectroscopy
Lauren E Jamieson1, Jennifer Greaves2, Jayde A McLellan3
1Centre for Molecular Nanometrology, WestCHEM, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD, UK.
Abstract:
Intracellular uptake, distribution and metabolism of lipids are tightly regulated characteristics in healthy cells. An analytical technique capable of understanding these characteristics with a high level of species specificity in a minimally invasive manner is highly desirable in order to understand better how these become disrupted during disease. In this study, the uptake and distribution of three different alkyne tagged fatty acids in single cells were monitored and compared, highlighting the ability of Raman spectroscopy combined with alkyne tags for better understanding of the fine details with regard to uptake, distribution and metabolism of very chemically specific lipid species. This indicates the promise of using Raman spectroscopy directly with alkyne tagged lipids for cellular studies as opposed to subsequently clicking of a fluorophore onto the alkyne for fluorescence imaging.
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