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Modified Organosilica Core-Shell Nanoparticles for Stable pH Sensing in Biological Solutions
Kye J Robinson1, Gabriel T Huynh1, Betty P Kouskousis2,3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, Monash Node , Monash University , Clayton , Victoria 3800 , Australia.
ACS Sensors
|April 11, 2018
Summary
New organosilica core-shell nanoparticles offer stable, continuous pH monitoring in biological systems. These advanced nanosensors demonstrate rapid response times and long-term stability for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Continuous monitoring in biological systems often uses nanoparticle sensors.
- Existing sensors face challenges with long-term stability due to scaffold materials.
- Organosilica core-shell nanoparticles offer a potential solution for improved sensor stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize organosilica core-shell nanoparticles as continuous pH sensors.
- To investigate sensor performance (dynamic range, sensitivity, response time, stability) based on material properties.
- To evaluate the nanosensors' efficacy in biological media and in vivo applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of organosilica core-shell nanoparticles with embedded pH-sensitive and pH-insensitive fluorophores.
- Characterization of sensor properties including dynamic range, sensitivity, and response time.
- Assessment of sensor stability under storage conditions and performance in biological samples (bacterial culture, mouse skin).
Main Results:
- The fluorescence intensity ratio showed high pH sensitivity (4.5-8) with a rapid response time (<100 ms).
- Nanosensors maintained stable, pH-specific signals for over 80 days at room temperature.
- Successful in vivo monitoring of pH in bacterial cultures and mouse skin via fluorescence imaging.
Conclusions:
- Organosilica core-shell nanoparticles provide a stable and sensitive platform for continuous pH sensing.
- The developed nanosensors exhibit superior performance compared to previous silica-based particle sensors.
- Understanding the link between material properties and sensor characteristics is crucial for next-generation optical nanosensors.
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