Versatile multicolor nanodiamond probes for intracellular imaging and targeted labeling

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) are promising for bio-imaging due to their photostability and tunable optical properties.
• Silicon vacancy (SiV) color centers in nanodiamonds offer near-infrared (NIR) emission, advantageous for deep tissue imaging.
• Distinguishing between different types of FNDs within biological systems is crucial for advanced imaging applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the scalable production of SiV FNDs.
• To demonstrate the use of SiV FNDs for intracellular bio-imaging.
• To showcase multi-color bio-imaging capabilities using distinct FND types for studying intercellular processes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of fluorescent nanodiamonds with silicon vacancy (SiV) color centers.
• Cellular uptake and imaging experiments using SiV FNDs.
• Comparative spectral analysis and imaging of SiV FNDs alongside nitrogen-vacancy (NV) FNDs.

Main Results:

• Successful and sizable production of SiV FNDs.
• First demonstration of SiV FNDs for bio-imaging within living cells.
• Successful multi-color bio-imaging by spectrally distinguishing SiV FNDs from NV FNDs.
• Observation of distinct intracellular spreading patterns for SiV FNDs.

Conclusions:

• SiV FNDs are effectively produced and suitable for intracellular bio-imaging.
• Multi-color bio-imaging using spectrally distinct FNDs (SiV and NV) is feasible for studying intercellular dynamics.
• SiV FNDs hold significant potential for in vivo bio-imaging applications due to their stable NIR fluorescence.