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Mapping Surface Charge Distribution of Single-Cell via Charged Nanoparticle
Leixin Ouyang1, Rubia Shaik2, Ruiting Xu1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA.
Cells
|July 2, 2021
Summary
This study introduces a novel method for mapping cell surface charge using fluorescent nanoparticles. This technique quantifies charge distribution on single cells, advancing biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Cell surface charge is a critical regulator of cellular bio-functions.
- Understanding single-cell surface charge distribution is essential for deciphering cell behaviors.
- Existing methods may lack the resolution for single-cell surface charge mapping.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for mapping single-cell surface charge density.
- To investigate the electrostatic interactions between cells and nanoparticles for charge mapping.
- To quantify the surface charge distribution of different cell types.
Main Methods:
- Utilized fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) as probes for electrostatic cell-nanoparticle interactions.
- Imaged and analyzed the fluorescence distribution of NPs on cell surfaces at varying vertical distances.
- Established a correlation between fluorescence intensity and NP count to quantify surface charge density.
- Tested the method on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and HeLa cells.
Main Results:
- Successfully mapped the surface charge distribution of individual HUVECs and HeLa cells.
- Quantified the average zeta potentials for both cell types, showing good agreement with electrophoretic light scattering measurements.
- Demonstrated the method's capability for rapid surface charge mapping of single cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed electrostatic cell-nanoparticle interaction method provides a viable approach for single-cell surface charge mapping.
- This technique offers advancements in cell-surface-charge characterization for various biomedical applications.
- The method's accuracy and efficiency support its use in biological and nanomedical research.
