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In Vitro Imaging of Lycopene Delivery to Prostate Cancer Cells
Brian T Scarpitti1, Chureeporn Chitchumroonchokchai2,3, Steven K Clinton2,3
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|March 15, 2022
Summary
Live-cell Raman microscopy visualizes lycopene uptake in prostate cancer cells. This label-free technique tracks the distribution of this tomato-derived nutrient, showing accumulation in cellular membranes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biophysics
- Nutraceutical Science
Background:
- Monitoring nutrient uptake in cell cultures is crucial for understanding nutraceutical efficacy.
- Lycopene, a tomato carotenoid, is a bioactive compound studied for its role in inhibiting prostate cancer.
- Challenges exist in studying lycopene's physiological uptake due to its low aqueous solubility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To visualize and quantify lycopene delivery into prostate cancer cells using live-cell Raman microscopy.
- To investigate the subcellular localization and distribution of lycopene within cells.
- To establish a sensitive, label-free method for assessing nutraceutical uptake.
Main Methods:
- Employing live-cell Raman microscopy with a 532 nm excitation wavelength for resonant enhancement.
- Utilizing tween 80 micelles to deliver lycopene, mimicking in vivo lipoprotein complexes.
- Mapping Raman spectra to determine lycopene concentration and subcellular localization within PC-3 cells.
Main Results:
- Raman microscopy successfully visualized lycopene uptake and subcellular localization in PC-3 cells.
- The technique provided sensitive, label-free detection and quantification of lycopene.
- Raman data indicated that lycopene likely accumulates in the lipid membranes of cytoplasmic organelles.
Conclusions:
- Live-cell Raman microscopy is a powerful, label-free tool for studying nutraceutical uptake and distribution in real-time.
- The study demonstrates effective delivery and cellular accumulation of lycopene using tween 80 micelles.
- Findings suggest potential mechanisms for lycopene's action within prostate cancer cells.
