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High-Resolution and Dynamic Visualization of Intracellular Redox Potential Using a Metal-Organic
Lei Jiang1,2,3, Yue He3, Minhuan Lan1
1Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Micro & Nano Materials Interface Science, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410083, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 30, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel nanopotentiometer using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and SERS to monitor intracellular redox potential. This tool offers a new way to study cellular processes and diseases like cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Nanotechnology
- Electrochemistry
Background:
- Intracellular redox potential is crucial for cell signaling and disease mechanisms.
- Accurate monitoring of cellular redox states is essential for understanding pathophysiological events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a metal-organic framework (MOF)-functionalized nanopotentiometer for dynamic intracellular redox potential monitoring.
- To enable high-resolution visualization of drug-induced redox changes in cells.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanopotentiometer using zirconium-based MOF (Uio-66-F4) encapsulated on gold-silver nanorods (Au-Ag NRs).
- Modification of Au-Ag NRs with a redox-sensitive probe, ortho-mercaptohydroquinone (HQ).
- Utilizing Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) for signal detection and quantification.
Main Results:
- The MOF-functionalized nanopotentiometer demonstrated long-term usability and anti-interference properties.
- It exhibited reversible redox responsivity, quantifying redox potential in the range of -250–100 mV.
- Dynamic visualization of intracellular redox potential changes induced by drug stimulation was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanopotentiometer provides a robust platform for real-time intracellular redox potential monitoring.
- This approach offers new insights into the role of redox potential in tumor proliferation, oxidative stress, and hypoxia.
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