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Simultaneous pH Measurement in Endocytic and Cytosolic Compartments in Living Cells using Confocal Microscopy
Published on: April 28, 2014
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Rapid intracellular pH measurement based on electroporation- surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
Weiwei Chen1, Shenghe Weng1, Weixiong Zhong1
1School of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Health College, Fuzhou 350101, China.
Summary
Electroporation-surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) rapidly measures intracellular pH using gold nanoparticles. This technique enables quick, comprehensive pH analysis in live cells, showing potential for biochemical studies.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Intracellular pH is crucial for cell function and disease.
- Existing methods for intracellular pH measurement are often slow or lack spatial resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid and sensitive method for intracellular pH measurement using electroporation-SERS.
- To create a pH distribution map within live nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) to gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to create a pH-sensitive SERS probe.
- Introduction of the SERS probe into CNE-1 cells via electroporation.
- SERS scanning and analysis of Raman peak intensity ratios (1423 cm⁻¹ and 1072 cm⁻¹) to determine intracellular pH.
Main Results:
- Successful generation of a pH-sensitive SERS probe for the 6.0-8.0 range.
- Rapid and uniform dispersion of the nanoprobe throughout the cytoplasm of live cells.
- Creation of a pH distribution map of CNE-1 cells, demonstrating the technique's capability.
Conclusions:
- Electroporation-SERS provides a rapid and effective method for intracellular pH measurement.
- This technique allows for comprehensive biochemical analysis of live cells.
- The study highlights the potential of electroporation-SERS in cell biology research.
