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Functionalized Nanodiamonds for Targeted Neuronal Electromagnetic Signal Detection
Beatriz N L Costa1,2, Filipe Camarneiro1, Ana Marote3,4
1INL - International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Av. Mestre José Veiga s/n, 4715-330 Braga, Portugal.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|October 24, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed functionalized nanodiamonds with nitrogen-vacancy centers for neuronal sensing. These biocompatible sensors precisely target neuronal cells, enabling the study of action potentials and synaptic activity in neurodegenerative disease models.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Neuroscience
- Biophysics
Background:
- Intracellular sensing requires high spatial resolution, sensitivity, biocompatibility, and stability.
- Existing sensing methods have limitations in meeting all these criteria simultaneously.
- Nanodiamonds (NDs) with nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers offer promising sensing capabilities under biological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To functionalize NDs with NV centers for neuronal sensing applications.
- To investigate the biocompatibility and effects of functionalized NDs (f-NDs) on neuronal cell lines.
- To establish a sensor network for characterizing neuronal signaling in health and disease models.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of fluorescent NDs (FNDs) with antibodies targeting voltage-dependent calcium channels (Cav2.2).
- Attachment of FNDs to neuronal cell surfaces (SH-SY5Y, dopaminergic neurons, hippocampal neurons).
- Characterization using confocal imaging, co-localization, zeta potential measurements, and preliminary TIRF-ODMR experiments.
Main Results:
- Successful functionalization of FNDs confirmed by increased size and zeta potential, without compromising cell viability.
- Demonstrated precise positioning of f-NDs onto neuronal cell surfaces and neurites.
- Preliminary magnetic field sensitivity established, showing potential for sensing neuronal activity.
Conclusions:
- Functionalized NDs with NV centers are biocompatible and suitable for neuronal sensing.
- This sensor network provides a platform for studying neuronal signaling in neurodegenerative disease contexts.
- The technology enables enhanced characterization of neuronal activity with high spatial resolution and sensitivity.
