Stimuli-Responsive DNA Nanomachines for Intracellular Targeted Electrochemiluminescence Imaging in Single Cells

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) microscopy offers background-free imaging for single-cell analysis.
• Controlled intracellular ECL imaging presents significant technical challenges.
• Existing methods lack precise control over signal generation within living cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stimuli-responsive DNA nanomachine for controlled intracellular ECL imaging.
• To enable targeted imaging of specific biomolecules within single cells.
• To overcome limitations in current intracellular ECL microscopy techniques.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of an ECL nanoprobe using a Ru(bpy)32+-doped metal-organic framework core and a DNA polymer hydrogel (DNAgel) shell.
• Design of the DNAgel shell to act as a stimuli-gated layer, blocking ECL generation until triggered.
• Utilizing ATP molecules as a trigger to induce DNAgel dissociation and restore ECL emission for targeted imaging.

Main Results:

• Successful development of a stimuli-responsive self-assembled DNA nanomachine for intracellular ECL imaging.
• Demonstrated targeted ECL imaging of intracellular ATP distribution with high spatial resolution.
• Confirmed the probe's ability to selectively recover ECL emission upon ATP stimulation.

Conclusions:

• The engineered DNA nanomachine provides a reliable strategy for controlled ECL microscopy within single cells.
• This approach enables precise visualization of intracellular biomolecules, starting with ATP.
• The platform is generalizable for imaging various intracellular biomolecules by modifying the DNA sequences, broadening ECL applications in single-cell and single-molecule analysis.