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FRET Imaging in Three-dimensional Hydrogels
Published on: August 1, 2016
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Label-Free 3D Cell Imaging Using Hydrogels Functionalized with Switchable Iridium Complexes
Federica Fiorini1,2, Elena Longhi1,3, Ariadna Lazaro4
1Institut de Science et d'Ingénierie Supramoléculaires (I.S.I.S.), Université de Strasbourg, 8 allée Gas-pard Monge, Strasbourg, 67000, France.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|January 19, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel hydrogel scaffold for cell visualization. The scaffold uses luminescent iridium complexes that activate upon cell membrane interaction, enabling real-time, staining-free 3D cell tracking.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Cell Biology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Traditional fluorescent labels can alter cell behavior.
- Need for non-invasive cell visualization techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- Develop a staining-free method for real-time 3D cell visualization.
- Utilize luminescent iridium complexes for cell tracking.
Main Methods:
- Functionalizing a 3D hydrogel scaffold with cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes.
- Designing iridium complexes that are emissive only upon interaction with cell membranes.
- Exploiting luminescence quenching in aqueous environments.
Main Results:
- Iridium-functionalized hydrogels exhibit weak luminescence in culture media.
- Cell interaction with the hydrogel "switches on" luminescence.
- Achieved clear, dynamic, real-time 3D visualization of cell proliferation.
Conclusions:
- The developed iridium-functionalized hydrogel enables staining-free, real-time 3D cell tracking.
- This methodology offers a promising approach for monitoring dynamic cellular processes.
- Potential applications in cell proliferation studies and advanced imaging.
