A Ratiometric Fluorescence Nano pH Biosensor for Live-Cell Imaging Using Cerasome

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate pH monitoring is crucial for understanding cellular processes and diagnosing diseases.
• Existing pH sensors often face limitations in stability, biocompatibility, and precision.
• Developing advanced nanoscale platforms is essential for real-time intracellular measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a robust, biocompatible, and ultrastable ratiometric fluorescence nano pH sensor.
• To integrate a pH-sensitive dye within a novel nanoparticle structure for enhanced performance.
• To enable precise real-time intracellular pH monitoring for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of silica-coated liposome nanoparticles (cerasomes) with an average size of 138.4 nm.
• Incorporation of the pH-sensitive dye pyranine within the cerasome structure.
• Characterization of the sensor's ratiometric fluorescence properties, photostability, sensitivity, and morphological stability.

Main Results:

• The cerasome-based nano pH sensor demonstrated enhanced photostability, sensitivity, and biocompatibility.
• A linear detection range of pH 6.25-8.5 was achieved with minimal photobleaching and quenching.
• The nanoparticles exhibited high morphological stability, suitable for intracellular pH measurements.

Conclusions:

• The developed ratiometric fluorescence nano pH sensor offers a versatile and promising tool for biomedical research.
• This platform facilitates precise real-time intracellular pH monitoring, aiding cellular biology and disease diagnosis.
• The ultrastable and biocompatible nature of the cerasome sensor opens avenues for therapeutic monitoring.