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Mapping Selenium Nanoparticles Distribution Inside Cells through Confocal Raman Microspectroscopy
Davide Redolfi-Bristol1,2, Kenta Yamamoto3, Wenliang Zhu1
1Ceramic Physics Laboratory, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Sakyo-ku, Matsugasaki, Kyoto 606-8585, Japan.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 18, 2025
Summary
Biocompatible selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) show promise for biomedical imaging and therapy. Confocal Raman microspectroscopy successfully mapped SeNPs within human dermal fibroblast cells, revealing cellular uptake without significant toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Spectroscopy
Background:
- Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) possess valuable biomedical properties, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Understanding nanoparticle-cell interactions is crucial for developing effective biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize biocompatible SeNPs and investigate their distribution within human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells using confocal Raman microspectroscopy.
- To assess the cytotoxicity of SeNPs on HDF cells.
- To demonstrate the utility of Raman microspectroscopy for imaging SeNPs within cells and studying their dynamic uptake.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of biocompatible SeNPs.
- Confocal Raman microspectroscopy for 2D and 3D mapping of SeNPs within HDF cells.
- Cell viability assays to evaluate SeNP cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- SeNPs were successfully synthesized and demonstrated a unique Raman signature for precise imaging.
- SeNPs showed minimal cytotoxicity, with adverse effects only observed at high concentrations and prolonged exposure.
- Three-dimensional Raman mapping provided novel insights into SeNP cellular penetration.
- Two-dimensional mapping confirmed dynamic SeNP uptake and internalization over time at sublethal concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Confocal Raman microspectroscopy is an effective technique for visualizing SeNP distribution and dynamics within cells.
- Biocompatible SeNPs hold potential for biomedical imaging and therapeutic applications.
- This study offers a new method for investigating nanoparticle-cell interactions.
