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Fluorescent Nanoparticles for the Measurement of Ion Concentration in Biological Systems
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Ionophore-Based SERS Nanosensors for Selective Electrolyte Detection and Intracellular Mapping
Laiqi Zhang1, Zhiyu Tang1, Alejandra Coronel-Zegarra1
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida 33431-6424, United States.
Analytical Chemistry
|December 15, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel nanosensor platform using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) for precise electrolyte ion detection in biological samples. The developed SERS nanosensors offer high sensitivity and selectivity for ions like sodium (Na+), calcium (Ca2+), and potassium (K+).
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Accurate quantification of electrolyte ions in biological settings is crucial for diagnostics.
- Existing methods often face challenges with sensitivity, selectivity, and matrix interference.
- Nanosensors offer potential for enhanced detection capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly sensitive and selective nanosensor platform for quantitative electrolyte ion detection.
- To utilize surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with ion-selective materials for ratiometric ion sensing.
- To demonstrate the application of the nanosensor in complex biological samples, including intracellular ion mapping.
Main Methods:
- Integration of gold/silver (Au/Ag) nanoparticles with chromoionophore I (CHI) for SERS signal generation.
- Co-functionalization with 2-naphthalenethiol (2-NT) as an internal standard for signal normalization.
- Fabrication of ion-selective nanosensors incorporating ionophores and ion exchangers.
- Application of the nanosensor platform for detecting Na+, Ca2+, and K+ in biological matrices and live cells.
Main Results:
- Nanosensors exhibited high reproducibility (RSD < 6.6%) and sensitive detection limits (0.01 mM for Na+/Ca2+, 0.1 mM for K+).
- Demonstrated excellent selectivity against interfering cations.
- Successfully quantified Na+ in human blood serum without matrix effects.
- Enabled in situ mapping of intracellular Na+ dynamics in HT-29 cells with high spatial resolution.
Conclusions:
- The developed SERS-based nanosensor platform provides a versatile tool for accurate electrolyte ion quantification in biological samples.
- The platform shows significant potential for multiplexed detection of inorganic species in biofluids and living systems.
- This technology opens new avenues for real-time monitoring of ionic homeostasis and cellular processes.
