Long‐Term Intracellular Tracking of Label‐Free Nanoparticles in Live Cells and Tissues with Confocal Microscopy

• Published in: Small methods Vol. 8; no. 10; pp. e2301713 - n/a
• Main Authors: Gusta, Muriel F., Ernst, Lena M., Moriones, Oscar H., Piella, Jordi, Valeri, Marta, Bastus, Neus G., Puntes, Victor
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany 01-10-2024
• Subjects: Animals; Cerium; confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM); Gold - chemistry; Humans; label‐free nanoparticle imaging; live cells and tissues; Metal Nanoparticles - chemistry; Mice; Microscopy, Confocal - methods; Nanoparticles - chemistry; optical scattering; optical scattering; label‐free nanoparticle imaging; confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM); live cells and tissues
• ISSN: 2366-9608; 2366-9608
• DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301713

The label‐free imaging of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) provides a powerful and versatile tool for studying interactions between NPs and biological systems. Without the need for exogenous labels or markers, it simply benefits from the differential scattering of visible photons between biomaterials and inorganic NPs. Validation experiments conducted on fixed and living cells in real‐time, as well as mouse tissue sections following parenteral administration of NPs. Additionally, by incorporating reporter fluorophores and utilizing both reflectance and fluorescence imaging modalities, the method enables high‐resolution multiplex imaging of cellular structures and NPs. Different sizes and concentrations of Au NPs are tested as for Ag, Fe3O4, and CeO2 NPs, all with biological interest. Overall, the comprehensive study of NP imaging by confocal microscopy in reflectance mode provides valuable insights and tools for researchers interested in monitoring the nano‐bio interactions.
Label‐free imaging of inorganic nanoparticles through confocal laser scanning microscopy offers a versatile approach to studying nano‐bio interactions. This method, based on photon scattering, eliminates the need for labels. Validation experiments on cells and tissue section post‐NP administration demonstrate real‐time applications. Using reporter fluorophores and both reflectance and fluorescence imaging, the method achieves high‐resolution multiplex imaging of cellular structures and NPs.