High biocompatible FITC-conjugated silica nanoparticles for cell labeling in both in vitro and in vivo models

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 14; no. 1; p. 6969
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Thi Thuy, Nguyen, Hoang Nam, Nghiem, Thi Ha Lien, Do, Xuan-Hai, To, Thanh Thuy, Do, Thi Xuan Phuong, Do, Dieu Linh, Nguyen, Huong Giang, Nguyen, Huy Manh, Nguyen, Ngoc Dinh, Luu, Manh Quynh, Nguyen, Trong Nghia, Nguyen, Thi Bich Ngoc, Nguyen, Van Toan, Pham, Van Thanh, Than, Uyen Thi Trang, Hoang, Thi My Nhung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 23-03-2024; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 631/532; 639/925/350; Acute toxicity; Angiogenesis; Biocompatibility; Biological research; Cell culture; Cell labelling; Cell migration; Cytotoxicity; Endothelial cells; Fluorescein isothiocyanate; Fluorescence; Fluorescence in situ hybridization; Gastrointestinal tract; HeLa cells; Humanities and Social Sciences; Larvae; multidisciplinary; Nanoparticles; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Silica; Silica nanoparticles; Silicon dioxide; Umbilical vein; Fluorescein isothiocyanate; Silica nanoparticles; Biocompatibility; Cell labelling
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55600-w

Fluorescence nanosilica-based cell tracker has been explored and applied in cell biological research. However, the aggregation of these nanoparticles at physiological pH is still the main limitation. In this research, we introduced a novel fluorescence nano-based cell tracker suitable for application in live cells. The silica-coated fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer (FITC-SiO
2
) nanoparticles (NPs) were modified with carboxymethylsilanetriol disodium salt (FITC-SiO
2
-COOH), integrating the dianion form of FITC molecules. This nanosystem exhibited superior dispersion in aqueous solutions and effectively mitigated dye leakage. These labeled NPs displayed notable biocompatibility and minimal cytotoxicity in both in vitro and in vivo conditions. Significantly, the NPs did not have negative implications on cell migration or angiogenesis. They successfully penetrated primary fibroblasts, human umbilical vein endothelial cells and HeLa cells in both 2D and 3D cultures, with the fluorescence signal enduring for over 72 h. Furthermore, the NP signals were consistently observed in the developing gastrointestinal tract of live medaka fish larvae for extended periods during phases of subdued digestive activity, without manifesting any apparent acute toxicity. These results underscore the promising utility of FITC-SiO
2
-COOH NPs as advanced live cell trackers in biological research.