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Nanoparticle‐based luminescent probes for intracellular sensing and imaging of pH
Author(s) -
Schäferling Michael
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
wiley interdisciplinary reviews: nanomedicine and nanobiotechnology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 72
eISSN - 1939-0041
pISSN - 1939-5116
DOI - 10.1002/wnan.1366
Subject(s) - nanosensor , nanotechnology , fluorescence , nanocarriers , nanoparticle , photon upconversion , luminescence , materials science , fluorescence microscope , quantum dot , nanomaterials , nanobiotechnology , luminescent measurements , biophysics , chemistry , optoelectronics , physics , quantum mechanics , biology
Fluorescence imaging microscopy is an essential tool in biomedical research. Meanwhile, various fluorescent probes are available for the staining of cells, cell membranes, and organelles. Though, to monitor intracellular processes and dysfunctions, probes that respond to ubiquitous chemical parameters determining the cellular function such as pH , pO 2 , and Ca 2+ are required. This review is focused on the progress in the design, fabrication, and application of photoluminescent nanoprobes for sensing and imaging of pH in living cells. The advantages of using nanoprobes carrying fluorescent pH indicators compared to single molecule probes are discussed as well as their limitations due to the mostly lysosomal uptake by cells. Particular attention is paid to ratiometric dual wavelength nanosensors that enable intrinsic referenced measurements. Referencing and proper calibration procedures are basic prerequisites to carry out reliable quantitative pH determinations in complex samples such as living cells. A variety of examples will be presented that highlight the diverseness of nanocarrier materials (polymers, micelles, silica, quantum dots, carbon dots, gold, photon upconversion nanocrystals, or bacteriophages), fluorescent pH indicators for the weak acidic range, and referenced sensing mechanisms, that have been applied intracellularly up to now. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:378–413. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1366 This article is categorized under: Diagnostic Tools > In Vitro Nanoparticle-Based Sensing