Open AccessReal-time and label-free monitoring of nanoparticle cellular uptake using capacitance-based assays
Author(s) -
Rimi Lee,
Dong Hyun Jo,
Sang J. Chung,
Hee Kyung Na,
Jeong Hun Kim,
Tae Geol Lee
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
scientific reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.24
H-Index - 213
ISSN - 2045-2322
DOI - 10.1038/srep33668
Subject(s) - capacitance , nanoparticle , cytoplasm , nanotechnology , materials science , biophysics , function (biology) , biological system , chemistry , computer science , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , electrode
Nanoparticles have shown great potential as vehicles for the delivery of drugs, nucleic acids, and therapeutic proteins; an efficient, high-throughput screening method to analyze nanoparticle interaction with the cytomembrane would substantially improve the efficiency and accuracy of the delivery. Here, we developed a capacitance sensor array that monitored the capacitance values of nanoparticle-treated cells in a real-time manner, without the need for labeling. Upon cellular uptake of the nanoparticles, a capacitance peak was observed at a low frequency (e.g., 100 Hz) as a function of time based on zeta potential changes. In the high frequency region (e.g., 15–20 kHz), the rate of decreasing capacitance slowed as a function of time compared to the cell growth control group, due to increased cytoplasm resistance and decreased membrane capacitance and resistance. The information provided by our capacitance sensor array will be a powerful tool for scientists designing nanoparticles for specific purposes.