Issue 55, 2022

Exploiting directed self-assembly and disassembly for off-to-on fluorescence responsive live cell imaging

Abstract

A bio-responsive nanoparticle was formed by the directed self-assembly (DSA) of a hydrophobic NIR-fluorophore with poloxamer P188. Fluorophore emission was switched off when part of the nanoparticle, however upon stimulus induced nanoparticle dis-assembly the emission switched on. The emission quenching was shown to be due to fluorophore hydration and aggregation within the nanoparticle and the turn on response attributable to nanoparticle disassembly with embedding of the fluorophore within lipophilic environments. This was exploited for temporal and spatial live cell imaging with a measurable fluorescence response seen upon intracellular delivery of the fluorophore. The first dynamic response, seen within minutes, was from lipid droplets with other lipophilic regions such as the endoplasmic reticulum, nuclear membranes and secretory vacuoles imageable after hours. The high degree of fluorophore photostability facilitated continuous imaging for extended periods and the off to on switching facilitated the real-time observation of lipid droplet biogenesis as they emerged from the endoplasmic reticulum. With an in-depth understanding of the principles involved, further assembly controlling functional responses could be anticipated.

Graphical abstract: Exploiting directed self-assembly and disassembly for off-to-on fluorescence responsive live cell imaging

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
16 out 2022
Accepted
23 nov 2022
First published
13 dez 2022
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

RSC Adv., 2022,12, 35655-35665

Exploiting directed self-assembly and disassembly for off-to-on fluorescence responsive live cell imaging

N. Curtin, M. Garre, J. Bodin, N. Solem, R. Méallet-Renault and D. F. O'Shea, RSC Adv., 2022, 12, 35655 DOI: 10.1039/D2RA06534G

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