Issue 17, 2015

Photoluminescent nanosensors for intracellular detection

Abstract

In this manuscript we review the main strategies for detecting changes in intracellular parameters with photoluminescent nanosensors. Examples of the detection of intracellular pH, ion concentration (Na+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Hg2+), reactive oxygen species (ROS, e.g. hydrogen peroxide), variations in temperature, changes in RNA levels and the detection of enzymatic activity are described in detail. The utilisation of nanomaterials such as quantum dots, silicon carbide nanoparticles, nanoscale metal–organic frameworks, upconverting nanoparticles, fluorescent nanoclusters, gold nanoparticles, nanodiamonds, dendrimers and polymeric nanoparticles in bioimaging is highlighted. When compared to molecular probes, nanosensors combine high sensitivity and selectivity with low toxicity, which are crucial parameters for sensing in live cells.

Graphical abstract: Photoluminescent nanosensors for intracellular detection

Article information

Article type
Tutorial Review
Submitted
24 Kol 2015
Accepted
01 Mme 2015
First published
02 Mme 2015

Anal. Methods, 2015,7, 7067-7075

Photoluminescent nanosensors for intracellular detection

C. A. Kerr and R. de la Rica, Anal. Methods, 2015, 7, 7067 DOI: 10.1039/C5AY00489F

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