Imaging receptor-mediated endocytosis with a polymeric nanoparticle-based coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering probe

J Phys Chem B. 2007 Aug 23;111(33):9980-5. doi: 10.1021/jp073478z. Epub 2007 Jul 31.

Abstract

Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy was used to visualize receptor-mediated endocytosis and intracellular trafficking with the aid of a CARS probe. The probe was made of 200-nm polystyrene particles encapsulated in folate-targeted liposomes. By tuning (omega(p) - omega(s)) to 3045 cm(-1), which corresponds to the aromatic C-H stretching vibration, the polystyrene nanoparticles with a high density of aromatic C-H bonds were detected with a high signal-to-noise ratio, while the epi-detected CARS signal from cellular organelles was cancelled by the destructive interference between the resonant contribution from the aliphatic C-H vibration and the nonresonant contribution. Without any photobleaching, the CARS probe allowed single-particle tracking analysis of intracellular endosome transport. No photodamage to cells was observed under the current experimental conditions. These results show the advantages and potential of using a CARS probe to study cellular processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Colchicine / pharmacology
  • Endocytosis / drug effects
  • Endocytosis / physiology*
  • Fluoresceins / chemistry
  • Fluoresceins / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • KB Cells
  • Lasers
  • Models, Chemical
  • Nanoparticles
  • Polystyrenes / chemistry
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / physiology*
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Spectrum Analysis, Raman

Substances

  • Fluoresceins
  • Polystyrenes
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Colchicine
  • fluorexon