Ratiometric Imaging of Catecholamine Neurotransmitters with Nanosensors.
Chen MaJennifer Maria MohrGerman LauerJustus Tom MetternichKrisztian NeutschTim ZiebarthAndreas ReinerSebastian KrussPublished in: Nano letters (2024)
Neurotransmitters are important signaling molecules in the brain and are relevant in many diseases. Measuring them with high spatial and temporal resolutions in biological systems is challenging. Here, we develop a ratiometric fluorescent sensor/probe for catecholamine neurotransmitters on the basis of near-infrared (NIR) semiconducting single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Phenylboronic acid (PBA)-based quantum defects are incorporated into them to interact selectively with catechol moieties. These PBA-SWCNTs are further modified with poly(ethylene glycol) phospholipids (PEG-PL) for biocompatibility. Catecholamines, including dopamine, do not affect the intrinsic E 11 fluorescence (990 nm) of these (PEG-PL-PBA-SWCNT) sensors. In contrast, the defect-related E 11 * emission (1130 nm) decreases by up to 35%. Furthermore, this dual functionalization allows tuning selectivity by changing the charge of the PEG polymer. These sensors are not taken up by cells, which is beneficial for extracellular imaging, and they are functional in brain slices. In summary, we use dual functionalization of SWCNTs to create a ratiometric biosensor for dopamine.
Keyphrases
- living cells
- quantum dots
- fluorescent probe
- energy transfer
- sensitive detection
- carbon nanotubes
- drug delivery
- photodynamic therapy
- single molecule
- high resolution
- white matter
- resting state
- induced apoptosis
- low cost
- uric acid
- hydrogen peroxide
- fluorescence imaging
- cell cycle arrest
- magnetic resonance
- fatty acid
- magnetic resonance imaging
- functional connectivity
- mass spectrometry
- molecular dynamics
- contrast enhanced
- computed tomography
- gold nanoparticles
- drug release
- multiple sclerosis
- cerebral ischemia
- prefrontal cortex
- blood brain barrier
- monte carlo