Real‐Time Activity Bioassay of Single Osteoclasts Using a Silicon Nanocrystal‐Impregnated Artificial Matrix. Issue 21 (6th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alsharif, Naif H.; Al‐Said, Said A. Farha; Birch, Mark A.; Horrocks, Benjamin R.; Datta, Harish K.
• Is Part Of: Small. Volume 9:Issue 21(2013:Nov.)
• Page Start: 3685
• Page End: 3692
• Publication Date: 2013-05-06
• Subjects: Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanoparticles -- Periodicals; Microtechnology -- Periodicals; 620.5
• DOI: 10.1002/smll.201203184
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1613-6810

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>The lack of an in vitro real‐time osteoclast (OC) activity assay has hampered mechanistic studies of bone resorption. Such an assay is developed, employing a hydroxyapatite matrix impregnated with alkyl‐capped silicon nanocrystals, which is capable of monitoring the time‐course of resorption by single osteoclasts. Resorption of the matrix by OC releases the nanocrystals, which are internalized by the cell and detected as an increase in OC luminescence. This particular choice of nanocrystals is motivated by their bright pH‐independent luminescence, proportional to concentration, and by their rapid uptake without cytotoxicity. In this in vitro assay, OCs are inhibited by calcitonin (CT) and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MCD), and stimulated by receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) in the expected manner. The kinetics of the assay exhibit a lag phase representing cell attachment and commencement of resorption processes, followed by a growth of cell luminescence intensity, and the whole time‐course is satisfactorily described by the logistic equation.</p> </abstract>