Imaging of transfection and intracellular release of intact, non-labeled DNA using fluorescent nanodiamonds. Issue 23 (31st May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petrakova, V.; Benson, V.; Buncek, M.; Fiserova, A.; Ledvina, M.; Stursa, J.; Cigler, P.; Nesladek, M.
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 8:Issue 23(2016)
• Page Start: 12002
• Page End: 12012
• Publication Date: 2016-05-31
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c6nr00610h
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Nanoscopic delivery carrier based on fluorescent nanodiamonds with nitrogen-vacancy color centers enables label-free intracellular imaging of the DNA transfection. Abstract : Efficient delivery of stabilized nucleic acids (NAs) into cells and release of the NA payload are crucial points in the transfection process. Here we report on the fabrication of a nanoscopic cellular delivery carrier that is additionally combined with a label-free intracellular sensor device, based on biocompatible fluorescent nanodiamond particles. The sensing function is engineered into nanodiamonds by using nitrogen-vacancy color centers, providing stable non-blinking luminescence. The device is used for monitoring NA transfection and the payload release in cells. The unpacking of NAs from a poly(ethyleneimine)-terminated nanodiamond surface is monitored using the color shift of nitrogen-vacancy centers in the diamond, which serve as a nanoscopic electric charge sensor. The proposed device innovates the strategies for NA imaging and delivery, by providing detection of the intracellular release of non-labeled NAs without affecting cellular processing of the NAs. Our system highlights the potential of nanodiamonds to act not merely as labels but also as non-toxic and non-photobleachable fluorescent biosensors reporting complex molecular events.