High-Contrast Imaging of Nanodiamonds in Cells by Energy Filtered and Correlative Light-Electron Microscopy: Toward a Quantitative Nanoparticle-Cell Analysis

• DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b00752
• Publication Date: 2019-02-27T13:15:48Z
• Authors: Shen Han; Marco Raabe; Lorna Hodgson; Judith Mantell; Paul Verkade; Theo Lasser; Katharina Landfester; Tanja Weil; Ingo Lieberwirth
• Keywords: Live cell imaging; Organelle; Single-Cell Analysis

Fluorescent nanodiamonds (fNDs) represent an emerging class of nanomaterials offering great opportunities for ultrahigh resolution imaging, sensing and drug delivery applications. Their biocompatibility, exceptional chemical consistent photostability renders them particularly attractive correlative light-electron microscopy studies providing unique insights into nanoparticle-cell interactions. Herein, we demonstrate a stringent procedure to image quantify fNDs with high contrast down the single particle level in cells. Individual were directly visualized by energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy, that is, inside newly forming, early endosomal vesicles during their cellular uptake processes as well organelles such mitochondrion. Furthermore, unequivocal identification, localization, quantification individual larger fND clusters intracellular vesicles. Our are relevance obtain quantitative information on nanoparticle trafficking various interactions cells, membranes, organelles, which will be crucial design-improved sensors, imaging probes, nanotherapeutics based data.