title: Nanoparticles for applications in cellular imaging.
abstract: In the following review we discuss several types of nanoparticles (such as TiO2, quantum dots, and gold nanoparticles) and their impact on the ability to image biological components in fixed cells. The review also discusses factors influencing nanoparticle imaging and uptake in live cells in vitro. Due to their unique size-dependent properties nanoparticles offer numerous advantages over traditional dyes and proteins. For example, the photostability, narrow emission peak, and ability to rationally modify both the size and surface chemistry of Quantum Dots allow for simultaneous analyses of multiple targets within the same cell. On the other hand, the surface characteristics of nanometer sized TiO2allow efficient conjugation to nucleic acids which enables their retention in specific subcellular compartments. We discuss cellular uptake mechanisms for the internalization of nanoparticles and studies showing the influence of nanoparticle size and charge and the cell type targeted on nanoparticle uptake. The predominant nanoparticle uptake mechanisms include clathrin-dependent mechanisms, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Northwestern University, Robert E, Lurie Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E, Chicago Ave, Ward Building Room 13-007, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. g-woloschak@northwestern.edu.
authors.forename: K Ted
authors.initials: KT
authors.lastname: Thurn
authors.forename: Ericmb
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Aiguo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vogt
authors.forename: Barry
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lai
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Maser
authors.forename: Tatjana
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Paunesku
authors.forename: Gayle E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Woloschak