title: An authentic imaging probe to track cell fate from beginning to end.
abstract: Accurate tracing of cell viability is critical for optimizing delivery methods and evaluating the efficacy and safety of cell therapeutics. A nanoparticle-based cell tracker is developed to image cell fate from live to dead. The particle is fabricated from two types of optically quenched polyelectrolytes, a life indicator and a death indicator, through electrostatic interactions. On incubation with cells, the fabricated bifunctional nanoprobes are taken up efficiently and the first colour is produced by normal intracellular proteolysis, reflecting the healthy status of the cells. Depending on the number of coated layers, the signal can persist for several replication cycles. However, as the cells begin dying, the second colour appears quickly to reflect the new cell status. Using this chameleon-like cell tracker, live cells can be distinguished from apoptotic and necrotic cells instantly and definitively.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 413 East 69th Street, Box 290, New York, New York 10021, USA.
authors.forename: Seung Koo
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Luke J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Mortensen
authors.affiliation: Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Charles P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Molecular Imaging Innovations Institute, Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 413 East 69th Street, Box 290, New York, New York 10021, USA.
authors.forename: Ching-Hsuan
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Tung
mesh_terms: D017304:Annexin A5 / Q000737:chemistry; D017209:Apoptosis; D001709:Biotechnology; D002232:Carbocyanines / Q000737:chemistry; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D019070:Cell Lineage; D002470:Cell Survival; D004573:Electrolytes; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D015335:Molecular Probes / Q000737:chemistry*; D008970:Molecular Weight; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009336:Necrosis; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000737:chemistry; D015398:Signal Transduction; D055672:Static Electricity; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D017304:Annexin A5; D002232:Carbocyanines; D004573:Electrolytes; D015335:Molecular Probes; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; C089187:cyanine dye 3