Huili Cheng , Mingming Jin , Jinxin Fang , Ziheng Yuan , Yuan Wei , Baojuan Wang , Qingqing Huang
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Fluorescence imaging of subcellular structures is crucial for understanding cellular functions and disease mechanisms. However, existing fluorescent dyes are plagued by inadequate biocompatibility and insufficient stability, which impede the advancement of high-resolution, long-term, and live-cell imaging. In this work, we innovatively synthesized a novel nickel nanocluster encapsulated with ficin (Ficin-Ni NCs) through a straightforward biomineralization approach as a fluorescent probe for imaging the nucleus. The Ficin-Ni NCs with intense green fluorescence exhibited a particle size of approximately 1.56 nm, significant Stokes shift (110 nm), and remarkable stability (98 % fluorescence intensity after 14 days). Meanwhile, the Ni NCs demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, maintaining cell viability above 90 % for both Raw264.7 and HEK-293T cells at a concentration of 60 μg/mL. Significantly, DNA gel electrophoresis experiments, using ethidium bromide (EB) as a reference, confirmed the ability of the NCs to bind DNA. Furthermore, the as-prepared Ficin-Ni NCs could achieve precise imaging of cell nuclei consistent with 4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) within 15 min in a variety of animal cells, including HEK-293T cells, Raw264.7, bullfrog erythrocytes, and human oral epithelial cells. Simultaneously, Ni NCs also demonstrated remarkable potential for visualizing the nuclear structures in plant cells, such as onion and cinnamon epidermal cells. Therefore, this innovative fluorescent probe, initially prepared via biomineralization, emerges as a promising alternative to traditional EB or DAPI dyes, paving the way for rapid response, effectiveness, and reusability in cellular imaging.
期刊介绍:
Talanta provides a forum for the publication of original research papers, short communications, and critical reviews in all branches of pure and applied analytical chemistry. Papers are evaluated based on established guidelines, including the fundamental nature of the study, scientific novelty, substantial improvement or advantage over existing technology or methods, and demonstrated analytical applicability. Original research papers on fundamental studies, and on novel sensor and instrumentation developments, are encouraged. Novel or improved applications in areas such as clinical and biological chemistry, environmental analysis, geochemistry, materials science and engineering, and analytical platforms for omics development are welcome.
Analytical performance of methods should be determined, including interference and matrix effects, and methods should be validated by comparison with a standard method, or analysis of a certified reference material. Simple spiking recoveries may not be sufficient. The developed method should especially comprise information on selectivity, sensitivity, detection limits, accuracy, and reliability. However, applying official validation or robustness studies to a routine method or technique does not necessarily constitute novelty. Proper statistical treatment of the data should be provided. Relevant literature should be cited, including related publications by the authors, and authors should discuss how their proposed methodology compares with previously reported methods.