Super Resolved Structural Imaging of Mitochondrial Network using Orange Emissive Carbon Nanodots as Fluorescent Probe

Super-resolution microscopy (SRM), coupled with appropriate small and photostable fluorescent probes, has revolutionized the ability to study organelle dynamics with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution. An increasing trend of designing nanomaterial probes that have unprecedented advantages over organic molecular probes has become the frontier in SRM based imaging of subcellular organelles. Herein, we report the development of orange-emissive fluorescent carbon nanodots (CNDs) via a one-pot synthesis that has excellent capabilities to target mitochondria. Spectroscopic analysis confirms the presence of guanidine on the surface of CNDs, thus facilitating its ability to selectively target mitochondria. The CNDs were highly capable for the super-resolution radial fluctuation (SRRF) imaging of the mitochondrial network and the morphology. The synthesized CNDs exhibited high photostability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, which could be used for their application in mitochondria-based imaging modalities.