We present a novel nuclear targeting nanoprobe based on peptide functionalized gold nanoparticles and its surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) in living cells. For the first time, we probe an original SERS signal from the living cell nucleus by using high-selectivity functionalized gold nanoparticles. The gold nanoparticles conjugated with SV-40 large T nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptide successfully enter the cell nucleus after the incubation with Hela cells and deliver the spatially localized chemical information of the nucleus, as well as the signature of chemicals that intruded subsequently. This new targeted nanoprobe is a nontoxic, biocompatible method for biological research, provided with multiple functions comprising subcellular targeting, intracellular imaging, and real-time SERS detection.
We report metallurgy on the nanoscale
to generate metal nanoparticles
and their simultaneous patterning in a single step. This is achieved
by the self-reduction of porous metal–organic framework crystals
using nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation. Metal nanoparticles of
Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, In, Bi, and Pb with uniform sizes (controllable
between 3 to 200 nm) and gaps (as narrow as 2 nm) are produced by
nine different metal–organic frameworks, where atomically dispersed
non-noble metal ions are reduced and gathered across the pores. The
instant light absorption and cooling at local positions by a laser
allows for precise and efficient patterning of metal nanoparticles.
This new method is suitable for device fabrication at a speed of 15
mm2 s–1 on glass, consuming only 1.5
W of power. A large variety of metal nanoparticle three-dimensional
architectures are demonstrated, among which one architecture exhibits
an enhanced plasmonic effect homogeneously across the entire pattern
for the detection of molecules at an extremely low concentration (10–12 M). These architectures are extremely stable under
air and humidity during production, use, and storage, without altering
the oxidation state, for 6 months.
The alkyne tags possess unique interference-free Raman emissions but are still hindered for further application in the field of biochemical labels due to its extremely weak spontaneous Raman scattering. With the aid of computational chemistry, herein, an alkyne-modulated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) palette is constructed based on rationally designed 4-ethynylbenzenethiol derivatives for spectroscopic signature, Au@Ag core for optical enhancement and an encapsulating polyallylamine shell for protection and conjugation. Even for the pigment rich plant cell (e.g., pollen), the alkyne-coded SERS tag can be highly discerned on two-dimension distribution impervious to strong organic interferences originating from resonance-enhanced Raman scattering or autofluorescence. In addition, the alkynyl-containing Raman reporters contribute especially narrow emission, band shift-tunable (2100-2300 cm(-1)) and tremendously enhanced Raman signals when the alkynyl group locates at para position of mercaptobenzene ring. Depending on only single Raman band, the suggested alkyne-modulated SERS-palette potentially provides a more effective solution for multiplex cellular imaging with vibrant colors, when the hyperspectral and fairly intense optical noises originating from lower wavenumber region (<1800 cm(-1)) are inevitable under complex ambient conditions.
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