Abstract
Nanoparticles hold great potential in contributing to high-resolution bioimaging as well as for biomedical applications. Although, selenium (Se) nanoparticles (NPs) have been investigated owing to their potential roles in therapeutics, the imaging capability of these NPs has never been explored. This manuscript identifies the intrinsic fluorescence of Se NPs, which is highly beneficial for nanoscale imaging of biological structures. The emission of individual NPs and its evolution with time is explored. The photoluminescence spectra has revealed visible to near infrared emission for Se NPs. The work finally reflects on the role of this intrinsic fluorescence for in vitro imaging and tracking in fibroblast cells, without the need of any additional tags. This technique would overcome the limitations of the conventionally used methods of imaging with tagged fluorescent proteins and dyes, preventing possible adverse cellular effects or phototoxicity caused by the added fluorescent moieties.
Highlights
The antibacterial properties of metallic and semi-metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been well explored for many pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.[1,2] For these applications it is essential to detect and track such fluorescent NPs in the cell’s environment
Se NPs are used for a wide range of biomedical applications including anticancer applications and as antibacterial agents
The importance of intrinsic fluorescence of Se NPs is reported in the manuscript which makes them traceable entities inside biological structures
Summary
The antibacterial properties of metallic and semi-metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have been well explored for many pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.[1,2] For these applications it is essential to detect and track such fluorescent NPs in the cell’s environment. The presence of components such as collagens and flavins produces fluorescent background signals. These molecules typically absorb light in the range 300–500 nm and fluoresce at 400–550 nm. It is essential for the imaging probe to absorb light at wavelengths longer than 500 nm and to emit light at wavelengths longer than 600 nm.[4]
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