Abstract
The achievement of functional nanomodules for subcellular label-free measurement has long been pursued in order to fully understand cellular functions. Here, a compact label-free nanosensor based on a fiber taper and zinc oxide nanogratings is designed and applied for the early monitoring of apoptosis in individual living cells. Because of its nanoscale dimensions, mechanical flexibility, and minimal cytotoxicity to cells, the sensing module can be loaded in cells for long term in situ tracking with high sensitivity. A gradual increase in the nuclear refractive index during the apoptosis process is observed, revealing the increase in molecular density and the decrease in cell volume. The strategy used in our study not only contributes to the understanding of internal environmental variations during cellular apoptosis but also provides a new platform for nonfluorescent fiber devices for investigation of cellular events and understanding fundamental cell biochemical engineering.
Highlights
The intracellular microenvironment involves vital physiological characteristics of various cellular compartments
The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the nanostructured probe [see Fig. 1(b)] shows that the gratings on the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowire included 40 shallow grooves with a period Λ 1⁄4 169 nm, resulting in a total length
Biocompatible, portable, and reusable ZnO nanograting-integrated label-free nanosensor that enables in situ early monitoring of cellular apoptosis
Summary
The intracellular microenvironment involves vital physiological characteristics of various cellular compartments. Li et al.: Label-free fiber nanogratings sensor for real-time in situ early monitoring of cellular apoptosis. For an label-free device, the excitation, transmission, detection, and collection of light signals should be integrated in the same device without any chemical modification In this way can the integration of the device, the convenience of manipulation, and the efficiency of sensing be greatly improved. With optical nanogratings etched on the ZnO nanowire, the integrated fiber sensor is functionalized with the capability of simultaneously sending and receiving optical signals, being sensitive to changes in the surrounding environment, and can realize rapid, accurate, and real-time sensing by being physically located in a single living cell. Our strategy creates a precedent that allows a passive fiber nanodevice for in situ, dynamic intracellular monitoring and may provide new ideas for a number of novel studies combining photonics with biochemistry
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