Endocytic capsule sensors for probing cellular internalization

Adv Healthc Mater. 2014 Oct;3(10):1551-4, 1524. doi: 10.1002/adhm.201400139. Epub 2014 Apr 4.

Abstract

A new class of polymer capsules with an in-built endocytic pH-coupled fluorescence switch is reported. These capsules display reversible "on/off" fluorescence in response to cellular pH variations. Using this system, the high-throughput quantification between surface-bound and internalized capsules is demonstrated. This system allows a fundamental study of the interaction between nanoengineered materials and biological systems at a cellular level.

Keywords: cell uptake; internalization; layer-by-layer; nanotechnology; polymer capsules; sensors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / chemistry
  • Bone Marrow Cells / metabolism
  • Capsules / administration & dosage
  • Capsules / chemistry
  • Capsules / pharmacokinetics
  • Cell Line
  • Dendritic Cells / chemistry
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Drug Carriers / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers / pharmacokinetics
  • Drug Delivery Systems / instrumentation
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Endocytosis / physiology*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / administration & dosage*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Fluorescent Dyes / pharmacokinetics
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Models, Molecular
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / chemistry
  • Polymethacrylic Acids / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Drug Carriers
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Polymethacrylic Acids
  • poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate)