Sulforhodamine Nanothermometer for Multiparametric Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy

Anal Chem. 2016 Nov 1;88(21):10566-10572. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.6b02675. Epub 2016 Oct 10.

Abstract

Live cells function within narrow limits of physiological temperature (T) and O2 and metabolite concentrations. We have designed a cell-permeable T-sensitive fluorescence lifetime-based nanoprobe based on lipophilic sulforhodamine, which stains 2D and 3D cell models, shows cytoplasmic localization, and has a robust response to T (∼0.037 ns/K). Subsequently, we evaluated the probe and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) technique for combined imaging of T and O2 gradients in metabolically active cells. We found that in adherent 2D culture of HCT116 cells intracellular T and O2 are close to ambient values. However, in 3D spheroid structures having size >200 μm, T and O2 gradients become pronounced. These microgradients can be enhanced by treatment with mitochondrial uncouplers or dissipated by drug-induced disaggregation of the spheroids. Thus, we demonstrate the existence of local microgradients of T in 3D cell models and utility of combined imaging of O2 and T.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • HCT116 Cells
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Oxygen / metabolism
  • Rhodamines / chemistry*
  • Spheroids, Cellular / metabolism
  • Temperature
  • Thermometers*

Substances

  • Rhodamines
  • lissamine rhodamine B
  • Oxygen