X-ray Fluorescence Uptake Measurement of Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles in Tumor Cell Microsamples

Int J Mol Sci. 2021 Apr 1;22(7):3691. doi: 10.3390/ijms22073691.

Abstract

Quantitative cellular in vitro nanoparticle uptake measurements are possible with a large number of different techniques, however, all have their respective restrictions. Here, we demonstrate the application of synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging (XFI) on prostate tumor cells, which have internalized differently functionalized gold nanoparticles. Total nanoparticle uptake on the order of a few hundred picograms could be conveniently observed with microsamples consisting of only a few hundreds of cells. A comparison with mass spectroscopy quantification is provided, experimental results are both supported and sensitivity limits of this XFI approach extrapolated by Monte-Carlo simulations, yielding a minimum detectable nanoparticle mass of just 5 pg. This study demonstrates the high sensitivity level of XFI, allowing non-destructive uptake measurements with very small microsamples within just seconds of irradiation time.

Keywords: X-ray fluorescence; XFI; microsample; nanoparticles; uptake.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Gold*
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Optical Imaging*
  • Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Gold