Nanoparticles (NPs) are attractive candidates for a variety of biomedical applications, particularly as vehicles for targeted drug delivery and as contrast agents for a variety of imaging techniques. The design of improved materials for any such applications would benefit from detailed studies into how NPs interact with target organ systems at the cellular level. While there have been numerous studies into the roles that NP size, shape, surface chemistry, etc. play in cellular uptake, these studies typically rely on analytical methods which cannot differentiate NPs which are internalized from those simply adhered to the cellular membrane and/or probe the aggregation state of the NPs in question. Presented here are results from studies employing single NP spectroscopy as a tool for detailed probing of NP uptake. Au NPs of varying geometries with consistent surface chemistry were synthesized and their uptake by HeLa cells was investigated. The observed optical responses of individual nanostructures demonstrate otherwise stable NPs selectively aggregate when brought into contact with cells. Additionally, optical studies will be discussed which suggest a majority of NPs in this prototypical model system are not internalized, but remain in partially-wrapped states.<br/>

Using single-particle spectroscopy to probe nanoparticle uptake by mammalian cells

2019 Spring National Meeting

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