Quantification of nanoparticle uptake by cells using an unbiased sampling method and electron microscopy

A. Elsaesser, C.A. Barnes, G. McKerr, C.V. Howard, A. Salvati, I. Lynch, K.A. Dawson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aims: By randomly sampling a known fraction of a pellet of cultured cells, we have accurately estimated the mean number of 50 nm gold nanoparticles accumulated within a single cell. Cellular nanoparticle uptake was measured using a combination of stereological sampling techniques and transmission electron microscopy. Materials & Methods: Nanoparticles were counted individually and their intracellular location was recorded. Quantifying cell and nanoparticle number by analyzing a known fraction of the sample led to precise estimates of intracellular nanoparticle numbers and their spatial locations on an ultrastructural level. We propose a simple and reliable fractionator design and show its applicability and potential using fibroblast cells exposed to 50-nm gold nanoparticles. Results & Conclusion: We demonstrate that this approach is suitable for any electron-dense nanomaterial resolvable by electron microscopy and any convex-shaped cells. In addition, the fractionator concept is flexible enough to be used for spatio-temporal or in vivo studies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1189-1198
Number of pages10
JournalNanomedicine
Volume6
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2011

Bibliographical note

MEDLINE® is the source for the MeSH terms of this document.

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Quantification of nanoparticle uptake by cells using an unbiased sampling method and electron microscopy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this