Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy and cryogenic soft X-ray tomography enable intracellular localization of stable nanoparticles

DOI: 10.1016/j.nantod.2024.102599

Authors: Iris R. S. Ribeiro (Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS)) , Maria Harkiolaki (Diamond Light Source; University of Warwick) , Tomás S. Plivelic (MAX IV Laboratory, Lund University) , Leandro R. S. Barbosa (Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS); University of Sao Paulo)
Co-authored by industrial partner: No

Type: Journal Paper
Journal: Nano Today , VOL 61

State: Published (Approved)
Published: December 2024
Diamond Proposal Number(s): 34206

Abstract: Cubosomes have emerged as a powerful platform for cancer treatment due to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate hydrophilic/lipophilic drugs, providing controlled drug release. While investigating these nanoparticles' stability and intracellular localization is essential for advancing them as clinically efficient nanomedicine, such studies are still lacking, and those available do not provide a reliable and comprehensive understanding. Here, we analyze cubosomes stability in complex media and conduct a pioneering study on visualizing their intracellular localization using a combination of correlative high-resolution three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy and soft X-ray tomography (synchrotron-based technique) at cryogenic temperatures, leveraging natural cellular contrast. Our studies revealed that cubosomes were stable in complex media, confirming their localization within lysosomes. In addition to being crucial for ensuring the advancement of cubosomes for therapeutic purposes, this study paves the way for defining the intracellular localization of other nanoparticles in greater detail, utilizing synchrotron-based 3D imaging techniques. Finally, we confirm the efficacy of doxorubicin-incorporated cubosomes against breast cancer cells.

Diamond Keywords: Breast Cancer

Subject Areas: Biology and Bio-materials, Medicine, Materials


Instruments: B24-Cryo Soft X-ray Tomography

Other Facilities: CoSAXS at MAX IV; Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS)

Added On: 30/12/2024 09:26

Discipline Tags:

Non-Communicable Diseases Health & Wellbeing Cancer Materials Science Nanoscience/Nanotechnology Biophysics Life Sciences & Biotech

Technical Tags:

Microscopy X-ray Microscopy Cryo X-ray Microscopy CryoSIM