Hyperspectral Imaging of Gold Nanoparticles in Live Blood Cells

The circulatory system is a vehicle for delivery of functionalised nanoparticles to targeted cells and tissues. The CytoViva Enhanced Darkfield Hyperspectral Microscope from Schaefer Technologie GmbH is a highly effective tool for optically imaging and spectrally characterising nanoparticles while in the bloodstream or in other complex environments. No fluorescent labelling or other sample preparation of the nanoparticles or the biological matrix is required when using this technique.

The microscope creates high signal-to-noise optical and hyperspectral images, which enable fast and direct observation of unlabelled gold nanoparticles in live blood cells (see in the figure). The hyperspectral images contain one full spectrum of the reflected light in each pixel of the image. This makes it easy to identify the spectral response of the nanoparticles, confirming their presence, and the way they interact with individual cells of the blood sample. It can also provide keen insight regarding the chemical stability of nanoparticles and their drug load or other surface functionalisation. Therefore, the CytoViva technology can help you to understand the nanoparticle efficacy when used as drug delivery vectors.

Please contact Schaefer Technologie GmbH to learn more about this imaging technology or to arrange for test imaging of your samples.