Artificially regulated synthesis of nanocrystals in live cells

Abstract

Live cells, as reservoirs of biochemical reactions, can serve as amazing integrated chemical plants where precursor formation, nucleation and growth of nanocrystals, and functional assembly can be carried out accurately following an artificial program. It is crucial but challenging to deliberately direct intracellular pathways to synthesize desired nanocrystals that cannot be produced naturally in cells, because the relevant reactions exist in different spatiotemporal dimensions and will never encounter spontaneously. This article summarizes progress in the introduction of inorganic functional nanocrystals into live cells via the ‘artificial-regulated space–time-coupled live-cell synthesis’ strategy. We also describe ingenious bio-applications of the nanocrystal–cell systems, and quasi-biosynthesis strategies expanded from live-cell synthesis. Artificial-regulated live-cell synthesis—which involves the interdisciplinary application of biology, chemistry, nanoscience and medicine—will enable researchers to better exploit the unanticipated potentialities of live cells and open up new directions in synthetic biology.

Biosynthesis of CuTe Nanorods with Large Molar Extinction Coefficients for NIR-II Photoacoustic Imaging

“…Biosynthesized CuTe NRs exhibit colloidal stability without needing additional biofunctionalization processes, possibly because they are encapsulated by biomolecules (e.g., proteins, peptides, lipids) naturally produced by S. aureus. , …”

“…Biosynthesized CuTe NRs exhibit colloidal stability without needing additional biofunctionalization processes, possibly because they are encapsulated by biomolecules (e.g., proteins, peptides, lipids) naturally produced by S. aureus. 50,51 Photothermal and Photoacoustic Properties of CuTe NRs. A large molar extinction coefficient and an excellent photothermal conversion capability in the NIR are important prerequisites for PAI and PTT; 52,53 therefore, the NIR photoabsorption capability and photothermal conversion capability of CuTe NRs were evaluated.…”

Acid-Resistant Near-Infrared II Ag2Se Quantum Dots for Gastrointestinal Imaging

“…In our previous work, we have creatively achieved the quasi-biosynthesis of ultrasmall and biocompatible NIR-I Ag 2 Se QDs capped with GSH endowing them with good stability, inspired by the intracellular metabolism in the live-cell synthesis. − The reactive low-valence Se precursors, GSSeH, in the quasi-biosynthesis were generated by biomolecule involved two-step reactions (Reactions and , GR: glutathione reductase, NADPH: reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate) extracted from the GSH metabolic pathway of Na 2 SeO 3 in live cells. ,− SeO 3 2 − + 2 normalH + + 4 GSH → GSSeSG + GSSG + 3 normalH 2 normalO GSSeSG + normalH + + NADPH → GR GSSeH + GSH + NADP + The product of Reaction was found to be dependent on the pH (Figure A). The orangish product in alkaline condition has been characterized as aggregated Se nanoparticles (Figures B and S1) by the high-angle annular dark field–scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF–STEM) because of the instability of GSSeSG (Reaction ).…”

One-Step Dual-Color Labeling of Viral Envelope and Intraviral Genome with Quantum Dots Harnessing Virus Infection

“…Single-virus tracking technology, which allows real-time monitoring of the dynamic process of virus infection in hosts, has gained significant attention among researchers. , To track the dynamic infection process, it is necessary to fluorescently label virus particles or viral components. , However, conventional fluorescent markers, such as dyes or fluorescent proteins, are limited by their inherent fluorescence properties and cannot meet the long-term tracking requirements. Quantum-dot-based single-virus tracking (QSVT) technology enables tracking of individual viruses with nanometer precision and extraction of dynamic information about virus infection. − By utilizing the high brightness and excellent photostability of quantum dots (QDs), it is possible to achieve continuous imaging of a single QD-labeled target from milliseconds to several hours. ,, Therefore, this method not only allows for population-level tracking of multiple virus infections but also enables tracking and analysis of individual virus infection behavior within cells, making it a powerful tool for studying viral infection mechanisms.…”

“…Quantumdot-based single-virus tracking (QSVT) technology enables tracking of individual viruses with nanometer precision and extraction of dynamic information about virus infection. 5−7 By utilizing the high brightness and excellent photostability of quantum dots (QDs), 8 it is possible to achieve continuous imaging of a single QD-labeled target from milliseconds to several hours. 7,9,10 Therefore, this method not only allows for population-level tracking of multiple virus infections but also enables tracking and analysis of individual virus infection behavior within cells, making it a powerful tool for studying viral infection mechanisms.…”