Quantitative detection of gold nanoparticles on individual, unstained cancer cells by scanning electron microscopy

• Published in: Journal of microscopy (Oxford) Vol. 244; no. 2; pp. 187 - 193
• Main Authors: HARTSUIKER, L., VAN ES, P., PETERSEN, W., VAN LEEUWEN, T.G., TERSTAPPEN, L.W.M.M., OTTO, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.11.2011
• Subjects: Breast Neoplasms - chemistry; Breast Neoplasms - ultrastructure; Cancer cells; Cell Line; Female; Gold; gold nanoparticles; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles - administration & dosage; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning - methods; scanning electron microscopy
• ISSN: 0022-2720; 1365-2818
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2818.2011.03528.x

Summary Gold nanoparticles are rapidly emerging for use in biomedical applications. Characterization of the interaction and delivery of nanoparticles to cells through microscopy is important. Scanning electron microscopes have the intrinsic resolution to visualize gold nanoparticles on cells. A novel sample preparation protocol was developed to enable imaging of cells and gold nanoparticles with a conventional below lens scanning electron microscopes. The negative influence of ‘charging’ on the quality of scanning electron microscopes’ images could be limited by deposition of biological cells on a conductive (gold) surface. The novel protocol enabled high‐resolution scanning electron microscopes’ imaging of small clusters and individual gold nanoparticles on uncoated cell surfaces. Gold nanoparticles could be counted on cancer cells with automated routines.