Subcellular resolution mapping of endogenous cytokine secretion by nano-plasmonic-resonator sensor array

Nano Lett. 2011 Aug 10;11(8):3431-4. doi: 10.1021/nl2018838. Epub 2011 Jul 27.

Abstract

Local extracellular signaling is central for cellular interactions and organizations. We report a novel sensing technique to interrogate extracellular signaling at the subcellular level. We developed an in situ immunoassay based on giant optical enhancement of a tunable nano-plasmonic-resonator array fabricated by nanoimprint lithography. Our nanoplasmonic device significantly increases the signal-to-noise ratio to enable the first time submicrometer resolution quantitative mapping of endogenous cytokine secretion. Our study shows a markedly high local interleukin-2 (IL-2) concentration within the immediate vicinity of the cell which finally validates a decades-old hypothesis on autocrine physiological concentration and spatial range. This general sensing technique can be applied for a broad range of cellular communication studies to improve our understanding of subcellular signaling and function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cytokines / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immunoassay
  • Jurkat Cells
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Subcellular Fractions / metabolism*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance

Substances

  • Cytokines