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Arthur T Knackerbracket has found the following story:

Researchers have developed a number of potassium ion (K⁺) probes to detect fluctuating K⁺ concentrations during a variety of biological processes. However, such probes are not sensitive enough to detect physiological fluctuations in living animals and it is not easy to monitor deep tissues with short-wavelength excitations that are in use so far. In a new report, Jianan Liu and a team of researchers in neuroscience, chemistry, and molecular engineering in China, describe a highly sensitive and selective nanosensor for near infrared (NIR) K⁺ ion imaging in living cells and animals. The team constructed the nanosensor by encapsulating upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and a commercial potassium ion indicator in the hollow cavity of mesoporous silica nanoparticles and coated them with a K⁺ selective filter membrane. The membrane adsorbed K⁺ from the medium and filtered away any interfering cations. In its mechanism of action, UCNPs converted NIR to ultraviolet (UV) light to excite the potassium ion indicator and detect fluctuating potassium ion concentrations in cultured cells and in animal models of disease including mice and zebrafish larvae. The results are now published on Science Advances.

[...] The shielded nanosensor will have broad applications in brain research to improve the understanding of abnormal [K⁺]-related diseases. The method alongside optical fiber-based endoscope and photometry will allow real-time potassium imaging in freely moving animals.

More information:

Jianan Liu et al. A highly sensitive and selective nanosensor for near-infrared potassium imaging, Science Advances (2020). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax9757

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