Designer cell-self-implemented labeling of microvesicles in situ with the intracellular-synthesized quantum dots

Abstract

Cell-derived microvesicles (MVs) are secreted from almost all kinds of mammalian cells into the extracellular space, and play crucial roles in intercellular communication and transporting biomolecules between cells. However, there is a great challenge for visualizing and monitoring of MVs’ bio-behaviors due to the limitations of existing labeling methods. Herein, we report the first paradigm of designer cell-self-implemented labeling of MVs secreted from living mammalian MCF-7 cells in situ using the intracellular-synthesized fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) during the formation of MVs. By elaborately coupling intracellular biochemical reactions and metabolism pathways, the MCF-7 cells can be illuminated brightly by intracellular-biosynthesized fluorescent CdSe QDs. Simultaneously, intracellular-synthesized QDs can be in situ encapsulated by the secreted MVs budding from the plasma membrane of the fluorescing cells to label the MVs with an efficiency of up to 89.9%. The whole labeling process skillfully combines designer precise cell-tuned intricate synthesis of CdSe QDs with mild in-situ labeling via cell-self-implementation just after feeding the cell with suitable chemicals, which is structure- or function-nondestructive and much more straightforward and milder than those by chemical conjugation or indirect encapsulation with conventional fluorogenic labels.