Preparation and Characterization of Self-Assembled Aminated Agarose Loaded with Fluorescein Isothiocyanate Nanoparticles

Abstract

A number of organic fluorescent molecules self-assembling into nanoparticles can significantly promote their fluorescent effects. In this paper, a novel fluorescein isothiocyanate labeling aminated agarose (FITC-AA) is prepared and tested as an effective fluorescent labeling agent. FITC-AA self-assembled into nanoparticles with a diameter between 104.54 ∼ 164.94 nm at below 37°C by the gelling effect of agarose. FITC-AA nanoparticles could effectively mark 3T3 fibroblasts and their fluorescence sustained longer than by FITC. After deposited for half a year, FITC-AA can still maintain its fluorescent properties. These findings demonstrate that FITC-AA is effective for marking cells.

Keywords:

• Agarose
• nanoparticles
• FITC
• self-assembly

Acknowledgment

This project is supported by the 863 high-tech plan (2007AA09Z436), NNSFC(31070853), and Guangdong Tech Plan(2010B031100015).