Nanoprobes: Quantitatively Detecting the Femtogram Level of Arsenite Ions in Live Cells

In this report, nanoprobes which could detect the femtogram level of arsenite ions in subcellular organelle of live cells are disclosed. The nanoprobes are composed of ssDNA and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), and the ssDNA is marked by a dye molecule. In a live cell, trace arsenite ions could interact with nanoprobes and significantly decrease the emission of the nanoprobes. With the help of a confocal microscope and cryo-electron microscopy, the lysosome target of the arsenite ion and nanoprobe is well described in high spatial resolution.