Versatile multicolor nanodiamond probes for intracellular imaging and targeted labeling

Abstract

We report on the sizable production of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) containing a near infrared (NIR) color center – namely the silicon vacancy (SiV) defect, and their first demonstration inside cells for bio-imaging. We further demonstrate a concept of multi-color bio-imaging using FNDs to investigate intercellular processes using two types of FNDs. Due to their specific spectral properties, SiV FNDs can be distinguished from common nitrogen-vacancy (NV) FNDs and show a distinct initial spreading throughout the cell interior. The reported results are the first demonstration of multi-color labeling with FNDs that are especially interesting for in vivo bio-imaging due to their stable fluorescence.