Quantitative Probing of Cu²⁺ Ions Naturally Present in Single Living Cells

Quantitative probing of Cu2+ ions naturally present in single living cells is realized by developing a quantum-dot-embedded nanowire-waveguide probe. The intracellular Cu2+ ion concentration is quantified by direct monitoring of photoluminescence quenching during the insertion of the nanowire in a living neuron. The measured intracellular Cu2+ ion concentration is 3.34 ± 1.04 × 10−6 m (mean ± s.e.m.) in single hippocampal neurons. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.