Abstract
Spectral fingerprinting has emerged as a powerful tool , adept at identifying chemical compounds
and deciphering complex interactions within cells and engineered nanomaterials. Using near-
infrared (NIR) fluorescence spectral fingerprinting coupled with machine learning techniques, we
uncover complex interactions between DNA-functionalized single -walled carbon nanotubes
(DNA-SWCNTs) and live macrophage cells, enabling in situ phenotype discrimination. Through
the use of Raman microscopy, we showcase statistically higher DNA-SWCNT uptake and a
significantly lower defect ratio in M1 macrophages as compared to M2 and naïve phenotypes. NIR
fluorescence data also indicate that distinctive intra -endosomal environments of these cell types
give rise to significant differences in many optical features such as emission peak intensities, center
wavelengths, and peak intensity ratios. Such features serve as distinctive markers for identifying
different macrophage phenotypes. We further use a support vector machine (SVM) model trained
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on SWCNT fluorescence data to identify M1 and M2 macrophages, achieving an impressive
accuracy of > 95%. Finally, we observe that the stability of DNA-SWCNT complexes, influenced
by DNA sequence length, is a crucial consideration for applications such as cell phenotyping or
mapping intra -endosomal microenvironments using AI techniques. Our findings suggest that
shorter DNA -sequences like GT 6 give rise to more improved model accuracy (> 87%) due to
increased active interactions of SWCNTs with biomolecules in the endosomal microenvironment.
Implications of this research extend to the development of nanomaterial -based platforms for
cellular identification, holding promise for potential applications in real time monitoring of in vivo
cellular differentiation.
Keywords
spectral fingerprinting, nanomaterials, machine learning, confocal Raman
microscopy, near-infrared fluorescence, intracellular processing, single-walled carbon nanotubes.
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Biosensing is a rapidly emerging sector of the biomedical engineering field, specifically in
human healthcare due to the non-invasive nature and tunable specificity of recent sensors. Typical
examples of biosensors include immunosensors,1 DNA biosensors,2 enzyme-based biosensors, 3
thermal and piezoelectric biosensors 4 and optical biosensors,5 which utilize affinity towards
antigens, chemical interactions, thermal fluctuations, affinity interactions and fluorescence,
respectively, to pinpoint the presence or concentration change of a specific biological marker.67
Certain optical biosensors are of particular interest as they implement a light source to probe
changes within cellular environments that can cause shifts in fluorescence wavelength, intensity,
and/or spectral bandwidth which can be attributed to distinct cellular microenvironments.8,9,10,11
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have been successful ly utilized as in vitro
optical biosensors due to their intrinsic fluorescence and photostability .12,13 Moreover, the
fluorescence of SWCNTs resides within the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum, a region which proves
useful in biological imaging applications due to limited tissue absorbance, scattering, and
autofluorescence.14,15,16 SWCNTs can be non-covalently functionalized with biocompatible
polymers and biomolecules to increase environmental compatibility. Specifically, there has been
success with different types of amphiphilic functionalization such as single-stranded DNA
(ssDNA) and polyethylene glycol ( PEG)-lipid conjugate wrappings.17,18,19 Through appropriate
biocompatible functionalization, SWCNTs can be effectively internalized into mammalian cells
via energy dependent endocytosis and phagocytosis, where they then enter the endosomal pathway
and eventually localize within the lysosomes.20,21 The ssDNA wrapping of SWCNTs proves to be
biocompatible as various studies have shown endocytosis and endosoma l escape from different
cell lines. We have previously shown that DNA sequence length plays a significant role in
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determining endocytosis and retention durations of DNA -functionalized single -walled carbon
nanotubes (SWCNTs) within mammalian cells.22
Macrophages are immune cells of high interest in the field of biomedicine due to their
implication in immune responses, inflammation regulation, and tissue repair. Macrophages play a
crucial role in various biomedical contexts, such as host defense against pathogens, clearance o f
cellular debris, modulation of immune response and wound healing.23 Their versatility makes them
a key player in understanding and addressing diseases, including infections, autoimmune
disorders, and cancer. Macrophages are capable of polarizing and differentiating from monocytes
and a naïve state into, broadly characterizing, either pro -inflammatory M1 phenotypes or pro -
healing M2 phenotypes.24,25 These phenotypical changes are induced by signaling molecules and
cytokines in the local cellular microenvironment.26,27 The inflammatory responses performed by
M1 macrophages are dominated by toll -like receptor (TLR) and interferon signaling and can be
polarized in vitro with interferon gamma (IFN -), tum or necrosis factor alpha (TNF -), and
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) .28,29 In contrast, M2 macrophages are found in the proliferation and
remodeling phases of wound healing, secreting cytokines to actively promote repair and recruit
various cell types to clear cellular debris.30,31 Typical cytokines implicated in the differentiation of
M2 macrophages are interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10).32,33
The shift from inflammation to proliferation represents a pivotal stage in the wound healing
process. An imbalance in the macrophage phenotype environment and the inability to transition
between M1 and M2 states can lead to ulcers and chronic wounds.34,35 The wound healing process
is similar to the human body’s reaction to disease s, such as cancers. In certain cancers, such as
colorectal cancer, tumor cells will utilize macrophage anti-inflammatory characteristics to promote
tumor growth, thus progressing the spread of cancer .36 Due to the vast differences between
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macrophage polarization states, there must be tight control of differentiation to avoid prolonged
periods of inflammation. However, in the presence of chronic inflammation, imbalances of M1
and M2 phenotypes are observed and ultimately trigger changes in macrophage behavior .37 By
quantifying and preventing changes in macrophage polarization states , there is potential for a
decrease in disease progression.38
To identify M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes and quantify any potential imbalance, in
both wound healing and other affected disease, flow cytometry,37 surface marker analysis,39 and
visual morphological confirmation via optical microscopy are frequently employed .40,41 Flow
cytometry serves as a method which can rapidly differentiate different cells in a sample with high-
throughput analysis. However, this method is not well adapted to identify different subsets of
macrophage phenotypes as it requires a diverse array of s urface markers and dyes which become
prohibitively expensive.42 Moreover, issues in data collection can arise when samples have been
exposed to fibrosis or other pathological changes, which is common in wound sites .43 The visual
analysis of macrophage phenotypes via optical microscopy and immunofluorescence imaging can
be useful in identifying M1 and M2 macrophages but becomes less reliable when comparting naïve
macrophages to M2 due to their similar morphologies.44 Consequently, immunofluorescence
microscopy has its own limitations.45
Morphological identification of samples through machine learning on cell shape and size,
has been proven to accurately predict what subtype of M1 or M2 macrophage ,43 however the
identification of specific types of cells within a diseased and heterogenous sampling would be
better served by a more robust method for classification. In a previous study, we have shown that
DNA-SWCNTs can be used to map intracellular processes based on modulations in their Raman
spectra.46 These differences induced throughout a single cell could be attributed to changes in the
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local environment of the SWCNTs , such as pH, salt concentration, and/or protein interactions.
Here, utilizing NIR fluorescence data of SWCNTs within macrophages of varying phenotype
coupled with machine learning, we show that a similar spectral fingerprinting method can be
developed to accurately identify live M1, M2, and naïve macrophages. We find that DNA -
SWCNTs are rapidly internalized into all macrophage phenotypes, with M1 demonstrating the
highest rate of uptake. Once inside, we observe interesting trends in the Raman spectra of the
SWCNTs as well as a DNA-sequence specific modulation in NIR fluorescence. We uncover that
SWCNTs dispersed with a short DNA sequence (i.e. GT6-SWCNTs) are able to undergo the largest
degree of SWCNT chirality -dependent modulations in NIR fluorescence, enabling the highest
accuracy of in vitro discrimination between macrophage phenotypes. The presented SWCNT
spectral fingerprinting coupled machine learning method is versatile and can be applied to other
live-cell discrimination analyses.
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Figure 1. Cell Characterization. (a) Transmitted light images of M1, M2 and naïve macrophages,
with scale bar of 50 µm. (b) Bar graph for average cell area, bars represent the average, and
whiskers represent mean ± s.d. for each condition (n ≥ 500 cells per condition). Two-Sample t-test
hypothesis testing analysis was performed between different samples (***p < 0.001). Fluorescent
surface marker dependent flow cytometry density plot for (c) M1 type macrophages (d) M2 type
macrophages, for each condition n ≥ 5x105 cells/ml.
Results/Discussion
A model mammalian macrophage cell line (RAW 26 4.7 murine macrophages) was
employed to investigate characteristic differences between Naïve (non-polarized, “NM”), M1, and
M2 macrophage phenotypes. Cell type specific cytokines were added to NM cells to artificially
stimulate them into differentially activated phenotypes , M1 and M2 . Figure 1a represents
transmitted light images of each macrophage phenotype captured through bright field microscopy.
Upon closer examination, noticeable differences in size (figure S1) and morphology are evident
(figure S2). M2 display a nearly round and circular morphology, like that of naïve macrophages,
whereas M1 are larger in size, as well as lacking a well-defined shape. These distinct features offer
a visual confirmation that we have different species of macrophages. Figure 1b shows a statistical
bar graph highlighting the significant difference in cell area and size between the three cell species,
these area and sizes were determined using image analysis as detailed in figure S3. Where M1
exhibit the largest average cell area measuring approximately 520 µm2, M2 and NM are observed
to be considerably smaller in size with an average area of 200 µm2 (61% smaller) for M2 and 240
µm2 (56% smaller) for naïve macrophages.
Following a 24 -hour cytokine dose, fluorescence -activated cell sorting flow cytometry
(FACS) was conducted to further validate the macrophage phenotypes. In figure 1c and 1d,
fluorescent marker -specific cell density plots are presented, specifically gated to illustrate the
population of M1 and M2 in the sample. Analysis of both scatter plots reveal that after the 24-hour
cytokine dose, 81% of the cells in the s ample exhibit M1 phenotype, while 92% display M2
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macrophage phenotype. It is crucial to emphasize that the lower percentage of M1 population is
primarily attributed to a substantial amount of cell death observed during the processing of M1
cells for FACS (see methods). This observed cell death can be directly linked to the distinct cell -
surface adhesion characteristics of the two macrophage phenotypes. Classically activated M1
macrophages exhibit robust adhesion properties in contrast to the low -adherent nature of M2
macrophages.47 Consequently, the M1 sample shows increased cell debris and cell death due to
the more adherent nature of M1 activated cells, this is further confirmed in an apoptosis/necrosis
assay (figure S4). These results highlight the challenges associated with the differential adhesion
properties and subsequent cell recovery during experiments for this study.
It is imperative to recognize and address th e inherent error in the data moving forward.
This margin of error stems from challenges in achieving 100% polarization of cells, which is
confirmed by our FACS results. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of exercising
caution and precision in the interpretation of results. It highlights the necessity for a thorough
understanding of the limitations inherent in the current methodology employed in this study an d
the advantage of using a machine learning model to accurately predict phenotypes for this study.
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Figure 2. Raman microscopy characterization of cells containing DNA-SWCNTs. (a) Transmitted
light images and magnified Raman G-band Images separated by cell phenotype. The scale bar on
images is 5 µm. (b) Av erage integrated G -band intensity per ROI (c) D-band to G -band ratio
showing clear differences in all cell phenotypes. Bars represent the average, and whiskers
represent mean ± s.d. for each condition (n ≥ 4 cells per condition). Two-Sample t-test hypothesis
testing analysis was performed between different samples and between different time points.
(***p < 0.001, **p < 0.01 and *p < 0.05).
After confirming the degree of macrophage polarization, we next investigated the uptake
of DNA-SWCNTs into the cells via confocal Raman microscopy. Macrophage cells that had been
pre-polarized for 24 hours were treated with 1 mg-L-1 of GT6-SWCNTs for 30 minutes, followed
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by a thorough washing with 1x phosphate -buffered saline (PBS) , and subsequent incubation in
fresh media for an additional 30 minutes. After this incubation period, the cells were fixed and
immersed in PBS for confocal Raman microscopy. Transmitted light and confocal Raman images
were captured from individual cells at a magnification of 100 x, aiming to analyze characteristic
SWCNT Raman features such as the G -band and the D -band (figure 2a). The G-band, measured
at 1585 cm -1,48,18 exhibits a linear correlation with SWCNT concentration (figure S5), while the
D-band (1350 cm-1)49 to G-band ratio is indicative of the number of defects present on the SWCNT
structure.50 Figure 2b represents the average integrated intensity of the G -band per region of
interest (ROI). Here, an ROI defines a particular cell containing SWCNTs. The average integrated
G-band intensity per ROI was found to be highest for M1 (42 counts), followed by M2 (23 counts),
and then NM (13 counts). Figure S6, shows the full graphical representation of these cells.
A statistical representation of the defect ratio (I D/IG) for DNA-SWCNTs within all
macrophage phenotypes is presented (figure 2c) . The data reveal that the defect ratio in M1
macrophages is significantly lower compared to the M2 and NM cells , and that there is no
statistically significant difference between M2 and NM. A closer look at these observations
suggests some selectivity in defective SWCNT uptake in M2 and NM cells. Our previous studies
have shown that macrophages can induce defects and selectively internalize defective SWCNTs.
This supports our hypothesis that M2 and NM cells selectively internalize SWCNTs with more
defects, thus having a higher defect ratio .51 These results underline the intricate relationship
between nanotube interaction and the internal cellular make -up, providing valuable insights into
the nanomaterial cell dynamics.
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Figure 3. NIR fluorescence hyperspectral microscopy and identification of spectral features for
GT6-SWCNTs in various macrophage phenotypes 6 hours after internalization . (a) Transmitted
light and NIR fluorescence images (900-1600 nm) for all cell types M1, M2 and NM. (b) Bar graph
showing average broadband intensity per cell area for all cell phenotypes. Bars represent the
average, and whiskers represent mean ± s.d. for each condition (n ≥ 300 cells per condition). Two-
Sample t-test hypothesis testing analysis was performed between different samples and between
different time points. (***p < 0.001, and *p < 0.05). (c) Average NIR spectrum for GT6-SWCNTs
within each cell phenotype. (d) Bar graph showing comparison of band peak intensity ratios for all
phenotypes. Bars represent the average, and whiskers represent mean ± s.d. for each condition (n ≥
300 cells per condition). Two -Sample t-test hypothesis testing analysis was performed between
different samples and between different time points. (*p < 0.05). (e) Box and whisker diagram for
band 1 center wavelength. Minimum of n ≥ 300 cells per condition were used. Boxes represent
25–75% of the data, horizontal lines represent medians, and whiskers represent mean ± s.d. Two-
Sample t-test hypothesis testing analysis was performed (***p < 0.001).
Near-infrared hyperspectral fluorescence microscopy15 was performed on macrophage
cells with internalized DNA-SWCNTs. All data was acquired as a function of DNA length. Three
oligonucleotide sequences (GT6, GT15 and GT30) were employed in this study. DNA sequences
composed of guanine -thymine (GT) repeat units were chosen for their widespread and
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comprehensive study in literature. Detailed Analysis of GT15 and GT30-SWCNTs can be found in
figure S7-15.
Each cell type (M1, M2, or NM) was incubated with 1 mg-L-1 of GT 6-SWCNTs for 30
minutes, followed by a wash with PBS, and subsequent incubation in fresh media for 30 minutes,
6 hours, or 24 hours before hyperspectral imaging. Throughout this period, changes in peak
intensity and center wavelength were observed for four distinct emission bands in the NIR
spectrum for each macrophage phenotype. From shortest to longest wavelength, these four
emission bands are dominated by the (10,2), (9,4), (8,6), and (8,7)-SWCNT chiralities.46 Figure 3a
shows the transmitted light and NIR images for all three macrophage phenotypes, M1, M2 and
NM 6 hours post DNA-SWCNT dose. Visual differences in intensity can easily be observed with
M1 being brighter than M2 and NM. Figure 3b shows the average broadband intensity for each
cell type normalized by th eir respective areas. In principle, the NIR broadband intensity of M1
macrophages should ideally be significantly higher than that of M2 and naïve macrophages due to
higher uptake in M1 as indicated by a higher G -band. However, it is important to note that the
average cell size of M1 macrophages, as discussed earlier in figure 1b, is significantly larger in
comparison to M2 and NM cells. When divided by the projected cell area in two-dimensions, this
normalized broadband intensity turns out to be the smallest. The average area -normalized
broadband intensity for M1 cells wa s observed to be a striking 72% less than M2. Furthermore,
the average intensity for NM cells was observed to be approximately 45% less than that of M2
type macrophages. Nevertheless, it is crucial to emphasize that, whether normalized by cell area
or not, the broadband intensity differs significantly across all cell phenoty pes. This distinction
suggests that the broadband intensity can serve as an identifiable feature for distinguishing cell
phenotypes. Figure 3c shows averaged spectral data at the 6-hour time point, which reveals distinct
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differences and variations in normalized intensities and peak center wavelengths among M1, M2,
and NM cells. Similar apparent trends and modulation in center wavelengths and peak intensities
can be observed between these cell phenotypes throughout all time points (figure S16-18). To
study identifiable spectral differences between M1, M2 and NM cells, we probed various NIR
fluorescence parameters in more detail. Figure 3d is a statistical comparison of the peak intensity
ratio for band 1 and 2. Statistically significant differences between all cell phenotypes is observed.
We next fitted the average NIR spectra to Gaussian curves to extract peak intensity and
center wavelength information for each of the identified SWCNT band (figure S19). The center-
wavelength information is shown for the 6 -hour timepoint in figures 3e, where it is apparent that
both M1 and M2 type macrophages exhibit center wavelength modulations when compared to
NM. M1 macrophages exhibited a 4 nm red-shift in band 1 center wavelength when compared to
NM cells, whereas M2 macrophages exhibited a 3 nm red-shift. It is important to note that although
the wavelength difference between M1 and M2 cells is just 1 nm, it is still statistically significant
and thus can be used as one of the identifiable features in NIR macrophage phenotyping.
We speculate that the observed changes in intensity and center wavelength over 24 hours,
as well as the differences in peak intensities and center wavelengths of different chiral species are
likely attributed to variations in the lysosomal environment of these three distinct cell phenotypes.
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Figure 4. Solution phase experiments recapitulating the NIR fluorescence response of GT 6-
SWCNTs to the endo -lysosomal environment. (a) Spectral response to D Nase-II and AP -1. (b)
Spectral response to varying pH environments. (c) Time-dependent response to both DNase-II and
AP-1. (d) Bar graph showing comparison of band peak intensity ratios for all phenotypes.
Our previous work has demonstrated that DNA-SWCNTs undergo internalization into cells
through energy dependent endosomal uptake and endo -lysosomal processing .21,52 It is also a
known fact that the endosomal environment for different cell phenotypes, such as M1 and M2
macrophages, can significantly differ .53 For instance, M1 macrophages exhibit upregulation of
NOX2, iNOS, SYNCRIP, TRAF6, AP -1 and certain Cathepsin species, while M2 macrophages
show downregulation of NOX2, iNOS, SYNCRIP, and upregulation of Arginase, EGR2, SOD 1,
and superoxide dismutase.54,55,56 The significant differences in the intra -endosomal environment
of these cells contribute to a complicated interplay between SWCNTs and cellular biomolecules.
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This interplay leads to preferential binding of specific analytes to different SWCNT chiral species,
thus influencing the SWCNT spectrum.
To confirm this hypothesis, we performed solution phase experiments to recapitulate the
intracellular environments. Figure 4a shows the response of GT 6-SWCNTs to physiologically
relevant concentrations of Deoxyribonuclease II (D Nase II), Activating Protein -1 (AP-1), and a
mixture of both. DNase-II and AP-1 were selected to model the lysosomal environment of various
macrophages due to phenotype-specific up or down regulation, as described previously. Similar
to the differential phenotypic response as shown in figure 3, all the biomolecules exhibit slight
changes in peak intensity and band specific center wavelength, which significantly differ from the
GT6-SWCNT control sample. Notably, the individual biomolecule responses also significantly
differ from the combined biomolecule response when ca refully examining all NIR spectra. It is
also important to note that like intracellular NIR features in figure 3 similar observations in center
wavelength red -shifting and intensity changes are observed for the SWCNT bands between
control, DNase-II and AP-1 samples. Interestingly, the protein -induced spectral modulations are
time-dependent (figure 4c). Major shifts in SWCNT center wavelengths and peak intensities were
observed for AP -1 solutions at timepoints of 1 hour or 6 hours after mixing. Similar time -
dependent spectral modulations were observed for D Nase-II and the biomolecule mixture as
shown in figure S20. These differences in SWCNT sensor response over time, specifically peak
shifting and broadening can also be attributed to protein-induced aggregation within the samples57.
The differential response of the DNA -SWNCTs under varying pH conditions is shown in figure
4b. Finally, figure 4c illustrates variations in the peak intensity ratio between band 3 and 4 across
all model biomolecules, as depicted by the bar graph.
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These solution phase experiments provide supporting evidence for the hypothesis that
differences in the NIR spectrum of DNA-SWCNTs can indeed be caused by changes in the varying
endo-lysosomal environment within distinct macrophage phenotypes.
Figure 5. Machine Learning for Phenotype Identification. (a) Band 1 center wavelength feature
comparison between three different DNA -SWCNTs, i.e., GT 6, GT 15 and GT 30. (b) Bar graph
indicating accuracy of test and validation data for all tested DNA -SWCNTs. (c) Bar graph
indicating accuracy of test and trained data for GT 6-SWCNT evaluated for different time point
data sets. (d) Interval plot indicating accuracy of predicting each macrophage phenotype. (e)
Principal component A and B cluster plot showing each cell type cluster. (f) ROC curve for each
macrophage phenotype indicating true positive and false negative values.
The array of changes observed in the DNA-SWCNT spectr a across different cell
phenotypes and over time reflects the complex and dynamic nature of nanomaterial -cell
interactions within distinct endo-lysosomal environments. This insight into the intricate molecular
interactions can be used as an effective tool to differentiate between cell phenotypes. Utilizing all
the NIR fluorescence features that exhibited significant differences between M1, M2, and NM
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cells, a machine learning (ML) model was developed for the identification and quantification of
unknown macrophage samples into either the M1, M2 or NM cell category. We selected Support
Vector Machine (SVM) as the ML model for this purpose. SVM is a supervised learning algorithm
designed for solving complex classification, regression, and outlier detection problems .58 It
achieves this by performing optimal data transformations that delineate boundaries between data
points based on predefined class labels or outputs. SVM modeling has proven effective in various
applications and has recently gained momentum within healthc are and medicine .59,60,61 This
Method
has previously been employed for the detection of various diseases such as Diabetes,62
Alzheimer’s,63,64 Psoriasis,65 Hepatitis,66 and more.67,68
Utilizing this SVM ML model, we examined the ability of DNA -SWCNTs to identify
differing cell phenotypes as a function of DNA length. In figure 4a, one identifiable feature, i.e.
band 1 center wavelength, is shown as a function of DNA length and macrophage phenotype. Upon
statistical analysis, DNA -SWCNTs composed of the shortest DNA sequence, i.e. the GT 6,
exhibited the largest statistically significant modulations . Additional comparisons are found in
figure S 21 and S 22. With this DNA length -dependence in m ind, we trained individual SVM
models based on NIR fluorescence spectra of DNA -SWCNTs within macrophages of known
phenotype. For GT6-SWCNTs, although 101 NIR features were input into the model, a principal
component analysis and feature importance score sorting using an ANOVA analysis were
performed (figure S23) and only 42 significantly identifiable features explaining at least a 95%
variance were selected. Figure 4b shows a bar graph demonstrating that for both validation and
test data, GT 6-SWCNTs achieved the highest accuracy at about 87%. GT 15 exhibited moderate
accuracy, reaching approximately 59%, while GT30 significantly underperformed with an accuracy
of only 19%. The SVM ML accuracies were determined as a function of timepoint (figure 4c). All
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models trained with GT 6 data consistently achieved accurac ies greater than 87%. Notably, three
of the GT6 models surpassed 90% accuracy, and the model trained with data from the 6-hour time
point exhibited the highest accuracy at approximately 95%. When delineated by cell phenotype,
the model demonstrates the highest accuracy for predicting M1 and M2 macrophages, with 98%
and 96% accuracies, respectively. The accuracy for NM cells was comparatively lower at roughly
78%. The lower accuracy of NM cells is attributed to a significant overlap of principal component
analysis features between M2 and naïve macrophages, as depicted in figure 4e. Figure 4f shows a
receiver operating curve (ROC), further affirming the high predictive power of the model. The
ROC curve is a valuable tool for assessing the tradeoff between sensitivity and specificity in
classification models.
The higher predictive accuracy, especially for M1 and M2 macrophages, and the
corresponding ROC curve, contribute to the overall confidence in the robustness and reliability of
the GT6 SVM model for identifying and distinguishing between different macrophage phenotypes.
Furthermore, these results also underline the consistency of the GT6-SWCNT model across various
time points, with particularly high accuracy rates observed. The superior performance of the model
trained with data from the 6-hour time point suggests that this specific time point provides highly
discriminatory features for accurately identifying cell phenotypes. It is imperative to note that
number of data points to train data were kept constant so avoid any issues arising from over-fitting
or under-fitting of data. It is also important to note that previous studies have shown this 6-hour
time scale is very significant for intracellular studies. Machine learning data for other timepoints
can be found in supplemental information, figure S2 4 and S25. Overall, the findings emphasize
the potential of GT 6-SWCNT data in developing accurate and reliable machine learning models
for cell phenotype identification.
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Figure 6. Simulating in vivo applicability of the spectral fingerprinting approach. (a) Schematic
diagram showing fiber optic NIR probe spectrometer setup for sample data collection. (b) GT 6-
SWCNT sensor probe response at 0.5 hours. (c) GT 6-SWCNT sensor probe response at 2 hours.
(d) Bar graph showing comparison of band peak intensity ratios for all phenotypes. Bars represent
the average, and whiskers represent mean ± s.d. for each condition ( n ≥ 5x105 cell/ml per petri
dish). Two-Sample t-test hypothesis testing analysis was performed between different samples and
between different time points. (*p < 0.05).
For future in vivo applications of the spectral fingerprinting approach , we demonstrate
feasibility with the use of a custom-built NIR probe spectrophotometer.69 A schematic of the probe
spectrophotometer is shown in figure 6a. The setup incorporates a 730 nm laser passing through a
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two-way fiber optic cable and illuminating a petri dish of M1, M2, or NM cells containing DNA-
SWCNTs. The fluorescence emission is directed back into the fiber optic probe, which routes it
into a spectrometer connected to a 1D InGaAs detector, providing an output in the form of a NIR
spectrum. Figures 6b and 6c represent the normalized output from the probe spectrophotometer at
0.5 hours and 2 hours after a 30-minute incubation with 5 mg-L-1 GT6-SWCNTs. Evident intensity
changes between the two band species can be observed. Figure 6d shows the differential peak
intensity ratio comparisons for all phenotypes at 0.5 hours post SWCNT dose. Signif icant
differences in intensity ratios observed are features that can easily enable the identification of
macrophage phenotypes with considerable accuracy.
Figure 7. Simulating applicability of the spectral fingerprinting approach in primary BMDM cells.
(a) Transmitted light and NIR fluorescence images for all cell types M1, M2 and naïve BMDM at
0.5 hours. (b) Normalized average intensity for all cell phenotypes at 0.5 hours. (c) Normalized
average intensity for all cell phenotypes at 2 hours . (d) Bar graph showing comparison of band
peak intensity ratios for all phenotypes. Bars represent the average, and whiskers represent mean
± s.d. for each condition (n ≥ 300). Two-Sample t-test hypothesis testing analysis was performed
between different samples and between different time points. (**p < 0.01 and *p < 0.05).
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To evaluate the use of DNA-SWCNT-based cell phenotyping in a more clinically relevant
application, i.e. in primary cells, the same type of NIR spectral analysis was performed with bone
marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) isolated using bone marrow from femoral and tibial
bones of eight- to ten-week-old mice. Figure 7a and figure S26 is a visual representation of all the
cell phenotypes and clearly shows the apparent differences in NIR brightness among all three cell
types. Interestingly, like previous figures, significant band center wavelength and intensity
modulations are observed among M1, M2 and naïve BMDM samples through time as shown by
figure 7b and 7c. Similarly, a closer look at these features indicates statistically significant
differences in the band peak intensity ratios when comparing all three cell phenotypes as shown in
figure 7d. More distinguishable NIR features can be found in the supplemental information, figure
S27 and S2 8. Together, these distinct differences demonstrate the applicability of our sensor
platform towards in vivo applications, offering the potential for real-time monitoring and analysis
of cellular responses and comparison of different cell phenotypes present within living organisms.
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Figure 8. Real-time cell proliferation and cytotoxicity of RAW 264.7 macrophages exposed to
DNA-SWCNTs. Cell proliferation curves for (a) naïve macrophages, (b) M1 macrophages, and
(c) M2 macrophages over a continuous period of 3 days. Cell index normalized to the no-SWCNT
control cell index for ( d) naïve macrophages, ( e) M1 macrophages, ( f) M2 macrophages, as a
relative measure of cell activity.
To quantify potential deleterious effects on cell health as a function of polarization state
and DNA-SWCNT concentration, two distinct methods, xCELLigence and Annexin V/PI assay,
were employed to assess the response of each cell phenotype. The first method involved real time
monitoring of cell proliferation using an xCELLigence Real -Time Cell Analysis sy stem. This
system measures electrical impedance across integrated micro-electrodes embedded in the bottom
of specialized 16-well tissue culture E-plates. The impedance measurement is represented as a cell
index value, which can be directly correlated to various cellular characteristics, including cell
growth, viability, adhesion, activity, and morphology .70 Figure 8a illustrates the normalized cell
index of RAW 264.7 NM cells dosed with 0.1, 1, or 10 mg-L-1 GT6-SWCNTs. The data reveal that
the highest cell proliferation occurred at a DNA-SWCNT dose of 1 mg-L-1, while a dose of 10 mg-
L-1 considerably decreased cell viability. Interestingly, higher DNA-SWCNT concentrations
resulted in greater rates of cell proliferation, activity, and viability of M1 macrophages, with 10
mgL-1 showing the highest response (figure 8b). The response of M2 macrophages mirrors that of
NM cells, with maximum growth and proliferation observed at a dose of 1 mg-L-1 and a minimum
growth rate observed at 10 mg-L-1 (figure 8c).
By normalizing t he cell index of each macrophage phenotype to the cell index of its
respective control, a measure for relative cellular activity over time was determined (figures 8d-f).
Both M2 and NM cells exhibit an identical response, with their activity lower than that of their
respective controls. Upon closer examination of M1 macrophages, it is observed that all M1
macrophages dosed with DNA-SWCNT outperform the control in terms of cellular activity, with
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the highest nanotube dose demonstrating the highest activity. The enhanced activity of M1
macrophages is attributed to their higher uptake of DNA-SWCNTs. We speculate, due to their pro-
inflammatory nature, M1 macrophages tend to proliferate more when internalizing more DNA-
SWCNTs. This observation suggests that the presence of higher concentration of SWCNTs may
stimulate the activity and growth of M1 macrophages, providing valuable insights into the complex
interplay between nanomaterials and immune cell responses.
A second method for monitoring cell health was an apoptosis-necrosis assay, performed to
investigate the effects of DNA-SWCNT concentration on different macrophage phenotypes as
shown in figure S4. Results did not show any major cell necrosis in any samples except M1 cells.
This was due to scrapping the M1 cells from the petri dish surface, which has been discussed
previously.
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Figure 9. Concluding schematic. A simplified schematics for the accurate identification of
immune cell phenotypes using a support vector machine learning model.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this comprehensive study employs a multifaceted approach to unravel the
intricate interactions between distinct macrophage phenotypes and DNA -SWCNTs. A crucial
finding highlights the paramount importance of selecting an appropriate DNA sequence length for
accurate cell phenotype identification based on NIR fluorescence data, with an emphasis on
efficacy of shorter sequences. Moreover, the study affirms the potency of SWCNT-based spectral
fingerprinting, particularly when coupled with machine learning, as an invaluable tool for precisely
categorizing cellular states based on complex spectral data. This innovative approach holds great
promise in advancing our understanding of dynamic cellular processes, disease states, disease
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progression, and response to stimuli in vivo. The platform’s sensitivity to minute changes in the
NIR spectrum positions it as a valuable tool for researchers and clinicians. It facilitates the real -
time monitoring of cellular behavior within living systems, offering insights that extend to both
fundamental research and clinical applications. The implications of this research pave the way for
future developments in nanotechnology and biomedicine, brid ging the gap between spectral
analysis and cellular dynamics for enhanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Methods
and Materials
DNA-SWCNT Sample Preparation. To create monodispersed ssDNA wrapped SWCNTs
(ssDNA–SWCNTs), 1 mg of as -synthesized SWCNT powder was added to 2 mg of
(GT)xx oligonucleotide (Integrated DNA Technologies) 1 mL of 0.1 M NaCl (Sigma -Aldrich).
Each sample was ultrasonicated using a 1/8′′ tapered microtip for 30 min at 40% amplitude in an
ice bath (Sonics Vibracell VCX-130; Sonics and Materials). The resulting suspensions were ultra-
centrifuged (Beckman Optima MAX-XP) for 30 min at 250,000 g and 4°C, and the top ∼80% of
the supernatant was collected.
Near-Infrared Fluorescence Microscopy. A hyperspectral NIR fluorescence microscope, similar
to a previously detailed system, was used to obtain all hyperspectral fluorescence data. A 660 nm
excitation laser source was reflected onto the sample stage of an Olympus IX -73 inverted
microscope equipped with a LCPlan N, 20x/0.45 IR objective by Olympus, U.S.A. The resulting
fluorescence emission was passed through a volume Bragg grating and collecting with a 2D
InGaAs array detector by Photon Etc., (Montreal, Canada) to generate spectral image stacks. Live
cell samples were mounted on a stage top incubator by Okolab, to maintain 37°C and 5% CO2 cell
culture conditions throughout the imaging procedure. All hyperspectral cubes, Fluorescence
images and transmitted light images were corrected and processed in MATLAB.
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Confocal Raman Microscopy. All Raman data was acquired using an inverted WiTec Alpha300R
confocal Raman microscope (WiTec, Germany) equipped with a ZEISS Epiplan -NEOFLUAR
100x/1.3 Oil Pol, Oil immersion, objective, a 785nm laser (20 mW output measured at the sample),
and a UHTS 300 spectrograph (300 lines/mm grating) coupled with an Andor DR32400 CCD
detector (-61C, 1650 x 200 pixels). Singular cell areas were scanned, and spectra were obtained in
1 x 1 um intervals using a 0.2s integration time per spectrum to construct hyperspectral images of
individual cells. Background subtraction and cosmic ray removal were performed using a
polynomial function in WiTec Project 5.2 software. Hyperspectral data was extracted and
processed using custom codes written with MATLAB.
Cell Culture. RAW 264.7 TIB-71 cell line from ATCC (Manassas, VA, USA) was cultured under
standard incubation conditions at 37C and 5% CO2. D -10 cell culture media containing sterile
filtered high-glucose DMEM with 10% heat inactivated FBS, 2.5% HEPES, 1% L-glutamine, 1%
penicillin/streptomycin, and 0.2% amphotericin B (all by Gibco) was used for cell culture.
0.5ng/ml of cytokines and signaling molecules were added to media during each experiment to
avoid cells losing their polarization states.
Sample Preparation for Optical Microscopy. For all 20x in vitro NIR fluorescence imaging
experiments the cells were plated, in triplicate, at an initial concentration 5.26 x 10 4 cells/cm2 on
35 mm glass -bottom microwell dishes (MatTek) and allowed to culture overnight. To dose the
cells with nanotube samples, the culture media was removed and replaced with 1 mg-L-1 of either
purified-SWCNTs or unpurified-SWCNTs diluted in D10 cell culture media and incubated for 30
minutes to allow cell internalization. The SWCNT-containing media was then removed, the cells
were washed twice with sterile PBS (Gibco) followed by the addition of fresh media. All time
points were defined with respect to this step. For the 100x Confocal Raman microscopy
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experiments, the same cell plating and SWCNT dosing procedures were followed as highlighted
previously; however, the cells were fixed with paraformaldehyde (Electron Microscopy Sciences).
Cell fixation was performed with 4% PFA in PBS for 15 minutes, after which the cells were rinsed
three times and covered with PBS to retain an aqueous environment during imaging.
Cell Viability Assay. RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were plated on 35 mm glass -bottom
microwell dishes (MatTek) and allowed to culture overnight at an initial seeding density of 5.26 x
104 cells/cm2. The following day, the medium was replaced with 1 mg/L of either purified -
SWCNTs or unpurified-SWCNTs diluted in media and incubated for an additional 24 h. After 24
h, the cells were collected from the dishes and stained with Annexin V and propidium iodide (Dead
Cell Apoptosis Kit V13242, Invitrogen) following the manufacturer’s protocol. Fluorescence
images of the stained cells were acquired by using a Cellometer Vision CBA image cytometer
(Nexcelom Bioscience), and images were analyzed by using ImageJ and custom MATLAB codes.
For each cell condition, a control dish was plated without SWCNT addition to create the gates on
the Annexin V and propidium iodide axes of the histograms.
Bone Marrow Cell Isolation. To generate BMDMs, the femoral and tibial bones of 8 -10-week-
old mice were flushed with RPMI media (Thermo Fisher) and the bone marrow suspension was
passed through a 70 mm cell strainer. Bone marrow cells were cultured in T75 non -tissue-culture
flasks with 10 mL of RPMI medium (Thermo Fisher) supplemented with 10% heat -inactivated
fetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 25 mM HEPES, and 20% L929 conditioned medium and
kept in a humidified incubator at 37C with 5% CO2. An additional 5mL of media was added to
plates on day 3 of differentiation. After 7-10 days of differentiation, the loosely adherent cells were
harvested by gentle washing with 2 mM EDTA (Thermo Fisher) in PBS (Thermo Fisher), cells
were seeded in 12-well plates at a density of 3 × 10 5per mL, were pooled and used as the starting
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source of cells for most experiments. BMDMs were seeded overnight in 12 -well plates
(2.5x106/well; 1 ml culture medium before infection).
Macrophage Differentiation. To induce differentiation of macrophages into M1 and M2
phenotypes, a combination of signaling molecules were added. M1 were obtained by exposing the
cells to a dose containing 0.5ng/ml of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon -gamma (IFN-ɣ).
LPS, derived from the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, and IFN-ɣ, a pro-inflammatory
cytokine, collectively drive cell polarization towards the M1 phenotype. Conversely, to obtain M2,
a separate set of signaling molecules is used. A dose of 0.5 ng/ml of interleukin -4 (IL-4) and
interleukin-10 (IL-10) is introduced simultaneously. IL-4 and IL-10 cytokines are both associated
with anti-inflammatory responses, whi ch contribute equally to the polarization of macrophages
towards the M2 phenotype. Cells were incubated with the cytokine mixtures overnight, for 24 -
hours, to achieve maximum cell polarization and were later evaluated for characteristic differences
among each cell phenotype, before proceeding with any experimentation.
Real-Time Near -Infrared Fluorescence Spectroscopy for In -vivo simulation. Petri dishes
were seeded with cells to achieve a density of 5 x 10 5 cells. Consequently, cells were dosed with
respective cytokines to polarize them into M1 and M2 macrophages. After 24 hours, 5mg L -1 of
GT6-SWCNTs were added to cells, after the 30-minute incubation period, cells were washed with
1x PBS and replenished with fresh media. NIR fluorescence spectra were acquired from each
sample at 0.5 and 2 hours. Individual NIR fluorescence spectra from cell samples were obtained
using a custom -built preclinical fiber optics probe spectroscopy system described in previous
studies. A custom MATLAB code was used to perform background subtraction and post analysis
on acquired fluorescence data.
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Macrophage Identification. To discern M1 macrophage characteristics, PE and PerCP-
conjugated anti -mouse 1 -A/I-E antibodies (BioLegend) were utilized. These antibodies were
specifically employed for the precise detection of M1 macrophage markers, including CD4
CD3/TR. These selected markers play a pivotal role in identifying distinctive characteristics
associated with M1 macrophages using flow cytometry. Subsequently, M2 macrophages were also
identified. In this regard, M2 -specific markers, CD206 and CD163, were targeted for detection
using PE-Dazzle 594 (BioLegend). An Anti-CD16/CD32 Fc receptor blocking antibody was to
eliminate non-specific receptor binding. This meticulous approach allowed for the comprehensive
identification of M1 and M2 macrophage phenotypes post cytokine addition.
FACS Flow Cytometry. Cells were scrapped off from petri -dishes and resuspended in FACS
running buffer (PBS + 0.5 -1% BSA) at a density of 5 x 10 6 cells/ml. Staining was done at 4 oC.
100 µl of cells were added to centrifuge tubes followed by 100 µl of Fc block ing antibody (1:50
ratio in FACS running buffer). The cells were incubated for 20 minutes followed by centrifugation
at 1500 rpm for 5 minutes at 4oC. Supernatant was discarded and the cells were further incubated
for 30 minutes with marker specific antibodies (0.1 µg/ml) in 100 µl of FACS buffer, in the dark.
The cells were then washed by centrifuging at 1500 rpm for 5 minutes. Washing was repeated 3
times to remove any unbound markers. The cells were then resuspended in 200µl of FACS buffer
for flow cytometry.
Label-Free Cell Proliferation and Adherence Monitoring. Adherence and proliferation were
measured with an xCELLigence real -time cell analysis instrument from Agilent. For baseline
impedance measurements of the wells, 140µl of cell media was added to each of the 16 wells in
the E-plate. 50µl of cells diluted in media was added to each well to reach a final concentration of
2 x 105 cells/well. The cells were allowed to adhere to the plates for 30 minutes in a cell culture
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hood to allow for an evenly distributed initial seeding of cells over the electrodes. After 30 minutes,
the E-plates were placed into the xCELLigence system and data acquisition occurred every 15
minutes. Plates were incubated for 24 hours. Subsequently, respective cytokines were added, and
the cells were incubated for an additional 24 hours to polarize macrophages into M1 or M2
phenotypes. The cells were then dosed with three different concentrations of (GT) 6-DNA-
SWCNTs: 0.1, 1, and 10 mg/L, in separate wells.
Machine Learning. A custom-made MATLAB graphical user interface was used to format data
for machine learning analysis. MATLAB classification learner was used to train data with the
support vector machine model on the formatted data.
Statistical Analysis. OriginPro 2022b was used to perform all statistical analyses. All data either
met assumptions of statistical tests performed (i.e., equal variances, normality, etc.) or were
transformed to meet assumptions before any statistical analysis was caried out. S tatistical
significance was analyzed using Two -Sample t -test or one way ANOVA where appropriate.
Testing of multiple hypotheses was accounted for by performing one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s
posthoc test.
Supporting Information
The Supporting Information is available free of charge at:
Experimental methods and materials, additional characterization spectra, images, and analysis.
Corresponding Author Email
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Daniel Roxbury,
[email protected]
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (CAREER Award #1844536 and
#2231621) and the University of Rhode Island College of Engineering. The confocal Raman data
were acquired at the RI Consortium for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, a URI College of
Engineering core facility partially funded by the National Science Foundation EPSCoR,
Cooperative Agreement #OIA -1655221. Research was made possible by the use of equipment
available through the Rhode Island Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Network of
Biomedical Research Excellence from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the
National Institutes of Health under grant #P20GM103430 through the Centralized Research Core
facility. Schematics were created using BioRender.com software.
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