Quantifying nanodiamonds biodistribution in whole cells with correlative iono-nanoscopy

Abstract Correlative imaging and quantification of intracellular nanoparticles with the underlying ultrastructure is crucial for understanding cell-nanoparticle interactions in biological research. However, correlative nanoscale whole cells still remains a daunting challenge. Here, we report straightforward nanoscopic approach whole-cell imaging, by simultaneous ionoluminescence mapping implemented highly focused beam alpha particles. We demonstrate that fluorescent nanodiamonds exhibit fast, ultrabright stable emission upon excitation Thus, using as probes, our enables localization single within cell at sub-30 nm resolution. As an application example, show approach, together Monte Carlo simulations radiobiological experiments, can be employed to provide unique insights into mechanisms nanodiamond radiosensitization level. These findings may benefit clinical studies radio-enhancement effects charged-particle cancer therapy.