Optical fiberless sensors for analyzing cellular analytes

A method for detecting an analyte in a cell, comprising:

• a) providing i) one or more cells containing an analyte, ii) a plurality of synthetic fiberless optical sensors, wherein said fiberless optical sensors comprise solid particles ranging in size between approximately 1 micrometer and 1 nanometer in diameter wherein said particle comprises one or more active sensor molecules that are imbedded in an inert host, iii) an exogenous cellular stimulus, and iv) a means for detecting said sensors;
• b) introducing said plurality of sensors into said one or more cells;
• c) stimulating said one or more cells with said exogenous cellular stimulus;
• and
• d) detecting a response of said sensors in the presence of said analyte to said stimulating of said cells with said detecting means.

A method for comparing analytes in cells, comprising:

• a) providing i) first and second preparations of cells containing an analyte, ii) a plurality of synthetic fiberless optical sensors, wherein said fiberless optical sensors comprise solid particles ranging in size between approximately 1 micrometer and 1 nanometer in diameter wherein said particle comprises one or more active sensor molecules that are imbedded in an inert host, iii) an exogenous cellular stimulus;
• and iv) a means for detecting said sensors;
• b) introducing said plurality of sensors into said first and second preparations of cells;
• c) stimulating said first preparation of cells with said exogenous stimulus;
• d) detecting a response of said sensors in the presence of said analyte to said stimulating of said first preparation of cells with said detecting means;
• and
• e) comparing the sensors in said first preparation of cells with the sensors in said second preparation of cells.