Abstract
This paper surveys different methods developed for nanoscale spatial manipulation of biological objects and for engineering nanoscale spatial cues to steer cellular biosystems. For the cell manipulation a new electroporation method based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was developed in our group. By applying short microwave (mw) pulses, it was possible to induce dipoles at the MWCNT tips, which in turn can interact with charges at the cell surface. This significantly reduces the cell mortality, compared to conventional electroporation, which is related to the elimination of high electric fields and side reactions. This “nanoelectroporation” approach assisted by MWCNTs allows for rapid transport of metal nanoparticles into bacteria and yeast cells, as well as the incorporation of exogenous DNA into the cell’s genome, without affecting the cell viability and/or morphology.
Another field within the scope of bio-nanotechnology is tissue engineering. This form of engineering includes the creation of scaffolds with adjustable pore size distribution and interconnectivity, and the production of micro/nanotopography on the various substrates. Here we present free-standing scaffolds made up of interconnected MWCNTs, which were prepared by chemically induced capillary and tensile forces exerted on the MWCNTs. Their potential application in this field was confirmed by extensive growth, spreading, and adhesion of a common mouse fibroblast cell line.
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Giersig, M., Firkowska, I., Troszczynska, J. et al. Cell manipulation and tissue engineering at the nanoscale. Nanobiotechnol 1, 290–292 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12030-005-0045-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12030-005-0045-5