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.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Khine et al. A single cell electroporation chip. Lab Chip, 2005, 5, 38–43.
M. Wang. Manipulation of single molecules in biology. Curr Opin Biotechnol, 1999, 10(1),81–86.
F. Han et al. Fast electrical lysis of cells for capillary electrophoresis. Anal Chem, 2003, 75, 3688–3696.
J. Olofsson et al. Single-cell electroporation. chip. Curr Opin Biotechnol, 2003, 14, 29–34.
E. Neumann and S. Kakorin. Disgression on membrane electroporation for drug and gen delivery. Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment, 2002, 1, 329–339.
J. Rojas-Chapana et al. Enhanced Introduction of Gold Nanoparticles into Vital Acidothiobacillus ferrooxidans by Carbon Nanotube-based Microwave. Nano lett, 2004, 4(5), 985–988.
J. Rojas-Chapana et al. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes for plasmid delivery into Eschrechia coli cells. Lab Chip, 2005, 5, 536–539.
E. Bekyarova et al. Applications of carbon nanotubes in biotechnology and biomedicine. J. Biomed. Nanotech. 2005, 1(1), 3–17
M. Correa-Duarte et al. Fabrication and Biocompatibility of Carbon Nanotube-Based 3D Networks as Scaffolds for Cell Seeding and Growth. Nano lett, 2004, 4(11), 2233–2236.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
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
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12030-005-0045-5