Maalouf M.M., Jain M., Actis P., Pourmand N.
University of California, Santa Cruz, US
Keywords: nanopipette, scanning ion conductance microscropy, single-cell injection
Manipulation and analysis of individual cells is key in understanding processes that control single-cell behavior in complex environment. Nanotechnology-based tools having high sensitivity and low invasiveness are holding great promises as new biomedical devices for single cell manipulation. The fully electrical read-out as well as the ease and low cost of fabrication are unique features that give nanopipette technology enormous potential. Our group has used nanopipettes as a biosensor, and is now continuing to use nanopipettes for single-cell manipulation. We developed a single-cell manipulation platform based on quartz nanopipettes. The system uses scanning microscopy techniques to position the nanopipette with nanoscale precision. The nanopipette is fitted with electrodes to mediate voltage-dependent injection or aspiration form individual cells. This technology can be used for stem cell research by injection of a customized cocktail of molecules to induce pluripotency.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Nanotechnology 2012: Electronics, Devices, Fabrication, MEMS, Fluidics and Computational (Volume 2)
Published: June 18, 2012
Pages: 384 - 387
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: Micro & Bio Fluidics, Lab-on-Chip
ISBN: 978-1-4665-6275-2