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Stokes K, Clark K, Odetade D, Hardy M, Goldberg Oppenheimer P. Advances in lithographic techniques for precision nanostructure fabrication in biomedical applications. DISCOVER NANO 2023; 18:153. [PMID: 38082047 PMCID: PMC10713959 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03938-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Nano-fabrication techniques have demonstrated their vital importance in technological innovation. However, low-throughput, high-cost and intrinsic resolution limits pose significant restrictions, it is, therefore, paramount to continue improving existing methods as well as developing new techniques to overcome these challenges. This is particularly applicable within the area of biomedical research, which focuses on sensing, increasingly at the point-of-care, as a way to improve patient outcomes. Within this context, this review focuses on the latest advances in the main emerging patterning methods including the two-photon, stereo, electrohydrodynamic, near-field electrospinning-assisted, magneto, magnetorheological drawing, nanoimprint, capillary force, nanosphere, edge, nano transfer printing and block copolymer lithographic technologies for micro- and nanofabrication. Emerging methods enabling structural and chemical nano fabrication are categorised along with prospective chemical and physical patterning techniques. Established lithographic techniques are briefly outlined and the novel lithographic technologies are compared to these, summarising the specific advantages and shortfalls alongside the current lateral resolution limits and the amenability to mass production, evaluated in terms of process scalability and cost. Particular attention is drawn to the potential breakthrough application areas, predominantly within biomedical studies, laying the platform for the tangible paths towards the adoption of alternative developing lithographic technologies or their combination with the established patterning techniques, which depends on the needs of the end-user including, for instance, tolerance of inherent limits, fidelity and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Stokes
- Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kieran Clark
- Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - David Odetade
- Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Mike Hardy
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5DL, UK
- Centre for Quantum Materials and Technology, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT7 1NN, UK
| | - Pola Goldberg Oppenheimer
- Advanced Nanomaterials Structures and Applications Laboratories, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
- Healthcare Technologies Institute, Institute of Translational Medicine, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK.
- Cavendish Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK.
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Kim E, Jeon S, Yang YS, Jin C, Kim JY, Oh YS, Rah JC, Choi H. A Neurospheroid-Based Microrobot for Targeted Neural Connections in a Hippocampal Slice. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2208747. [PMID: 36640750 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202208747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Functional restoration by the re-establishment of cellular or neural connections remains a major challenge in targeted cell therapy and regenerative medicine. Recent advances in magnetically powered microrobots have shown potential for use in controlled and targeted cell therapy. In this study, a magnetic neurospheroid (Mag-Neurobot) that can form both structural and functional connections with an organotypic hippocampal slice (OHS) is assessed using an ex vivo model as a bridge toward in vivo application. The Mag-Neurobot consists of hippocampal neurons and superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs); it is precisely and skillfully manipulated by an external magnetic field. Furthermore, the results of patch-clamp recordings of hippocampal neurons indicate that neither the neuronal excitabilities nor the synaptic functions of SPION-loaded cells are significantly affected. Analysis of neural activity propagation using high-density multi-electrode arrays shows that the delivered Mag-Neurobot is functionally connected with the OHS. The applications of this study include functional verification for targeted cell delivery through the characterization of novel synaptic connections and the functionalities of transported and transplanted cells. The success of the Mag-Neurobot opens up new avenues of research and application; it offers a test platform for functional neural connections and neural regenerative processes through cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunhee Kim
- IMsystem Co., Ltd., 333, Technojungang-daero, Hyeonpung-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungwoong Jeon
- IMsystem Co., Ltd., 333, Technojungang-daero, Hyeonpung-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Sil Yang
- Emerging Infectious Disease Vaccines Division, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, 187, Osongsaengmyeong 2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, 28159, Republic of Korea
- Korea Brain Research Institute, 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaewon Jin
- DGIST-ETH Microrobotics Research Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- DGIST-ETH Microrobotics Research Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Seok Oh
- Department of Brain Sciences, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Cheol Rah
- Korea Brain Research Institute, 61, Cheomdan-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu, 41062, Republic of Korea
- Department of Brain Sciences, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongsoo Choi
- DGIST-ETH Microrobotics Research Center, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
- Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
- Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Research Center, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
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Jeon S, Park SH, Kim E, Kim J, Kim SW, Choi H. A Magnetically Powered Stem Cell-Based Microrobot for Minimally Invasive Stem Cell Delivery via the Intranasal Pathway in a Mouse Brain. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2100801. [PMID: 34160909 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Targeted stem cell delivery with microrobots has emerged as a potential alternative therapeutic strategy in regenerative medicine, and intranasal administration is an effective approach for minimally invasive delivery of therapeutic agents into the brain. In this study, a magnetically powered stem cell-based microrobot ("Cellbot") is used for minimally invasive targeted stem cell delivery to the brain through the intranasal passage. The Cellbot is developed by internalizing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) into human nasal turbinate stem cells. The SPIONs have no influence on hNTSC characteristics, including morphology, cell viability, and neuronal differentiation. The Cellbots are capable of proliferation and differentiation into neurons, neural precursor cells, and neurogliocytes. The Cellbots in the microfluidic channel can be reliably manipulated by an external magnetic field for orientation and position control. Using an ex vivo model based on brain organoids, it is determined that the Cellbots can be transplanted into brain tissue. Using a murine model, it is demonstrated that the Cellbots can be intranasally administered and magnetically guided to the target tissue in vivo. This approach has the potential to effectively treat central nervous system disorders in a minimally invasive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungwoong Jeon
- Department of Robotics Engineering DGIST‐ETH Microrobotics Research Center Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) Daegu 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Hwa Park
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Seoul St. Mary's Hospital The Catholic University Seoul 06591 Republic of Korea
| | - Eunhee Kim
- Department of Robotics Engineering DGIST‐ETH Microrobotics Research Center Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) Daegu 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - Jin‐young Kim
- Department of Robotics Engineering DGIST‐ETH Microrobotics Research Center Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) Daegu 42988 Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Won Kim
- Department of Otolaryngology‐Head and Neck Surgery Seoul St. Mary's Hospital The Catholic University Seoul 06591 Republic of Korea
| | - Hongsoo Choi
- Department of Robotics Engineering DGIST‐ETH Microrobotics Research Center Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) Daegu 42988 Republic of Korea
- Robotics Research Center DGIST Daegu 42988 Republic of Korea
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Vinzons LU, Lin SP. Facile fabrication of ordered discontinuous nanotopography on photosensitive substrates for enhanced neuronal differentiation. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 32:365301. [PMID: 34015777 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac0381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Controlling the development and morphology of neurons is important for basic neuroscience research as well as for applications in nerve regeneration and neural interfaces. Various studies have shown that nanoscale topographies can promote the development of neuronal cells and the differentiation of neural stem cells; however, the fabrication of these nanotopographical features often involves expensive and sophisticated techniques. Here, we employ nanosphere lens lithography combined with UV-LED technology to create nanopatterns on an SU-8 photoresist. We develop a facile method to create a reusable polystyrene nanosphere (PS-NS) lens array by the spontaneous formation of a hexagonal close-packed array of PS-NSs at a water-air interface and its subsequent transfer to a polydimethylsiloxane carrier film without using any special equipment. We show that this simple technique can create ordered arrays of nanodots on an SU-8 film, the dimensions of which can be controlled by the size of the PS-NSs. When used as a substrate for the neuronal differentiation of pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells, the nanopatterned SU-8 films exhibit enhanced differentiation parameters with respect to conventional tissue culture plastic as compared with their flat counterparts. The method proposed here can greatly facilitate the nanopatterning of various photosensitive substrates for the development of implants for nerve regeneration and neural interfacing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lester U Vinzons
- PhD Program in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Ping Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Lao Z, Xia N, Wang S, Xu T, Wu X, Zhang L. Tethered and Untethered 3D Microactuators Fabricated by Two-Photon Polymerization: A Review. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:465. [PMID: 33924199 PMCID: PMC8074609 DOI: 10.3390/mi12040465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microactuators, which can transform external stimuli into mechanical motion at microscale, have attracted extensive attention because they can be used to construct microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and/or microrobots, resulting in extensive applications in a large number of fields such as noninvasive surgery, targeted delivery, and biomedical machines. In contrast to classical 2D MEMS devices, 3D microactuators provide a new platform for the research of stimuli-responsive functional devices. However, traditional planar processing techniques based on photolithography are inadequate in the construction of 3D microstructures. To solve this issue, researchers have proposed many strategies, among which 3D laser printing is becoming a prospective technique to create smart devices at the microscale because of its versatility, adjustability, and flexibility. Here, we review the recent progress in stimulus-responsive 3D microactuators fabricated with 3D laser printing depending on different stimuli. Then, an outlook of the design, fabrication, control, and applications of 3D laser-printed microactuators is propounded with the goal of providing a reference for related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxin Lao
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.X.); (S.W.)
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Measuring Theory and Precision Instrument, School of Instrument Science and Opto-Electronics Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Neng Xia
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.X.); (S.W.)
| | - Shijie Wang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.X.); (S.W.)
| | - Tiantian Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (T.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Xinyu Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Robotics and Intelligent System, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; (T.X.); (X.W.)
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong 999077, China; (N.X.); (S.W.)
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Kim CH, Kim TH. Graphene Hybrid Materials for Controlling Cellular Microenvironments. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E4008. [PMID: 32927729 PMCID: PMC7559936 DOI: 10.3390/ma13184008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cellular microenvironments are known as key factors controlling various cell functions, including adhesion, growth, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Many materials, including proteins, polymers, and metal hybrid composites, are reportedly effective in regulating cellular microenvironments, mostly via reshaping and manipulating cell morphologies, which ultimately affect cytoskeletal dynamics and related genetic behaviors. Recently, graphene and its derivatives have emerged as promising materials in biomedical research owing to their biocompatible properties as well as unique physicochemical characteristics. In this review, we will highlight and discuss recent studies reporting the regulation of the cellular microenvironment, with particular focus on the use of graphene derivatives or graphene hybrid materials to effectively control stem cell differentiation and cancer cell functions and behaviors. We hope that this review will accelerate research on the use of graphene derivatives to regulate various cellular microenvironments, which will ultimately be useful for both cancer therapy and stem cell-based regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheol-Hwi Kim
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea;
| | - Tae-Hyung Kim
- School of Integrative Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea;
- Integrative Research Centre for Two-Dimensional Functional Materials, Institute of Interdisciplinary Convergence Research, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
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Chen CH, Tsai CC, Wu PT, Wang IK, Yu J, Tsai WB. Modulation of Neural Differentiation through Submicron-Grooved Topography Surface with Modified Polydopamine. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2018; 2:205-216. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.8b00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hung Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Cheng Tsai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ting Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ing-Kae Wang
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, No. 195, Chung Hsing Rd., Sec. 4, Hsinchu 310, Taiwan
| | - Jiashing Yu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Bor Tsai
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Roosevelt Rd., Sec. 4, Taipei 106, Taiwan
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Jeon S, Hoshiar AK, Kim S, Lee S, Kim E, Lee S, Kim K, Lee J, Kim JY, Choi H. Improving guidewire-mediated steerability of a magnetically actuated flexible microrobot. MICRO AND NANO SYSTEMS LETTERS 2018. [DOI: 10.1186/s40486-018-0077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Effect of direct current electrical stimulation on the recovery of facial nerve crush injury. J IND ENG CHEM 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jiec.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Khan FA, Almohazey D, Alomari M, Almofty SA. Impact of nanoparticles on neuron biology: current research trends. Int J Nanomedicine 2018; 13:2767-2776. [PMID: 29780247 PMCID: PMC5951135 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s165675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles have enormous applications in textiles, cosmetics, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. But due to their exceptional physical and chemical properties, particularly antimicrobial, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, nanoparticles have many potential applications in diagnosis as well as in the treatment of various diseases. Over the past few years, nanoparticles have been extensively used to investigate their response on the neuronal cells. These nanoparticles cause stem cells to differentiate into neuronal cells and promote neuronal cell survivability and neuronal cell growth and expansion. The nanoparticles have been tested both in in vitro and in vivo models. The nanoparticles with various shapes, sizes, and chemical compositions mostly produced stimulatory effects on neuronal cells, but there are few that can cause inhibitory effects on the neuronal cells. In this review, we discuss stimulatory and inhibitory effects of various nanoparticles on the neuronal cells. The aim of this review was to summarize different effects of nanoparticles on the neuronal cells and try to understand the differential response of various nanoparticles. This review provides a bird's eye view approach on the effects of various nanoparticles on neuronal differentiation, neuronal survivability, neuronal growth, neuronal cell adhesion, and functional and behavioral recovery. Finally, this review helps the researchers to understand the different roles of nanoparticles (stimulatory and inhibitory) in neuronal cells to develop effective therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdos Alam Khan
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Dana Almohazey
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Munthar Alomari
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Ameen Almofty
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, Institute for Research and Medical Consultations, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Kim E, Kim JY, Choi H. An SU-8-based microprobe with a nanostructured surface enhances neuronal cell attachment and growth. MICRO AND NANO SYSTEMS LETTERS 2017. [DOI: 10.1186/s40486-017-0062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Lotito V, Zambelli T. Approaches to self-assembly of colloidal monolayers: A guide for nanotechnologists. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2017; 246:217-274. [PMID: 28669390 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of quasi-spherical colloidal particles in two-dimensional (2D) arrangements is essential for a wide range of applications from optoelectronics to surface engineering, from chemical and biological sensing to light harvesting and environmental remediation. Several self-assembly approaches have flourished throughout the years, with specific features in terms of complexity of the implementation, sensitivity to process parameters, characteristics of the final colloidal assembly. Selecting the proper method for a given application amidst the vast literature in this field can be a challenging task. In this review, we present an extensive classification and comparison of the different techniques adopted for 2D self-assembly in order to provide useful guidelines for scientists approaching this field. After an overview of the main applications of 2D colloidal assemblies, we describe the main mechanisms underlying their formation and introduce the mathematical tools commonly used to analyse their final morphology. Subsequently, we examine in detail each class of self-assembly techniques, with an explanation of the physical processes intervening in crystallization and a thorough investigation of the technical peculiarities of the different practical implementations. We point out the specific characteristics of the set-ups and apparatuses developed for self-assembly in terms of complexity, requirements, reproducibility, robustness, sensitivity to process parameters and morphology of the final colloidal pattern. Such an analysis will help the reader to individuate more easily the approach more suitable for a given application and will draw the attention towards the importance of the details of each implementation for the final results.
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