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Quek YJ, Tay A. Nanoscale Methods for Longitudinal Extraction of Intracellular Contents. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314184. [PMID: 38459829 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314184] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Longitudinal analysis of intracellular contents including gene and protein expression is crucial for deciphering the fundamentally dynamic nature of cells. This offers invaluable insights into complex tissue composition and behavior, and drives progress in disease diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and drug development. Traditional longitudinal analysis workflows, involving the destruction of cells at various timepoints, limit insights to singular moments and fail to account for cellular heterogeneity. Current non-destructive approaches, like temporal modeling with single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) and live-cell fluorescence imaging, either rely on biological assumptions or possess the risk of cellular perturbation. Recent advances in nanoscale technologies for non-destructive intracellular content extraction offer a promising solution to these challenges. These novel methods work at the nanoscale to non-destructively access cellular membranes and can be broadly classified into three mechanisms: tip-facilitated aspiration, membrane-based, and probe-based methods. This perspective focuses on these emerging nanotechnologies for repeated intracellular content extraction. Their potential in longitudinal analysis is discussed, the critical requirements for effective repeated sampling are addressed, and the suitability of each technique for various applications is explored. Furthermore, unresolved challenges in repeated sampling are highlighted to encourage further research in this growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jie Quek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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Bulbul G, Chaves G, Olivier J, Ozel RE, Pourmand N. Nanopipettes as Monitoring Probes for the Single Living Cell: State of the Art and Future Directions in Molecular Biology. Cells 2018; 7:E55. [PMID: 29882813 PMCID: PMC6024992 DOI: 10.3390/cells7060055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Examining the behavior of a single cell within its natural environment is valuable for understanding both the biological processes that control the function of cells and how injury or disease lead to pathological change of their function. Single-cell analysis can reveal information regarding the causes of genetic changes, and it can contribute to studies on the molecular basis of cell transformation and proliferation. By contrast, whole tissue biopsies can only yield information on a statistical average of several processes occurring in a population of different cells. Electrowetting within a nanopipette provides a nanobiopsy platform for the extraction of cellular material from single living cells. Additionally, functionalized nanopipette sensing probes can differentiate analytes based on their size, shape or charge density, making the technology uniquely suited to sensing changes in single-cell dynamics. In this review, we highlight the potential of nanopipette technology as a non-destructive analytical tool to monitor single living cells, with particular attention to integration into applications in molecular biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonca Bulbul
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - Gepoliano Chaves
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - Joseph Olivier
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - Rifat Emrah Ozel
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
| | - Nader Pourmand
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA.
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Nashimoto Y, Takahashi Y, Zhou Y, Ito H, Ida H, Ino K, Matsue T, Shiku H. Evaluation of mRNA Localization Using Double Barrel Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy. ACS NANO 2016; 10:6915-6922. [PMID: 27399804 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.6b02753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Information regarding spatial mRNA localization in single cells is necessary for a better understanding of cellular functions in tissues. Here, we report a method for evaluating localization of mRNA in single cells using double-barrel scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM). Two barrels in a nanopipette were filled with aqueous and organic electrolyte solutions and used for SICM and as an electrochemical syringe, respectively. We confirmed that the organic phase barrel could be used to collect cytosol from living cells, which is a minute but sufficient amount to assess cellular status using qPCR analysis. The water phase barrel could be used for SICM to image topography with subcellular resolution, which could be used to determine positions for analyzing mRNA expression. This system was able to evaluate mRNA localization in single cells. After puncturing the cellular membrane in a minimally invasive manner, using SICM imaging as a guide, we collected a small amount cytosol from different positions within a single cell and showed that mRNA expression depends on cellular position. In this study, we show that SICM imaging can be utilized for the analysis of mRNA localization in single cells. In addition, we fully automated the pipet movement in the XYZ-directions during the puncturing processes, making it applicable as a high-throughput system for collecting cytosol and analyzing mRNA localization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasufumi Takahashi
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) , Saitama 332-0012, Japan
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Micro- and Nanoscale Technologies for Delivery into Adherent Cells. Trends Biotechnol 2016; 34:665-678. [PMID: 27287927 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2016.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Several recent micro- and nanotechnologies have provided novel methods for biological studies of adherent cells because the small features of these new biotools provide unique capabilities for accessing cells without the need for suspension or lysis. These novel approaches have enabled gentle but effective delivery of molecules into specific adhered target cells, with unprecedented spatial resolution. We review here recent progress in the development of these technologies with an emphasis on in vitro delivery into adherent cells utilizing mechanical penetration or electroporation. We discuss the major advantages and limitations of these approaches and propose possible strategies for improvements. Finally, we discuss the impact of these technologies on biological research concerning cell-specific temporal studies, for example non-destructive sampling and analysis of intracellular molecules.
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Actis P, Maalouf M, Kim HJ, Lohith A, Vilozny B, Seger RA, Pourmand N. Compartmental genomics in living cells revealed by single-cell nanobiopsy. ACS NANO 2014; 8:546-53. [PMID: 24279711 PMCID: PMC3946819 DOI: 10.1021/nn405097u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The ability to study the molecular biology of living single cells in heterogeneous cell populations is essential for next generation analysis of cellular circuitry and function. Here, we developed a single-cell nanobiopsy platform based on scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM) for continuous sampling of intracellular content from individual cells. The nanobiopsy platform uses electrowetting within a nanopipette to extract cellular material from living cells with minimal disruption of the cellular milieu. We demonstrate the subcellular resolution of the nanobiopsy platform by isolating small subpopulations of mitochondria from single living cells, and quantify mutant mitochondrial genomes in those single cells with high throughput sequencing technology. These findings may provide the foundation for dynamic subcellular genomic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nader Pourmand
- Corresponding Author: Department of Biomolecular Engineering, University of California Santa Cruz, 1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA , +1 (831) 502-7315
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Vahabi S, Nazemi Salman B, Javanmard A. Atomic force microscopy application in biological research: a review study. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2013; 38:76-83. [PMID: 23825885 PMCID: PMC3700051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Revised: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a three-dimensional topographic technique with a high atomic resolution to measure surface roughness. AFM is a kind of scanning probe microscope, and its near-field technique is based on the interaction between a sharp tip and the atoms of the sample surface. There are several methods and many ways to modify the tip of the AFM to investigate surface properties, including measuring friction, adhesion forces and viscoelastic properties as well as determining the Young modulus and imaging magnetic or electrostatic properties. The AFM technique can analyze any kind of samples such as polymers, adsorbed molecules, films or fibers, and powders in the air whether in a controlled atmosphere or in a liquid medium. In the past decade, the AFM has emerged as a powerful tool to obtain the nanostructural details and biomechanical properties of biological samples, including biomolecules and cells. The AFM applications, techniques, and -in particular- its ability to measure forces, are not still familiar to most clinicians. This paper reviews the literature on the main principles of the AFM modality and highlights the advantages of this technique in biology, medicine, and- especially- dentistry. This literature review was performed through E-resources, including Science Direct, PubMed, Blackwell Synergy, Embase, Elsevier, and Scholar Google for the references published between 1985 and 2010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surena Vahabi
- Department of Periodontics, Dental School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Nazemi Salman
- Department of Pedodontics, Dental School, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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Development of a novel method to detect intrinsic mRNA in a living cell by using a molecular beacon-immobilized nanoneedle. Biosens Bioelectron 2010; 26:1449-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2010.07.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2010] [Revised: 07/16/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Nawarathna D, Chang R, Nelson E, Wickramasinghe HK. Targeted messenger RNA profiling of transfected breast cancer gene in a living cell. Anal Biochem 2010; 408:342-4. [PMID: 20723536 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2010.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 08/06/2010] [Accepted: 08/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Selective messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling of transfected breast cancer gene expression in a living cell is demonstrated. Atomic force microscope (AFM) probe tips are structurally modified to create a dielectrophoretic force that attracts mRNA molecules within the cell nucleus. The tip end is chemically modified to hybridize only to the target mRNA from a pool of molecules within the nucleus. We successfully combined this scheme with standard assay techniques to develop an assay technology that can be used for early disease detection and basic studies in cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Nawarathna
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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Shiku H, Ino K, Matsue T. ELECTROCHEMISTRY 2010; 78:832-836. [DOI: 10.5796/electrochemistry.78.832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Abstract
Examining messenger RNA (mRNA) expression is useful for the determination of cell and tissue conditions. Many methods of determining mRNA expression require total RNA extraction or cell fixation. These processes cause difficulties in examining mRNA expression in single living cells without causing cell death. We think that analysis of specific mRNA expression in single living cells will become important in cell biology. In this chapter, we present a method to examine mRNA expression of single living cells without killing the cells. The single-cell nanoprobe (SCN) method uses atomic force microscopy (AFM) to extract mRNA. We also present examples of beta-actin mRNA detection and multiple mRNA detection from single living cells.
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Nawarathna D, Turan T, Wickramasinghe HK. Selective probing of mRNA expression levels within a living cell. APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS 2009; 95:83117. [PMID: 19777090 PMCID: PMC2749444 DOI: 10.1063/1.3213343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
We report on a selective and nondestructive measurement of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) expression levels within a living cell. We first modify an atomic force microscope tip to create a tapered nanoscale coaxial cable. Application of an ac (alternating potential) between the inner and outer electrodes of this cable creates a dielectrophoretic force attracting mRNA molecules toward the tip-end which is pretreated with gene specific primers. We selectively extracted and analyzed both high ( approximately 2500) and extremely low (11 0) copy number mRNA from a living cell mRNA in less than 10 s.
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Afrin R, Zohora US, Uehara H, Watanabe-Nakayama T, Ikai A. Atomic force microscopy for cellular level manipulation: imaging intracellular structures and DNA delivery through a membrane hole. J Mol Recognit 2009; 22:363-72. [DOI: 10.1002/jmr.971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Abstract
A review of the work done in the Laboratory of Biodynamics of Tokyo Institute of Technology in the last decade has been summarized in this article in relation to the results reported from other laboratories. The emphasis here is the application of nanomechanics based on the force mode of atomic force microscopy (AFM) to proteins and protein-based biological structures. Globular proteins were stretched in various ways to detect the localized rigidity inside of the molecule. When studied by this method, bovine carbonic anhydrase II (BCA II), calmodulin and OspA protein all showed the presence of localized rigid structures inside the molecules. Protein compression experiments were done on BCA II to obtain an estimate of the Young modulus and its change in the process of denaturation. Then, the AFM probe method was turned on to cell membranes and cytoplasmic components. Force curves accompanying the extraction process of membrane proteins from intact cells were analysed in relation to their interaction with the cytoskeletal components. By pushing the AFM probe further into the cytoplasm, mRNAs were recovered from a live cell with minimal damage, and multiplied using PCR technology for their identification. Altogether, the work introduced here forms the basis of nanomechanics of protein and protein-based biostructures and application of the nanomechanical technology to cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Ikai
- Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama 226-8501, Japan.
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