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Gao H, Wang Z, Yang F, Wang X, Wang S, Zhang Q, Liu X, Sun Y, Kong J, Yao J. Graphene-integrated mesh electronics with converged multifunctionality for tracking multimodal excitation-contraction dynamics in cardiac microtissues. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2321. [PMID: 38485708 PMCID: PMC10940632 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46636-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac microtissues provide a promising platform for disease modeling and developmental studies, which require the close monitoring of the multimodal excitation-contraction dynamics. However, no existing assessing tool can track these multimodal dynamics across the live tissue. We develop a tissue-like mesh bioelectronic system to track these multimodal dynamics. The mesh system has tissue-level softness and cell-level dimensions to enable stable embedment in the tissue. It is integrated with an array of graphene sensors, which uniquely converges both bioelectrical and biomechanical sensing functionalities in one device. The system achieves stable tracking of the excitation-contraction dynamics across the tissue and throughout the developmental process, offering comprehensive assessments for tissue maturation, drug effects, and disease modeling. It holds the promise to provide more accurate quantification of the functional, developmental, and pathophysiological states in cardiac tissues, creating an instrumental tool for improving tissue engineering and studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Gao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Zhien Wang
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Feiyu Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Siqi Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Quan Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Yubing Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Jing Kong
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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2
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Gao H, Yang F, Sattari K, Du X, Fu T, Fu S, Liu X, Lin J, Sun Y, Yao J. Bioinspired two-in-one nanotransistor sensor for the simultaneous measurements of electrical and mechanical cellular responses. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn2485. [PMID: 36001656 PMCID: PMC9401615 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn2485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The excitation-contraction dynamics in cardiac tissue are the most important physiological parameters for assessing developmental state. We demonstrate integrated nanoelectronic sensors capable of simultaneously probing electrical and mechanical cellular responses. The sensor is configured from a three-dimensional nanotransistor with its conduction channel protruding out of the plane. The structure promotes not only a tight seal with the cell for detecting action potential via field effect but also a close mechanical coupling for detecting cellular force via piezoresistive effect. Arrays of nanotransistors are integrated to realize label-free, submillisecond, and scalable interrogation of correlated cell dynamics, showing advantages in tracking and differentiating cell states in drug studies. The sensor can further decode vector information in cellular motion beyond typical scalar information acquired at the tissue level, hence offering an improved tool for cell mechanics studies. The sensor enables not only improved bioelectronic detections but also reduced invasiveness through the two-in-one converging integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Gao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Feiyu Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Kianoosh Sattari
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Xian Du
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Tianda Fu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Shuai Fu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Xiaomeng Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jian Lin
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Yubing Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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3
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Zheng G, Gu F, Cui Y, Lu L, Hu X, Wang L, Wang Y. A microfluidic droplet array demonstrating high-throughput screening in individual lipid-producing microalgae. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1227:340322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.340322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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4
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Regulating MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell adhesion on laser-patterned surfaces with micro- and nanotopography. Biointerphases 2022; 17:021002. [PMID: 35291767 DOI: 10.1116/6.0001564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer observed in women. Communication with the tumor microenvironment allows invading breast cancer cells, such as triple negative breast cancer cells, to adapt to specific substrates. The substrate topography modulates the cellular behavior among other factors. Several different materials and micro/nanofabrication techniques have been employed to develop substrates for cell culture. Silicon-based substrates present a lot of advantages as they are amenable to a wide range of processing techniques and they permit rigorous control over the surface structure. We investigate and compare the response of the triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) on laser-patterned silicon substrates with two different topographical scales, i.e., the micro- and the nanoscale, in the absence of any other biochemical modification. We develop silicon surfaces with distinct morphological characteristics by employing two laser systems with different pulse durations (nanosecond and femtosecond) and different processing environments (vacuum, SF6 gas, and water). Our findings demonstrate that surfaces with microtopography are repellent, while those with nanotopography are attractive for MDA-MB-231 cell adherence.
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5
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Sohrabi Kashani A, Packirisamy M. Cancer-Nano-Interaction: From Cellular Uptake to Mechanobiological Responses. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9587. [PMID: 34502495 PMCID: PMC8431109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advancement of nanotechnology, the nano-bio-interaction field has emerged. It is essential to enhance our understanding of nano-bio-interaction in different aspects to design nanomedicines and improve their efficacy for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Many researchers have extensively studied the toxicological responses of cancer cells to nano-bio-interaction, while their mechanobiological responses have been less investigated. The mechanobiological properties of cells such as elasticity and adhesion play vital roles in cellular functions and cancer progression. Many studies have noticed the impacts of cellular uptake on the structural organization of cells and, in return, the mechanobiology of human cells. Mechanobiological changes induced by the interactions of nanomaterials and cells could alter cellular functions and influence cancer progression. Hence, in addition to biological responses, the possible mechanobiological responses of treated cells should be monitored as a standard methodology to evaluate the efficiency of nanomedicines. Studying the cancer-nano-interaction in the context of cell mechanics takes our knowledge one step closer to designing safe and intelligent nanomedicines. In this review, we briefly discuss how the characteristic properties of nanoparticles influence cellular uptake. Then, we provide insight into the mechanobiological responses that may occur during the nano-bio-interactions, and finally, the important measurement techniques for the mechanobiological characterizations of cells are summarized and compared. Understanding the unknown mechanobiological responses to nano-bio-interaction will help with developing the application of nanoparticles to modulate cell mechanics for controlling cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Muthukumaran Packirisamy
- Optical Bio-Microsystem Lab, Micro-Nano-Bio-Integration Centre, Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace Engineering, Concordia University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada;
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6
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Sternberg AK, Buck VU, Classen-Linke I, Leube RE. How Mechanical Forces Change the Human Endometrium during the Menstrual Cycle in Preparation for Embryo Implantation. Cells 2021; 10:2008. [PMID: 34440776 PMCID: PMC8391722 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The human endometrium is characterized by exceptional plasticity, as evidenced by rapid growth and differentiation during the menstrual cycle and fast tissue remodeling during early pregnancy. Past work has rarely addressed the role of cellular mechanics in these processes. It is becoming increasingly clear that sensing and responding to mechanical forces are as significant for cell behavior as biochemical signaling. Here, we provide an overview of experimental evidence and concepts that illustrate how mechanical forces influence endometrial cell behavior during the hormone-driven menstrual cycle and prepare the endometrium for embryo implantation. Given the fundamental species differences during implantation, we restrict the review to the human situation. Novel technologies and devices such as 3D multifrequency magnetic resonance elastography, atomic force microscopy, organ-on-a-chip microfluidic systems, stem-cell-derived organoid formation, and complex 3D co-culture systems have propelled the understanding how endometrial receptivity and blastocyst implantation are regulated in the human uterus. Accumulating evidence has shown that junctional adhesion, cytoskeletal rearrangement, and extracellular matrix stiffness affect the local force balance that regulates endometrial differentiation and blastocyst invasion. A focus of this review is on the hormonal regulation of endometrial epithelial cell mechanics. We discuss potential implications for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rudolf E. Leube
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.K.S.); (V.U.B.); (I.C.-L.)
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7
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Alapan Y, Yasa O, Schauer O, Giltinan J, Tabak AF, Sourjik V, Sitti M. Soft erythrocyte-based bacterial microswimmers for cargo delivery. Sci Robot 2021; 3:3/17/eaar4423. [PMID: 33141741 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.aar4423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria-propelled biohybrid microswimmers have recently shown to be able to actively transport and deliver cargos encapsulated into their synthetic constructs to specific regions locally. However, usage of synthetic materials as cargo carriers can result in inferior performance in load-carrying efficiency, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, impeding clinical translation of biohybrid microswimmers. Here, we report construction and external guidance of bacteria-driven microswimmers using red blood cells (RBCs; erythrocytes) as autologous cargo carriers for active and guided drug delivery. Multifunctional biohybrid microswimmers were fabricated by attachment of RBCs [loaded with anticancer doxorubicin drug molecules and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs)] to bioengineered motile bacteria, Escherichia coli MG1655, via biotin-avidin-biotin binding complex. Autonomous and on-board propulsion of biohybrid microswimmers was provided by bacteria, and their external magnetic guidance was enabled by SPIONs loaded into the RBCs. Furthermore, bacteria-driven RBC microswimmers displayed preserved deformability and attachment stability even after squeezing in microchannels smaller than their sizes, as in the case of bare RBCs. In addition, an on-demand light-activated hyperthermia termination switch was engineered for RBC microswimmers to control bacteria population after operations. RBCs, as biological and autologous cargo carriers in the biohybrid microswimmers, offer notable advantages in stability, deformability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability over synthetic cargo-carrier materials. The biohybrid microswimmer design presented here transforms RBCs from passive cargo carriers into active and guidable cargo carriers toward targeted drug and other cargo delivery applications in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Alapan
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Oncay Yasa
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Oliver Schauer
- Systems and Synthetic Microbiology Department, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Joshua Giltinan
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ahmet F Tabak
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Victor Sourjik
- Systems and Synthetic Microbiology Department, Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Metin Sitti
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
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8
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Manipulation of Axonal Outgrowth via Exogenous Low Forces. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218009. [PMID: 33126477 PMCID: PMC7663625 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons are mechanosensitive cells. The role of mechanical force in the process of neurite initiation, elongation and sprouting; nerve fasciculation; and neuron maturation continues to attract considerable interest among scientists. Force is an endogenous signal that stimulates all these processes in vivo. The axon is able to sense force, generate force and, ultimately, transduce the force in a signal for growth. This opens up fascinating scenarios. How are forces generated and sensed in vivo? Which molecular mechanisms are responsible for this mechanotransduction signal? Can we exploit exogenously applied forces to mimic and control this process? How can these extremely low forces be generated in vivo in a non-invasive manner? Can these methodologies for force generation be used in regenerative therapies? This review addresses these questions, providing a general overview of current knowledge on the applications of exogenous forces to manipulate axonal outgrowth, with a special focus on forces whose magnitude is similar to those generated in vivo. We also review the principal methodologies for applying these forces, providing new inspiration and insights into the potential of this approach for future regenerative therapies.
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9
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Ombid RJL, Oyong GG, Cabrera EC, Espulgar WV, Saito M, Tamiya E, Pobre RF. In-vitro study of monocytic THP-1 leukemia cell membrane elasticity with a single-cell microfluidic-assisted optical trapping system. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2020; 11:6027-6037. [PMID: 33150003 PMCID: PMC7587289 DOI: 10.1364/boe.402526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
We studied the elastic profile of monocytic THP-1 leukemia cells using a microfluidic-assisted optical trap. A 2-µm fused silica bead was optically trapped to mechanically dent an immobilized single THP-1 monocyte sieved on a 15-µm microfluidic capture chamber. Cells treated with Zeocin and untreated cells underwent RT-qPCR analysis to determine cell apoptosis through gene expression in relation to each cell's deformation profile. Results showed that untreated cells with 43.05 ± 6.68 Pa are more elastic compared to the treated cells with 15.81 ± 2.94 Pa. THP-1 monocyte's elastic modulus is indicative of cell apoptosis shown by upregulated genes after Zeocin treatment. This study clearly showed that the developed technique can be used to distinguish between cells undergoing apoptosis and cells not undergoing apoptosis and which may apply to the study of other cells and other cell states as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ric John L. Ombid
- OPTICS Research Unit, CENSER, De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila, Philippines
- Optics and Instrumentation Physics Laboratory, Physics Department, DLSU, Manila, Philippines
| | - Glenn G. Oyong
- OPTICS Research Unit, CENSER, De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila, Philippines
- Molecular Science Unit Laboratory, CENSER, DLSU, Manila, Philippines
| | - Esperanza C. Cabrera
- Biology Department, DLSU, Manila, Philippines
- Molecular Science Unit Laboratory, CENSER, DLSU, Manila, Philippines
| | - Wilfred V. Espulgar
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Masato Saito
- Department of Applied Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, Japan
- Advanced Photonics and Biosensing Open Innovation Laboratory, AIST-Osaka University, Photonics Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tamiya
- Advanced Photonics and Biosensing Open Innovation Laboratory, AIST-Osaka University, Photonics Center, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research, Osaka University, Japan
| | - Romeric F. Pobre
- OPTICS Research Unit, CENSER, De La Salle University (DLSU), Manila, Philippines
- Optics and Instrumentation Physics Laboratory, Physics Department, DLSU, Manila, Philippines
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10
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Lukose J, Shastry S, Mithun N, Mohan G, Ahmed A, Chidangil S. Red blood cells under varying extracellular tonicity conditions: an optical tweezers combined with micro-Raman study. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2020; 6:015036. [PMID: 33438624 DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/ab6e1a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular tonicity has a significant influence on human red blood cell deformation capability. Advancements in the area of laser physics and optical trapping have opened up a plethora of applications for understanding cell structure and dynamics. Here, Raman Tweezers technique was employed to investigate the impact of extracellular tonicity by exposing human red blood cells to both hypertonic and hypotonic intravenous fluids. Heme aggregation was observed in hypertonic saline solution, accompanied with damage in membrane protein. Loss of intracellular hemoglobin in hypotonic solution was evident from the decrease in porphyrin breathing mode present at 752 cm-1. Oxygen binding to the central iron in the red blood cell heme was also affected under both hyper/hypo tonicity conditions. Morphological deviation of discocytes to echinocytes/spherocytes were also evident from quantitative phase imaging. Principal component analysis have showed clear differentiation of samples in order to classify the control erythrocytes and the tonicity stressed erythrocytes. Present study has also demonstrated the application of Raman Tweezers spectroscopy as a potential tool for probing red blood cell under different stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jijo Lukose
- Centre of Excellence for Biophotonics, Department of Atomic and Molecular Physics, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka-576104., India
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11
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Rheinlaender J, Schäffer TE. Mapping the creep compliance of living cells with scanning ion conductance microscopy reveals a subcellular correlation between stiffness and fluidity. NANOSCALE 2019; 11:6982-6989. [PMID: 30916074 DOI: 10.1039/c8nr09428d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Living cells exhibit complex material properties, which play a crucial role in many aspects of cell function in health and disease, including migration, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Various techniques exist to probe the viscoelastic material properties of living cells and a frequent observation is a cell-to-cell correlation between average stiffness and fluidity in populations of cells. However, the origin of this correlation is still under discussion. Here, we introduce an imaging technique based on the scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) to measure the creep compliance of soft samples, which allowed us to generate images of viscoelastic material properties of living cells with high spatial and temporal resolution. We observe a strong subcellular correlation between the local stiffness and fluidity across the individual living cell: stiff regions exhibit lower fluidity while soft regions exhibit higher fluidity. We find that this subcellular correlation is identical to the previously observed cell-to-cell correlation. The subcellular correlation reversibly vanishes after drug-induced disruption of the cytoskeleton, indicating that the subcellular correlation is a property of the intact cytoskeleton of the living cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Rheinlaender
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany.
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12
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Harris MJ, Wirtz D, Wu PH. Dissecting cellular mechanics: Implications for aging, cancer, and immunity. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 93:16-25. [PMID: 30359779 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Cells are dynamic structures that must respond to complex physical and chemical signals from their surrounding environment. The cytoskeleton is a key mediator of a cell's response to the signals of both the extracellular matrix and other cells present in the local microenvironment and allows it to tune its own mechanical properties in response to these cues. A growing body of evidence suggests that altered cellular viscoelasticity is a strong indicator of disease state; including cancer, laminopathy (genetic disorders of the nuclear lamina), infection, and aging. Here, we review recent work on the characterization of cell mechanics in disease and discuss the implications of altered viscoelasticity in regulation of immune responses. Finally, we provide an overview of techniques for measuring the mechanical properties of cells deeply embedded within tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Harris
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences - Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Denis Wirtz
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences - Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA.
| | - Pei-Hsun Wu
- Johns Hopkins Physical Sciences - Oncology Center, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA.
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13
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de la Zerda A, Kratochvil MJ, Suhar NA, Heilshorn SC. Review: Bioengineering strategies to probe T cell mechanobiology. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:021501. [PMID: 31069295 PMCID: PMC6324202 DOI: 10.1063/1.5006599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
T cells play a major role in adaptive immune response, and T cell dysfunction can lead to the progression of several diseases that are often associated with changes in the mechanical properties of tissues. However, the concept that mechanical forces play a vital role in T cell activation and signaling is relatively new. The endogenous T cell microenvironment is highly complex and dynamic, involving multiple, simultaneous cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. This native complexity has made it a challenge to isolate the effects of mechanical stimuli on T cell activation. In response, researchers have begun developing engineered platforms that recapitulate key aspects of the native microenvironment to dissect these complex interactions in order to gain a better understanding of T cell mechanotransduction. In this review, we first describe some of the unique characteristics of T cells and the mounting research that has shown they are mechanosensitive. We then detail the specific bioengineering strategies that have been used to date to measure and perturb the mechanical forces at play during T cell activation. In addition, we look at engineering strategies that have been used successfully in mechanotransduction studies for other cell types and describe adaptations that may make them suitable for use with T cells. These engineering strategies can be classified as 2D, so-called 2.5D, or 3D culture systems. In the future, findings from this emerging field will lead to an optimization of culture environments for T cell expansion and the development of new T cell immunotherapies for cancer and other immune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi de la Zerda
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | | | - Nicholas A Suhar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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14
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Ekambaram BK, Niepel MS, Fuhrmann B, Schmidt G, Groth T. Introduction of Laser Interference Lithography to Make Nanopatterned Surfaces for Fundamental Studies on Stem Cell Response. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2018; 4:1820-1832. [DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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15
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Nautiyal P, Alam F, Balani K, Agarwal A. The Role of Nanomechanics in Healthcare. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29193838 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanomechanics has played a vital role in pushing our capability to detect, probe, and manipulate the biological species, such as proteins, cells, and tissues, paving way to a deeper knowledge and superior strategies for healthcare. Nanomechanical characterization techniques, such as atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation, nanotribology, optical tweezers, and other hybrid techniques have been utilized to understand the mechanics and kinetics of biospecies. Investigation of the mechanics of cells and tissues has provided critical information about mechanical characteristics of host body environments. This information has been utilized for developing biomimetic materials and structures for tissue engineering and artificial implants. This review summarizes nanomechanical characterization techniques and their potential applications in healthcare research. The principles and examples of label-free detection of cancers and myocardial infarction by nanomechanical cantilevers are discussed. The vital importance of nanomechanics in regenerative medicine is highlighted from the perspective of material selection and design for developing biocompatible scaffolds. This review interconnects the advancements made in fundamental materials science research and biomedical technology, and therefore provides scientific insight that is of common interest to the researchers working in different disciplines of healthcare science and technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranjal Nautiyal
- Nanomechanics and Nanotribology Laboratory Florida International University 10555 West Flagler Street Miami FL 33174 USA
| | - Fahad Alam
- Biomaterials Processing and Characterization Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur 208016 India
| | - Kantesh Balani
- Biomaterials Processing and Characterization Laboratory Department of Materials Science and Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Kanpur 208016 India
| | - Arvind Agarwal
- Nanomechanics and Nanotribology Laboratory Florida International University 10555 West Flagler Street Miami FL 33174 USA
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Kim M, Alapan Y, Adhikari A, Little JA, Gurkan UA. Hypoxia-enhanced adhesion of red blood cells in microscale flow. Microcirculation 2017; 24:10.1111/micc.12374. [PMID: 28387057 PMCID: PMC5679205 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The advancement of microfluidic technology has facilitated the simulation of physiological conditions of the microcirculation, such as oxygen tension, fluid flow, and shear stress in these devices. Here, we present a micro-gas exchanger integrated with microfluidics to study RBC adhesion under hypoxic flow conditions mimicking postcapillary venules. METHODS We simulated a range of physiological conditions and explored RBC adhesion to endothelial or subendothelial components (FN or LN). Blood samples were injected into microchannels at normoxic or hypoxic physiological flow conditions. Quantitative evaluation of RBC adhesion was performed on 35 subjects with homozygous SCD. RESULTS Significant heterogeneity in RBC adherence response to hypoxia was seen among SCD patients. RBCs from a HEA population showed a significantly greater increase in adhesion compared to RBCs from a HNA population, for both FN and LN. CONCLUSIONS The approach presented here enabled the control of oxygen tension in blood during microscale flow and the quantification of RBC adhesion in a cost-efficient and patient-specific manner. We identified a unique patient population in which RBCs showed enhanced adhesion in hypoxia in vitro. Clinical correlates suggest a more severe clinical phenotype in this subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeongseop Kim
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yunus Alapan
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Physical Intelligence Department, Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anima Adhikari
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jane A. Little
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Umut A. Gurkan
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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17
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Zou Y, Feng H, Ouyang H, Jin Y, Yu M, Liu Z, Li Z. The modulation effect of the convexity of silicon topological nanostructures on the growth of mesenchymal stem cells. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra00542c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The convexity of topological nanostructures, as analyzed by grey-level histogram and fast Fourier transformation, has important modulation effects on the size expansion and filopodia generation of mesenchymal stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zou
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
- Beijing
- P. R. China
| | - Hongqing Feng
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
- Beijing
- P. R. China
| | - Han Ouyang
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
- Beijing
- P. R. China
| | - Yiming Jin
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
- Beijing
- P. R. China
| | - Min Yu
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
- Beijing
- P. R. China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
- Beijing
- P. R. China
| | - Zhou Li
- Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- National Center for Nanoscience and Technology (NCNST)
- Beijing
- P. R. China
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Alapan Y, Fraiwan A, Kucukal E, Hasan MN, Ung R, Kim M, Odame I, Little JA, Gurkan UA. Emerging point-of-care technologies for sickle cell disease screening and monitoring. Expert Rev Med Devices 2016; 13:1073-1093. [PMID: 27785945 PMCID: PMC5166583 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2016.1254038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) affects 100,000 Americans and more than 14 million people globally, mostly in economically disadvantaged populations, and requires early diagnosis after birth and constant monitoring throughout the life-span of the patient. Areas covered: Early diagnosis of SCD still remains a challenge in preventing childhood mortality in the developing world due to requirements of skilled personnel and high-cost of currently available modalities. On the other hand, SCD monitoring presents insurmountable challenges due to heterogeneities among patient populations, as well as in the same individual longitudinally. Here, we describe emerging point-of-care micro/nano platform technologies for SCD screening and monitoring, and critically discuss current state of the art, potential challenges associated with these technologies, and future directions. Expert commentary: Recently developed microtechnologies offer simple, rapid, and affordable screening of SCD and have the potential to facilitate universal screening in resource-limited settings and developing countries. On the other hand, monitoring of SCD is more complicated compared to diagnosis and requires comprehensive validation of efficacy. Early use of novel microdevices for patient monitoring might come in especially handy in new clinical trial designs of emerging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Alapan
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Arwa Fraiwan
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erdem Kucukal
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - M. Noman Hasan
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ryan Ung
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Myeongseop Kim
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Isaac Odame
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jane A. Little
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals, Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Umut A. Gurkan
- Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Orthopedics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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19
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Alapan Y, Younesi M, Akkus O, Gurkan UA. Anisotropically Stiff 3D Micropillar Niche Induces Extraordinary Cell Alignment and Elongation. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:1884-92. [PMID: 27191679 PMCID: PMC4982772 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201600096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
A microfabricated pillar substrate is developed to confine, align, and elongate cells, allowing decoupled analysis of stiffness and directionality in 3D. Mesenchymal stem cells and cardiomyocytes are successfully confined in a 3D environment with precisely tunable stiffness anisotropy. It is discovered that anisotropically stiff micropillar substrates provide cellular confinement in 3D, aligning cells in the stiffer direction with extraordinary elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunus Alapan
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Mousa Younesi
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Ozan Akkus
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Biomedical Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Department of Orthopedics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Umut A. Gurkan
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department Case, Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Biomedical Engineering Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Department of Orthopedics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA. Advanced Platform Technology Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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Campàs O. A toolbox to explore the mechanics of living embryonic tissues. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 55:119-30. [PMID: 27061360 PMCID: PMC4903887 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The sculpting of embryonic tissues and organs into their functional morphologies involves the spatial and temporal regulation of mechanics at cell and tissue scales. Decades of in vitro work, complemented by some in vivo studies, have shown the relevance of mechanical cues in the control of cell behaviors that are central to developmental processes, but the lack of methodologies enabling precise, quantitative measurements of mechanical cues in vivo have hindered our understanding of the role of mechanics in embryonic development. Several methodologies are starting to enable quantitative studies of mechanics in vivo and in situ, opening new avenues to explore how mechanics contributes to shaping embryonic tissues and how it affects cell behavior within developing embryos. Here we review the present methodologies to study the role of mechanics in living embryonic tissues, considering their strengths and drawbacks as well as the conditions in which they are most suitable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Otger Campàs
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA; California Nanosystems Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
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Micro- and nanodevices integrated with biomolecular probes. Biotechnol Adv 2015; 33:1727-43. [PMID: 26363089 PMCID: PMC4948648 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Understanding how biomolecules, proteins and cells interact with their surroundings and other biological entities has become the fundamental design criterion for most biomedical micro- and nanodevices. Advances in biology, medicine, and nanofabrication technologies complement each other and allow us to engineer new tools based on biomolecules utilized as probes. Engineered micro/nanosystems and biomolecules in nature have remarkably robust compatibility in terms of function, size, and physical properties. This article presents the state of the art in micro- and nanoscale devices designed and fabricated with biomolecular probes as their vital constituents. General design and fabrication concepts are presented and three major platform technologies are highlighted: microcantilevers, micro/nanopillars, and microfluidics. Overview of each technology, typical fabrication details, and application areas are presented by emphasizing significant achievements, current challenges, and future opportunities.
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