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Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Self-Assembly of Microtubule Tactoids
Published on: June 23, 2022
Direct patterning of centrosome arrays as templates for the assembly of microtubules
Wen Shang1, Jonathan S Dordick, Robert E Palazzo
1Rensselaer Nanotechnology Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180-3950, USA.
Abstract:
We have achieved, for the first time, the selective patterning of centrosomes onto solid substrates. The use of such patterned centrosome arrays as templates for the directed polymerization of microtubules was also demonstrated. Centrosomes are small organelles in animal cells that serve as nucleation and organization centers of microtubules. Directed assembly of microtubules on the patterned centrosome arrays provides a new route to control the positions and directions of microtubules on surfaces. Combining the patterning of the isolated centrosomes and the directed growth of microtubules may lead to the generation of desired microtubule networks for bio-based nanodevices.
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