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Silicon Nanowires and Optical Stimulation for Investigations of Intra- and Intercellular Electrical Coupling
Published on: January 28, 2021
Penetrating living cells using semiconductor nanowires
Stephen J Pearton1, Tanmay Lele, Yiider Tseng
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA. spear@mse.ufl.edu
Trends in Biotechnology
|October 16, 2007
Summary
Silicon nanowires can penetrate human and mouse cells, enabling biomolecule detection and genetic material delivery. This research shows cell penetration by Si nanowires is not fatal, with cells remaining functional.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Semiconductor materials, like silicon (Si) nanowires, are increasingly explored for cellular applications.
- Biocompatibility of many semiconductors facilitates their use in biological systems.
- Previous research indicates potential for nanowires in biomolecule detection and genetic material delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular effects of penetrating human embryonic kidney cells and mouse embryonic stem cells with Si nanowires.
- To assess the viability and functionality of cells post-nanowire penetration.
Main Methods:
- Human embryonic kidney cells and mouse embryonic stem cells were penetrated using Si nanowires.
- Cellular viability and functionality were monitored after nanowire insertion.
Main Results:
- Penetration of cells by Si nanowires, even those with larger diameters relative to the nanowires, was not lethal.
- Cells remained functional for several days following the nanowire penetration procedure.
Conclusions:
- Si nanowires demonstrate potential as tools for intracellular applications, including biomolecule detection and genetic material delivery.
- The biocompatibility and non-lethal nature of Si nanowire penetration support their further investigation for cell-level diagnostics and therapeutics.
