Intact mammalian cell function on semiconductor nanowire arrays: new perspectives for cell-based biosensing

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Materials Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Nanowires (NWs) are emerging as promising tools for cellular applications like drug delivery and biosensing.
• Indium-arsenide (InAs) NWs possess unique physical properties suitable for advanced technological integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the biocompatibility and cellular impact of indium-arsenide nanowire arrays.
• To assess the potential of InAs NWs for use in cellular investigations and interfacing with biological systems.

Main Methods:

• Interfacing arrays of vertical InAs NWs with human embryonic kidney cells and rat embryonic dorsal root ganglion neurons.
• Assessing critical cell functions including adhesion, membrane integrity, enzyme activity, DNA uptake, protein expression, and neuronal maturation.

Main Results:

• InAs NW arrays demonstrated no impairment of key cellular functions and pathways.
• Cell adhesion, membrane integrity, and intracellular enzyme activity remained unaffected.
• Neuronal maturation pathways were preserved, indicating minimal cellular disruption.

Conclusions:

• InAs NW arrays exhibit low invasiveness and high biocompatibility.
• The findings support the potential of InAs NWs for advanced cellular investigations and biosensing platforms.
• The unique properties of InAs NWs combined with their low invasiveness open new avenues for biomedical research.