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Formation of Biomembrane Microarrays with a Squeegee-based Assembly Method
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Cell membrane conformation at vertical nanowire array interface revealed by fluorescence imaging.

Trine Berthing1, Sara Bonde, Katrine R Rostgaard

  • 1Bionanotechnology and Nanomedicine Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Nano-science Center, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Vertical nanowire arrays for biosensing often fail to reach the cell interior. This study visualizes cell membranes, revealing nanowires typically remain within a membrane compartment, not contacting cells directly.

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Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Cell Biology
  • Nanotechnology

Background:

  • Vertical nanowire arrays are promising for intracellular biosensing.
  • Previous studies suggest limited direct nanowire access to the cell interior.
  • Understanding nanowire-cell interface is crucial for biosensor development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a method for visualizing living cell membrane conformation at individual nanowire resolution.
  • To investigate the direct contact between nanowire arrays and the internal environment of living cells.
  • To assess the impact of nanowire dimensions and surface coatings on cell membrane interaction.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized confocal z-stack imaging combined with optimized cell membrane labeling.
  • Applied the method to HEK293 cells interfaced with indium arsenide nanowires (2-11 μm length, 3-7 μm spacing).
  • Tested various nanowire surface coatings including bare, aminosilane, and polyethyleneimine.

Main Results:

  • Demonstrated a generic approach for visualizing cell membrane conformation around nanowires with single-nanowire resolution.
  • Observed that nanowires, regardless of length, spacing, or surface coating, are typically enclosed within a membrane compartment.
  • Confirmed that nanowires generally do not achieve direct contact with the cell interior.

Conclusions:

  • The developed imaging technique provides direct visualization of nanowire-cell membrane interactions.
  • Nanowire arrays commonly used in biosensing do not achieve direct intracellular access.
  • This finding has significant implications for the design and efficacy of nanowire-based intracellular biosensors.