Three-Dimensional Rapid Prototyping of Multidirectional Polymer Nanoprobes for Single Cell Insertion

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Single cell analysis requires precise tools for probing cellular structures.
• Existing methods for fabricating nanoscale probes can be complex and time-consuming.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) thermal drawing at the nanoscale as a novel rapid prototyping method.
• To create multidirectional polymer nanoprobes for advanced single cell analysis.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 3D thermal drawing at the nanoscale to fabricate polymer nanostructures.
• Investigated the impact of drawing parameters (speed, depth, duration) on nanostructure geometry.
• Fabricated vertically aligned and L-shaped nanoprobes.

Main Results:

• Achieved simple and rapid fabrication of polymeric nanostructures with high aspect ratios.
• Successfully demonstrated the insertion of fabricated nanoprobes into living algal and human neural stem cells.
• Validated the control over nanostructure geometry through thermal drawing parameters.

Conclusions:

• 3D thermal drawing is a viable and rapid method for producing polymer nanoprobes.
• The technique enables the creation of multidirectional nanoprobes suitable for single cell analysis.
• This method holds potential for fabricating more intricate 3D nanostructures on various surfaces.