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Cell Squeezing as a Robust, Microfluidic Intracellular Delivery Platform
Published on: November 7, 2013
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Micro- and Nanoscale Technologies for Delivery into Adherent Cells.
Wonmo Kang1, Rebecca L McNaughton2, Horacio D Espinosa3
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; iNfinitesimal LLC, Skokie, IL 60077, USA.
Trends in Biotechnology
|June 12, 2016
Summary
Novel micro- and nanotechnologies offer gentle, precise molecule delivery to adherent cells, bypassing cell lysis. These tools enable advanced in vitro studies and intracellular analysis for biological research.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Adherent cell studies traditionally require cell suspension or lysis.
- Existing methods for molecule delivery can be invasive or lack spatial precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in micro- and nanotechnologies for adherent cell studies.
- To highlight methods enabling precise, non-destructive molecule delivery and intracellular analysis.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro techniques including mechanical penetration and electroporation.
- Focus on micro- and nanotechnologies for accessing adherent cells.
Main Results:
- Micro- and nanotechnologies allow gentle, targeted molecule delivery with high spatial resolution.
- These methods avoid cell suspension or lysis, preserving cell integrity.
Conclusions:
- These technologies offer significant advantages for studying adherent cells in vitro.
- Future improvements could enhance cell-specific temporal studies and intracellular molecule analysis.
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