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Silicon Nanowires and Optical Stimulation for Investigations of Intra- and Intercellular Electrical Coupling
Published on: January 28, 2021
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Understanding cellular internalization pathways of silicon nanowires.
Kelly McNear1, Yimin Huang1, Chen Yang2,3
1Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
Journal of Nanobiotechnology
|March 3, 2017
Summary
Amine-functionalized silicon nanowires enter cells through membrane wrapping. This study visualizes the internalization process, offering insights into nanomaterial-cell interactions and membrane mechanics.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cellular interaction with nanomaterials is crucial for nanomedicine development.
- The internalization mechanisms of 1D nanomaterials remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the cellular uptake mechanism of amine-functionalized silicon nanowires (SiNW-NH2).
- To visualize the dynamic process of SiNW-NH2 internalization into cells.
Main Methods:
- Utilized optical microscopy.
- Employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
- Applied confocal fluorescence microscopy.
Main Results:
- Visualized the key steps of SiNW-NH2 internalization into CHO-β cells.
- Demonstrated that SiNW-NH2 enter cells via a physical membrane wrapping mechanism.
Conclusions:
- Provided insights into the interaction between 1D nanomaterials and cellular membranes.
- Confirmed the utility of nanomaterials for studying membrane mechanics under physical stress.
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