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From isolated structures to continuous networks: A categorization of cytoskeleton-based motile engineered biological
Rachel Andorfer1,2, Joshua D Alper2,3,4
1Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Nanomedicine and Nanobiotechnology
|February 12, 2019
Summary
Researchers are engineering microscopic, self-propelling structures inspired by biological cytoskeletons for applications in medicine and technology. This work categorizes 12 types of these motile microstructures to guide future development.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology
- Cells at the Nanoscale
- Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials
- Protein and Virus-Based Structures
- Emerging Technologies in Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery
Background:
- Advancing microscale technology necessitates novel motile engineered microstructures for drug delivery, biomedicine, and lab-on-a-chip devices.
- Traditional engineering approaches are often insufficient for small-scale applications, driving interest in biological cytoskeleton components like microtubules and actin filaments.
- Biological systems offer inspiration and solutions for creating efficient and functional microstructures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a comprehensive framework for classifying diverse motile biological microstructures.
- To define research gaps and stimulate innovation in the engineering of these microstructures.
- To highlight key examples, functionalities, and applications of different microstructure types.
Main Methods:
- Categorization of 12 types of motile biological microstructures based on composition (entirely biological, modular, hybrid, synthetic) and scale (networks, clusters, isolated structures).
- Review and summarization of quantitative models enabling the engineering of these microstructures.
- Highlighting specific examples, unique functionalities, and potential applications for each category.
Main Results:
- A systematic classification of 12 types of motile biological microstructures is presented.
- Key examples, functionalities, and applications are detailed for each category.
- Quantitative models for engineering these microstructures are summarized.
Conclusions:
- The established framework aids in understanding the landscape of motile biological microstructures.
- Identified research gaps can guide future efforts in designing and applying these advanced microstructures.
- This classification promotes further research and development in biologically inspired microscale engineering.
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