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Updated: Jun 3, 2025
Manipulating Living Cells to Construct Stable 3D Cellular Assembly Without Artificial Scaffold
Published on: October 26, 2018
Living Cell-Mediated Self-Assembly: From Monomer Design and Morphology Regulation to Biomedical Applications
Chengfei Liu1, Haonan Ma1, Shengzhuo Yuan1
1Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Science and Technology, Xi'an Key Laboratory of Hybrid Luminescent Materials and Photonic Device, MOE Key Laboratory of Material Physics and Chemistry under Extraordinary Conditions, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, 710072, Shaanxi, P. R. China.
Living cell-mediated self-assembly uses natural processes to create functional nanostructures inside and outside cells. This review explores advances in designing molecules and controlling assembly for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Molecular self-assembly is a natural process where molecules form ordered structures for diverse functions.
- Cell-mediated self-assembly mimics natural nanostructures for creating functional assemblies within and outside living cells.
- Leverages the dynamic intracellular and extracellular microenvironment to regulate cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances and future trends in living cell-mediated self-assembly.
- To discuss monomer design, synthetic strategies, morphological control, and functional applications.
- To explore the potential of cell-mediated self-assembly in biomedical applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent literature on living cell-mediated self-assembly.
- Analysis of cytocompatible monomer designs and synthetic strategies.
- Discussion of morphological control across zero to three dimensions.
- Exploration of functional applications and biomedical potential.
Main Results:
- Highlights advances in designing monomers and controlling assembly morphology.
- Discusses assembly behaviors based on dimensionality (0D to 3D).
- Identifies promising potential for biomedical applications.
Conclusions:
- Living cell-mediated self-assembly offers an innovative platform for biological functions.
- Rational molecular design and precise morphological control are key.
- Establishes a link between initial morphology and therapeutic effects of assemblies.
