Precision Delivery Using Nanopipette for Single-cell Studies

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Nanotechnology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Nanopipette scanning probe microscopy enables non-contact imaging in biological research.
• Beyond topography, nanopipettes are increasingly used for localized delivery of bioactive molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• This mini-review highlights nanopipette applications in single-cell research, emphasizing localized delivery.
• It summarizes and compares three delivery modes: resistive pulse, pressure-driven flow, and electroosmotic flow-driven delivery.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on nanopipette techniques for single-cell research.
• Comparison of resistive pulse, pressure-driven flow, and electroosmotic flow-driven delivery principles.
• Discussion of technical challenges and emerging applications in medicine and pharmacology.

Main Results:

• Nanopipettes provide versatile capabilities for both imaging and targeted molecular delivery at the single-cell level.
• Three distinct delivery mechanisms (resistive pulse, pressure-driven, electroosmotic flow) are detailed and compared for their efficacy.
• The review identifies current technical limitations in scanning ion conductance microscopy-based delivery.

Conclusions:

• Nanopipette technology is a powerful tool for advancing single-cell research through precise molecular delivery.
• Further development is needed to overcome technical challenges in scanning ion conductance microscopy-based delivery.
• The applications of nanopipettes show significant promise for future medical and pharmacological research.