35 research outputs found
Fabrication of living cellosomes of rod-like and rhombohedral morphologies based on magnetically responsive templates
We have developed hollow multicellular structures by polyelectrolyte-mediated self-assembly of yeast cells around magnetically responsive inorganic templates and have demonstrated the cells' viability in the produce
Clay-based drug-delivery systems: what does the future hold?
Clays for drug delivery have been used from ancient time due to the large availability
of clay minerals and their unprecedented properties. The empirical use of nanoclays
from the past is converted in a stimulating scientific task aimed at building up
nanoarchitectonic vehicles for drug delivery in a targeted and stimuli-responsive
fashion. Here the historical aspects are discussed; next the modern examples of
applications of different clay-based materials are discussed. A special focus is given to
halloysite clay nanotubes, which are an emerging and very promising nanomaterial for
drug-delivery purposes due to its special morphology and unique chemical properties.
Advantages and limitations of these natural nanomaterials are critically discussed
pointing out the future perspectives and directions for further research
A direct technique for preparation of magnetically functionalised living yeast cells
A direct technique for preparation of magnetically functionalised yeast cells by using polyelectrolyte mediated deposition of magnetite nanoparticles is reported. We demonstrate that the cells preserve their viability after the magnetite deposition and show that the magnetic nanoparticles form a multilayered coating on the outer side of the yeast cell's wall. We applied our technique to produce magnetically functionalised yeast cells expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of RAD54-GFP reporter and demonstrated that their fluorescence emission is not influenced by the presence of magnetite-polyelectrolyte composite coating. We show that the individual cells can be successfully manipulated by an external magnetic field which can be used for their deposition, holding and subsequent removal from microfluidic devices for genotoxicity and cytotoxicity biosensor applications. Our technique for direct magnetization of cells can find many other biotech applications including biosensors, bioreactors and bioseparation. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry
Artificial multicellular assemblies from cells interfaced with polymers and nanomaterials
In this chapter we review the recent developments in fabrication of multicellular assemblies from cells modified with polymers and nanomaterials. We focus on the specific properties of such “cyborg” cells that allow a variety of new methods to be used for their assembly into multicellular structures with functions rather different from those of the original cells. We discuss template and external-field-mediated assembly of modified cells as well as various techniques for preparation of tissue spheroids and polyelectrolyte-mediated cell assemblies. Numerous applications of such cell assemblies in tissue engineering, bioprinting, biosensing and bioelectronics are outlined and commented on throughout the chapter