ABSTRACT
Three-dimensional (3D) thermal drawing at nanoscale as a novel rapid prototyping method was demonstrated to create multidirectional polymer nanoprobes for single cell analysis. This 3D drawing enables simple and rapid fabrication of polymeric nanostructures with high aspect ratio. The effect of thermal drawing parameters, such as drawing speeds, dipping depths, and contact duration on the final geometry of polymer nanostructures was investigated. Vertically aligned and L-shaped nanoprobes were fabricated and their insertion into living single cells such as algal cells and human neural stem cells was demonstrated. This technique can be extended to create more complex 3D structures by controlling drawing steps and directions on any surface.
Subject(s)
Microinjections/methods , Nanoparticles/chemistry , Nanoparticles/ultrastructure , Neural Stem Cells/chemistry , Polymers/chemistry , Printing, Three-Dimensional , Cells, Cultured , Diffusion , Humans , Materials Testing , Nanoparticles/administration & dosage , Neural Stem Cells/cytology , Particle Size , Polymers/administration & dosageABSTRACT
Nanoprobe arrays for multiple single cell insertion were developed using heterogeneous nanosphere lithography. Using two heterogeneous nanoparticles as sacrificial and masking particles, high aspect ratio Si nanoprobes were fabricated in an array with spacing between the nanoprobes ranging from a few to tens of micrometers. For registered single cell analysis, multiple and precise insertion of nanoprobes into multiple single cells in a parallel fashion was demonstrated using micropipette suction and micromanipulators.
