Micro and nano-platforms for biological cell analysis

Abstract

In this paper some of the technological platforms developed in our group for biological cell analysis will be highlighted. The paper first presents a short introduction pinpointing the advantages of using micro and nano technology in cellular studies. The issues of requiring transient analysis while working in a biological environment maintaining the cells viability and adding analyte are addressed and discussed. An example of a cell culturing chamber useful for both adherent and non-adherent cells, with the capability of adding analyte is given, a small discussion of in vitro cellular studies mimicking the in vivo situation is presented and an example of surface modification for cellular growth is described. Then novel electronic sensor platforms are discussed and an example of a nanosensor with electronic readout is given utilizing both micro- and nanotechnology. Finally an example of sorting cells using dielectrophoresis will be given, aiming at early cancer detection.