Nanobiochips

Abstract

The actual progress towards biological chip devices consisting of nanostructured functional entities is summarized. The practical aspects of molecular nanobiochips are discussed, including the main surface chemistry platforms, as well as conventional and unconventional fabrication tools. Several successful biological demonstrations of the first generation of nanobiochip devices (mainly, different nanoarrays) are highlighted with the aim of revealing the potential of this technology in life sciences, medicine, and related areas.

Fabrication and Characterization of Stable Hydrophilic Microfluidic Devices Prepared via the in Situ Tertiary-Amine Catalyzed Michael Addition of Multifunctional Thiols to Multifunctional Acrylates

“…Casting of elastomeric materials − is perhaps the simplest way of replicating microstructures from a mold onto a polymer substrate. This technique, commonly referred to as soft lithography, − is most relevant for the work presented here. Soft lithography involves the pouring of a monomer solution (usually an elastomeric-forming monomer and a cross-linker) over a master mold, degassing of the solution, polymerizing (curing) at elevated temperatures, peeling the material from the mold, activating the surface, and adhering it to a flat surface, resulting in the final replicated microfluidic device .…”

Immunochemical Determination of Pyocyanin and 1-Hydroxyphenazine as Potential Biomarkers of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections

“…Alternatively, immunochemical analytical methods, already widely implemented in clinical laboratories, have evolved toward sophisticated and efficient immunosensor devices able to provide real-time responses in the presence of a particular target (i.e., − ). In combination with recently discovered nanobiotechnological principles and approaches, the benefits can be expanded to satisfy the needs for the clinical diagnostic field. − …”

Geometric Control of Cell Behavior by Biomolecule Nanodistribution

“…Cells are also sensitive to biochemical cues and geometric and mechanical constraints of their microenvironment, which are challenging to address in vitro , as cell culture surfaces are typically coated with ECM proteins in a random distribution. − Thus, to better control cell behavior, interactive molecules can be organized at the cell culture surface within defined microdomains. − These have been used to study cell migration, spread, adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. − Nevertheless, most biologically relevant systems contain nanodistributed biomolecules, as many cell receptors and ligands naturally cluster into nanoscopic assemblies . Nanodistribution can be achieved by nanopatterning, which controls the immobilization, arrangement, and density of ligands at the nanoscale level and which may help us understand how the spatial distribution of nanodistributed biomolecules affects signaling pathways. − Nanopatterning shows promise for applications such as nanobiochips, nanobiosensors for detection of disease biomarkers, and DNA nanosensors for drug screening. − …”

“… 18 − 21 Nanopatterning shows promise for applications such as nanobiochips, nanobiosensors for detection of disease biomarkers, and DNA nanosensors for drug screening. 22 − 24 …”