Synthesis of smooth and continuous DNA nanowires, preserving the original structure of native DNA, and allowing its analysis by scanning electron microscope (SEM), is demonstrated. Gold nanoparticles densely assembled on the DNA backbone via thiol-tagged DNA binding peptides work as seeds for metallization of DNA. This method allows whole analysis of DNA molecules with entangled 3D features.
Various recent experimental observations indicate that growing cells on engineered materials can alter their physiology, function, and fate. This finding suggests that better molecular-level understanding of the interactions between cells and materials may guide the design and construction of sophisticated artificial substrates, potentially enabling control of cells for use in various biomedical applications. In this review, we introduce recent research results that shed light on molecular events and mechanisms involved in the interactions between cells and materials. We discuss the development of materials with distinct physical, chemical, and biological features, cellular sensing of the engineered materials, transfer of the sensing information to the cell nucleus, subsequent changes in physical and chemical states of genomic DNA, and finally the resulting cellular behavior changes. Ongoing efforts to advance materials engineering and the cell–material interface will eventually expand the cell-based applications in therapies and tissue regenerations.
Figure 5. DNA-templated silver nanowire. The top left image is the electrode pattern used for silver nanowire assembly. A) Thiolated oligonucleotides complementary to the sticky ends of λ DNA are attached to the electrodes. B) λ DNA bridge connects the two gold electrodes. C) Silver ions are loaded on the DNA bridge. D) A silver nanowire is assembled by chemical reduction. E) Metallic silver aggregates on the λ DNA. Reproduced with permission. [55]
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