A Universal Platform for High‐Efficiency “Engineering” Living Cells: Integration of Cell Capture, Intracellular Delivery of Biomolecules, and Cell Harvesting Functions

Abstract

A universal platform for the efficient intracellular delivery of biomacromolecules with minimal trauma to the cells is highly desirable for biological research and clinical applications. Moreover, such a platform should include the ability to harvest the “engineered” cells, for particular in vitro or ex vivo conditions. Herein, a broadly applicable platform is presented with integrated multifunctions based on silicon nanowire arrays (SiNWAs) modified with a sugar‐responsive polymer containing phenylboronic acid (PBA) groups. Due to the synergistic effects of the specific recognition of PBA groups by sialic acid and “nanoenhancement” by the SiNWAs, this system shows a high capture capacity for both surface adherent and suspension cells overexpressing sialic acid on the membrane. Under appropriate near‐infrared irradiation, the photothermal properties of SiNWAs endow this system with high efficiency to deliver biomacromolecules into the captured cells by a membrane disruption mechanism. The cells thus “engineered” can be harvested simply by treatment with a nontoxic sugar solution, thereby maintaining good viability for subsequent applications. This method appears to have strong potential for the intracellular delivery of diverse biomacromolecules into both surface adherent and suspension cells, including hard‐to‐transfect suspension T cells, and may open up new pathways for engineering living cells.

Semi-Implantable Bioelectronics

“…The cell penetration efficacy of semi-implantable devices is realized by spontaneous penetration [ 18 – 20 ] or artificially assisted penetration, e.g., based on chemical coating [ 21 – 23 ], electroporation [ 24 – 26 ], mechanical force [ 27 , 28 ], or optoporation [ 29 , 30 ]. Once the semi-implantable device penetrates cell membrane, a large amount of intracellular sensing and regulating operations (e.g., electrical recording [ 31 , 32 ], biochemical sensing [ 33 – 35 ], and drug delivery [ 36 – 38 ]) can be readily performed. For intracellular operation, the semi-implantable devices have emerged as the powerful tools that have attracted a broad research interests.…”

Optically Transparent Vertical Silicon Nanowire Arrays for Live-Cell Imaging

“…Programming SiNW arrays with adaptable architectures to function as nanoscaleenhanced tools allows for the direct and diverse manipulation of large cell populations. [44][45][46][47]…”

“…Programming SiNW arrays with adaptable architectures to function as nanoscaleenhanced tools allows for the direct and diverse manipulation of large cell populations. [44][45][46][47] Despite this, there has been almost no progress toward live-cell characterization of cell-nanostructure interfacial interactions. To address this, an e cient, exible, and non-destructive nanofabrication route that is compatible with optical microscopy is needed.…”

Optically transparent vertical silicon nanowire arrays for live-cell imaging

“…These developments in nanofabrication routes have opened the doors for significant interdisciplinary opportunities. Programming SiNW arrays with adaptable architectures to function as nanoscale-enhanced tools allows for the direct and diverse manipulation of large cell populations [ 46 – 50 ]. Despite this, there has been almost no progress toward live-cell characterization of cell–nanostructure interfacial interactions.…”