Application of semiconductor micro- and nanotubes in biology

InGaAs/GaAs 3D architecture formation by strain-induced self-rolling with lithographically defined rectangular stripe arrays

“…Structural, optical, and electrical characterizations have been performed [13][14][15][16][17][18]. Potential applications have been proposed and some preliminary results have been demonstrated, including as micro or nanoscale building blocks for MEMS and NEMS, for microinjections and ink-jet printing [19], magnetic conductors using ferromagnetic material filled coils [20], X-ray waveguiding [13], fluidics [21], and biology [22].…”

Nanocrystals cylindrical microcavities exploiting thin-walled InGaAs/GaAs microtubes

“…Especially micro and nanotubes are suitable candidates for use in fundamental investigations as well as in a range of applications including biomedical, microfluidics, micromechanical and micro and nanophotonics fields. They could be used as micro and nano-needles for biological cells [10], as well as nanopipelines for fluid transportation [11,12] and, as their diameter can be varied from micrometer to nanometer scale, they should be valuable in capillarity studies and in the design of syringe tips for nanoinjection, offering controlled generation of nanodroplets or nanobubbles in fluids or in fluid films on surfaces [13]. Nanotubes could act as nanodrillers, nanotweezers, microscopy tips, or as supporting rods in nanoobjects.…”

3D heterostructures and systems for novel MEMS/NEMS

“…Many groups have conducted extensive research into the fabrication and application of micromachined microneedles [48][49][50][51][52][53]. Rolled-up tubes are also highly promising elements for the realization of nanofluidic MEMS/NEMS suitable for batch production.…”

“…Rolled-up semiconductor microtubes were experimentally shown to possess a mechanical strength sufficient for the multiple piercing of plant cell walls [48,49].…”