Nanocoatings
Supramolecular self-assembly of metal-organic complex has been actively exploited for nanocoating of advanced materials, including living cells, providing an exceptionally facile route to surface functionalization. Specifically, our research goal is to find coating materials capable of universal coating using adhesive molecules, which could construct the nanolayers on virtually all types of substrates.
Supramolecular self-assembly of metal-organic complex has been actively exploited for nanocoating of advanced materials, including living cells, providing an exceptionally facile route to surface functionalization. Specifically, our research goal is to find coating materials capable of universal coating using adhesive molecules, which could construct the nanolayers on virtually all types of substrates.
Single-Cell NanoEncapsulation (SCNE)
Manipulation of living cells and enhancement of their biofunctional performance at the single-cell level have been one of the scientific and technological drives in the biomedical fields. A series of cell-manipulating methods have been developed to chemically functionalize the surfaces of individual living cells by coating them with nanometer thick (<100 nm) functional layers. A salient example is SCNE. SCNE is a chemical strategy for creating cell-in-nanoshell structures. SCNE has primarily aimed to augment the sustainability of individual living cells and control their metabolism and activities by encapsulating them within robust nanoshells. In SCNE, the shells act as both physically confining barrier and chemically selective channel between the cells inside and the outside, as well as a mechanically robust exoskeleton. The permselective characteristics of cytocompatible shells allow for the selective transfer of oxygen, nutrients, and cell metabolites, and sustain the cell viability and functionality in vivo and in vitro. Taken all together, the functional nanolayers make the cells sustainable against harsh environmental conditions during storage, handling, and manipulation as well as in vivo applications.
Red: Nanoshells; Green: Living cells.