Current application of micro/nano-interfaces to stimulate and analyze cellular responses.

Abstract

Microfabrication technologies have a high potential for novel approaches to access living cells at a cellular or even at a molecular level. In the course of reviewing and discussing the current application of microinterface systems including nanointerfaces to stimulate and analyze cellular responses with subcellular resolution, this article focuses on interfaces based on microfluidics, nanoparticles, and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM). Micro/nanointerface systems provide a novel, attractive means for cell study because they are capable of regulating and monitoring cellular signals simultaneously and repeatedly, leading us to an enhanced understanding and interpretation of cellular responses. Therefore, it is hoped that the integrated micro/nanointerfaces presented in this review will contribute to future developments of cell biology and facilitate advanced biomedical applications.