NanoInk - Single Cell Analysis
The ability to create nanoscale patterns of DNA, proteins, lipids and biocompatible polymers at a subcellular scale has the potential to have a major impact on many areas of biological research and discovery. Until now the technology available to create these patterns has been overly complex, unacceptably slow and unreliable.Cambridge Bioscience now offers the Nanolithography Array Platform, NLP 2000 from NanoInk. This instrument allows the uniquely precise deposition of numerous different bioactive molecules simultaneously, generating features as small as 500nm - 10um (depending on the molecule/solution) enabling the control of a cellular microenvironment with subcellular resolution.
Dip Pen Nanolithography Technology
Dip Pen Nanolithography® (DPN®) is a direct write, tip based lithography technique. DPN allows the successful deposition of a wide range of biologically relevant molecules onto a variety of surfaces generating features as small as 500nm all under ambient conditions. The patterns created are determined by the researcher with an example being shown below.
Benefits of Using DPN with Cell Culture Substrates
• Controlled Cell Microenvironment Created
- Precise patterns of sub-cellular sized features can be fabricated, pattern geometry can be controlled using deposited proteins and polymers can be employed for targeted delivery to patterned cells
• Reduced Experimental Variability
- Multiple experimental conditions can be tested on one slide in one cell culture step
• Sample & Reagents Conserved
- System uses fewer cells, less drug / antibody and less media than traditional methods
• More Information Generated from Fewer Cells
- Rare and primary cells can be exposed to many conditions within small cell culture areas
• Time Saved
- DPN’s direct-write capabilities can be used to design and create new substrates under biocompatible conditions in less than an hour
NLP 2000
Applications
The NLP 2000 allows the deposition of different ECMs and other biomolecules onto specific substrates in a researcher defined patterns allowing the spatial control of multiple cell types grown on that substrate. By controlling the microenvironment of a cell at subcellular resolution, this system therefore enables the precise study of cell polarization and cell-cell, protein–cell and drug interactions at a subcellular and single cell level. The images below illustrate the ultramicroscale cell binding patterns that can be generated by using this technology.
The following research and many others could be impacted with the NLP 2000:
• Cell adhesion studies
• Cell motility studies
• Uptake & exposure experiments
• Protein binding experiments
• Cell morphology studies
Technical Information
To download any of the following resources, please click on the appropriate link below:
NLP 2000 Brochure (PDF)
NLP 2000 Applications (PDF)
Find Out More
To find out more, please click on the link below.
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