We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Carbon Nanotube-Based Device Efficiently Transports Nucleic Acids into Cell Cultures

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 25 Apr 2016
Print article
Image: A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of animal cells (colored blue) cultured on an array of carbon nanotubes (Photo courtesy of the University of Rochester).
Image: A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of animal cells (colored blue) cultured on an array of carbon nanotubes (Photo courtesy of the University of Rochester).
A novel device based on carbon nanotubes arranged in "honeycomb-like" structures was used to safely and efficiently transfer genetic material into cultures of different types of human and animal cells.

The introduction of nucleic acids into mammalian cells is a crucial step toward elucidating biochemical pathways and for modifying gene expression and cellular development in immortalized cells, primary cells, and stem cells. Current transfection technologies—such as electrical pulse, gene gun inoculation, and employing viral infection—are time consuming and limited by the size of the genetic cargo that can be transferred, the inefficient introduction of test molecules into large populations of target cells, and the cytotoxicity of the techniques.

Investigators at the University of Rochester (NY, USA) have reported the development of a novel method of introducing genes and biomolecules into tens of thousands of mammalian cells through an array of aligned hollow carbon nanotubes. The device was prepared using the process of chemical vapor deposition that resulted in a structure resembling a nano-sized honeycomb consisting of millions of densely packed carbon nanotubes with openings on both sides of a thin disk shaped membrane.

In a paper published in the April 5, 2016, online edition of the journal Small, the investigators described using the device to culture a series of different human and animal cells. After 48 hours, the cells were bathed in a DNA-enriched liquid medium. The carbon nanotubes acted as conduits drawing the genetic material into the cells in a mild fashion that preserved 98% of the cells with 85% successfully transfected with the new genetic material.

"This represents a very simple, inexpensive, and efficient process that is well tolerated by cells and can successfully deliver DNA into tens of thousands of cells simultaneously," said senior author Dr. Michael Schrlau, assistant professor of engineering at the University of Rochester.

Related Links:
University of Rochester

Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
Specimen Collection & Transport
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
Gold Member
Real-time PCR System
GentierX3 Series

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: Reaching speeds up to 6,000 RPM, this centrifuge forms the basis for a new type of inexpensive, POC biomedical test (Photo courtesy of Duke University)

POC Biomedical Test Spins Water Droplet Using Sound Waves for Cancer Detection

Exosomes, tiny cellular bioparticles carrying a specific set of proteins, lipids, and genetic materials, play a crucial role in cell communication and hold promise for non-invasive diagnostics.... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The study showed the blood-based cancer screening test detects 83% of people with colorectal cancer with specificity of 90% (Photo courtesy of Guardant Health)

Blood Test Shows 83% Accuracy for Detecting Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer is the second biggest cause of cancer deaths among adults in the U.S., with forecasts suggesting 53,010 people might die from it in 2024. While fewer older adults are dying from this... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The Gazelle Hb Variant Test (Photo courtesy of Hemex Health)

First Affordable and Rapid Test for Beta Thalassemia Demonstrates 99% Diagnostic Accuracy

Hemoglobin disorders rank as some of the most prevalent monogenic diseases globally. Among various hemoglobin disorders, beta thalassemia, a hereditary blood disorder, affects about 1.5% of the world's... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The new platform is designed to perform blood-based diagnoses of nontuberculosis mycobacteria (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New Blood Test Cuts Diagnosis Time for Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Infections from Months to Hours

Breathing in nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) is a common experience for many people. These bacteria are present in water systems, soil, and dust all over the world and usually don't cause any problems.... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image: These new assays are being developed for use on the recently introduced DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer (Photo courtesy of Beckman Coulter)

Beckman Coulter and Fujirebio Expand Partnership on Neurodegenerative Disease Diagnostics

Beckman Coulter Diagnostics (Brea, CA, USA) and Fujirebio Diagnostics (Tokyo, Japan) have expanded their partnership focused on the development, manufacturing and clinical adoption of neurodegenerative... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.