Cell-chip adhesion chemistry
Berkeley researchers lay groundwork for cell version of DNA chip
This is a little off the beaten path, but I think that the Neurodudes crowd is generally interested in techniques related to neuron-to-silicon interfacing. Here’s some neat surface chemistry from Livermore Labs that facilitates binding of DNA oligos to the cell surface. Then, just like with a gene chip, you can link cells with the right (complementary) oligos to a pre-coated chip.
My first reaction to this was, Wow, another great application of the homologous base pairing machinery of nucleic acids. I’m amazed by the out-of-the-box thinking in this idea — sticking DNA to the outside of the cell. According to the article, the authors estimate that about 270,000 DNA molecules are put on the surface of each cell by their process. (Though I’m sure they’ve looked at it, one does wonder how this impacts membrane trafficking, receptor internalization processes, etc.)
Let me emphasize… This is totally cool! This allows cell-type-specific micropatterning at the level of whatever your chip printing resolution is. (Traditionally, gene chips are “spotted” using precision multi-head inkjet-like printers.) For you cell culture enthusiasts out there, you might imagine a cell culture where you have many different cell types and have full control (down to a single cell!) of where each type of cell is placed. Talk about a co-culture!