Nanowire pellicles for eukaryotic cells: nanowire coating and interaction with cells.

AIM: To construct a new robust nanowire-based pellicle for eukaryotic cells, to investigate the interactions between nanowires (NWs) and cell surfaces and the internalization of nanowires, and to demonstrate for isolation of the plasma membrane with improved enrichment of transmembrane proteins.

MATERIALS & METHODS: Silica NWs were coated with alumina to give positive charges on their surface. Multiple myeloma cells were coated with the positively charged NWs by dropping the cells into a buffered suspension of NWs. After the NW-coated cells were lysed, plasma membrane fragments were enriched by differential centrifugation for proteomic studies.

RESULTS: Here we demonstrate complete cell coating with positively charged, alumina-coated silica NWs via nonspecific electrostatic interactions, and characterize a robust pellicle and little/no uptake of NWs.

CONCLUSION: Robust pellicles provide a new platform for therapeutic, diagnostic and biochemical interactions of nanostructures with eukaryotic cells.