Publications

Biocompatible self-assembly of nano-materials for Bio-MEMS and insect reconnaissance

Brinker, C.J.; Sinclair, Michael B.; Timlin, Jerilyn A.; Cesarano, Joseph C.; Brinker, C.J.; Baca, Helen K.; Flemming, Jeb H.; Dunphy, Darren R.; Brozik, Susan M.; Werner-Washburne, Margaret

This report summarizes the development of new biocompatible self-assembly procedures enabling the immobilization of genetically engineered cells in a compact, self-sustaining, remotely addressable sensor platform. We used evaporation induced self-assembly (EISA) to immobilize cells within periodic silica nanostructures, characterized by unimodal pore sizes and pore connectivity, that can be patterned using ink-jet printing or photo patterning. We constructed cell lines for the expression of fluorescent proteins and induced reporter protein expression in immobilized cells. We investigated the role of the abiotic/biotic interface during cell-mediated self-assembly of synthetic materials.