Transparent Ultrathin Nanomembranes for Barrier Cell Models and Novel Co-Culture Systems

摘要 本研究计划的主要目标是：一，研究和开发透明的 纳米膜和第二，利用这些膜来推进生物医学体外模型 通过PI和当前及未来合作者在实验室的工作， 纳米膜的发展将包括对制造纳米多孔的研究 二氧化硅膜，扩大其活性面积，创造独特的表面化学， 促进细胞互动和传感器技术的集成。这项研究计划将 使合作者能够可视化内皮屏障迁移， 角膜模型和可视化运动纤毛在患者中衍生的囊性肺原发性模型 纤维化此外，纳米膜的发展将使和供应合作， 研究人员使用工具来解决现有的挑战并扩展各自的领域。一 通常的需要是在生理学相关的模型系统中培养细胞的能力， 实时可视化。透明多孔膜可以实现这一点， 几乎任何屏障模型和共培养系统。SiO2纳米膜使共培养的细胞 在生理分离距离（~100 nm）内，同时提供玻璃状 光学透明性和几乎不受阻碍的信号分子传输。成功 开发新的人类体外系统有望减少对动物模型的依赖， 同时增加生理相关性并加速药物开发。 这些组织和器官芯片还可以对复杂的细胞事件进行实时成像 这需要复杂和精心策划的微环境。

Abstract The main goals of this research program are to; one, research and develop transparent ultrathin nanomembranes and two, utilize these membranes to advance biomedical in vitro model systems through work in the laboratory of the PI and current and future collaborators. Nanomembrane development will include research toward fabricating ultrathin nanoporous silicon dioxide membranes, scaling up their active area, creating unique surface chemistries to promote cellular interaction and integration of sensor technologies. This research program will enable collaborators to visualize endothelial barrier transmigration, produce better in vitro corneal models and visualize motile cilia in a patient derived primary lung model of cystic fibrosis. In addition, nanomembrane development will enable and supply collaborating Investigators with the tools to solve existing challenges and expand their respective fields. A common need is the ability to culture cells in a physiologically relevant model system that can be visualized in real-time. Transparent ultrathin porous membranes can accomplish this for almost any barrier model and co-culture system. SiO2 nanomembranes enable co-cultured cells to be brought within physiological separations distances (~100 nm), while providing glass-like optical transparency and nearly unhindered transport of signaling molecules. Success in developing new human in vitro systems promises to reduce the reliance on animal models, while simultaneously increasing physiological relevance and accelerating drug development. These tissue- and organ-on-a-chips also make feasible live imaging of complex cellular events that require sophisticated and well-orchestrated microenvironments.