[MOS] April 12, 2016, Bianxiao Cui, Stanford University

[Rebecca Teixeira]

Seminar on




Modern Optics and Spectroscopy

At the nano-bio interface: Probing live cells with nano sensors


Bianxiao Cui


Stanford University

Tuesday, April 12, 2016
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.




The rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology creates new frontiers for biological sciences.  Recently, we and other groups show that vertical nanopillars protruding from a flat surface support cell survival and can be used as subcellular sensors to probe biological processes in live cells.  In particular, we are exploring nanopillars for sensing cellular electric signal, mechanical signal, and membrane curvature.  As an electrode sensor, nano-electrodes offer several advantages such as high sensitivity, subcellular spatial resolution, and precise control of the sensor geometry. We found that the 3D topology of the nanopillars electrodes is crucial for its enhanced signal detection. The high membrane curvature induced by vertical nanopillars significantly affects the distribution of curvature-sensitive proteins and stimulates several cellular processes in live cells.  Interestingly, vertical nanopillars also induce well-controlled nuclear deformation.  We use it as a unique platform to study nuclear rigidity and nuclear mechanotransduction in gene expression.  Overall, our studies show a strong interplay between biological cells and nano-sized sensors, which is an essential consideration for future development of interfacing devices.


Grier Room, MIT Bldg. 34-401
Refreshments served after the lecture
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