Rolled-up functionalized nanomembranes as three-dimensional cavities for single cell studies.

Abstract:: We use micropatterning and strain engineering to encapsulate single living mammalian cells into transparent tubular architectures consisting of three-dimensional (3D) rolled-up nanomembranes. By using optical microscopy, we demonstrate that these structures are suitable for the scrutiny of cellular dynamics within confined 3D-microenvironments. We show that spatial confinement of mitotic mammalian cells inside tubular architectures can perturb metaphase plate formation, delay mitotic progression, and cause chromosomal instability in both a transformed and nontransformed human cell line. These findings could provide important clues into how spatial constraints dictate cellular behavior and function.

Authors:: W Xi, CK Schmidt, S Sanchez, DH Gracias, RE Carazo-Salas, SP Jackson, OG Schmidt

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