A New Road For Research on Bioelectronics
Bioelectronics- a field of scientific research that involves the combination of biology and electronics- is still in its primitive stages. For years, scientists wondered on how this field can be further advanced. However, now they have figured out a potential way to insert electronic devices inside cells, but it shall be brought to attention that the technology is still in its early stage. Despite that, this recent discovery can lead to several medical applications.
An important mechanism called phagocytosis- a mechanism by which cells can take in nutrients and other materials into cells- plays a major role in the integration of this technology into cells. Moreover,this mechanism also plays an important role in the integration of the immune system on a cellular level.
However, such a general understanding of phagocytosis is not sufficient to truly understand the method by which this technology can be integrated on a cellular level. Phagocytosis usually involves several different cellular components such as the cellular membrane and surface receptor proteins that can effectively recognize certain particles and initiate the phagocytosis procedure. In a simple procedure of phagocytosis, an external particle coated with certain receptors attach to the surface receptor proteins that are attached to the membrane of a cell. This specific lock and key fit triggers the initiation of "swallowing" the external particle by wrapping the cellular membrane around the external particle. Meanwhile, actin micro-filaments pull down the extracellular molecule to help it enter the cell. A procedural diagram has been provided below to help visualize the process.
So, by using phagocytosis as a pathway, how is it possible to insert electronic devices? That is where Zimmerman, a biophysicist at Harvard, and his colleagues' research come into play. During their research they discovered that cells could "snack" on silicon nano-wires which enter the cell via phagocytosis. However they noted that not all cells can achieve this feat. Previous ways that were used to insert large substances artificially into cells was performed by creating holes in cells by zapping those sites with electricity. However, after this discovery, an easier and more natural process to insert electronics into cells was discovered; this could be achieved by inserting electronics paired with silicon nano-wires which can be engulfed into the cell. Moreover, it can also help them pass through the bloodstream like a conventional drug or nutrient. According to Zimmerman, devices like these have the potential to control the cell cycle which means it could be an alternative method to cure cancer. Moreover, it can also replace several conventional devices used for deep brain stimulation.
The number of potential solutions this technology can offer to human health problems are countless. However, it shall be brought to attention that this technology is at its early stage of development and may take decades to reach the consumer. Despite that, when the technology become widely accessible it can revolutionize medicine and potentially change the way that certain diseases are cured.
Citations
