Patterned and switchable surfaces for biomaterial applications

Chapter 1 - Introductionimaging not only of cell clusters, but also of single cells and at the subcellular level.Fluorescent microarray scanners are useful for the quick production of an image ofthe entire array, however, the development of fluorescence scanning microscopes,which are able to automatically locate, focus and acquire images of individual cells,enables high-resolution, subcellular imaging. Considering the vast number of imagespotentially generated an automated, high-throughput, reproducible strategy forsubsequent analysis is important. A number of software programs have beendeveloped for this purpose. One such approach enabled survey analysis of nucleararea, total cell area and number of cells by software analysis of the red, blue andgreen channels from fluorescence images taken of cells stained with varioussubcellular localised dyes enabled the [158]. The automated accrual of images oftransfected cells has also been used to generate an automated classification systemwhereupon. By reference to a set of assigned images, the subcellular position ofexpressed GFP tagged proteins was detected and assigned [147].1.5. Conclusion and future perspectivesThe development of mechanisms and devices for the advanced surfacemanipulation of biomolecules is an exciting field of research that promises valuabletools for scientists pursuing sophisticated biological studies or developing advancedbiodevices. Surface manipulation of biomolecules currently permits spatial controlover biomolecule placement via patterned surface chemistry or topography andtemporal control over the attachment, adsorption or association and detachment,desorption or dissociation events via switchable surfaces. Limited research has alsodemonstrated control over surface diffusion of biomolecules, which is an excitingnew dimension to the manipulation of biomolecules on a surface. A number of1-58