Researchers have developed a way to 3D print custom micrometer-sized structures directly into the interior of living cells. As reported in Advanced Materials, the investigators used their method to print complex microstructures in shapes including barcodes, geometric patterns, and even a tiny elephant.
The breakthrough involves injecting a cell with a bio-compatible light-sensitive material called photoresist and then treating the cell with a special laser that polymerizes the photoresist into an intracellular structure with submicron resolution. A cell treated with this method not only contains the newly fabricated structure within its interior, but also keeps on living and dividing, passing the structure on to one of the daughter cells that result from cell division.
Although the research is preliminary, it could be the basis for printing tiny machines or devices inside cells to provide deeper insights into biological functions or to instill enhanced or entirely new properties to cells.
“Our method provides a new tool to manipulate living cells from the inside, enabling a new approach to studying their mechanical and biological responses,” said co-author Maruša Mur, PhD, of the Jožef Stefan Institute, in Slovenia.
URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202519286
Additional Information
NOTE: The information contained in this release is protected by copyright. Please include journal attribution in all coverage. For more information or to obtain a PDF of any study, please contact: Sara Henning-Stout, newsroom@wiley.com.
About the Journal
Advanced Materials, one of the world's most prestigious journals and the foundation of the Advanced portfolio, has been the home of choice for best-in-class materials science for decades. Following this fast-growing and interdisciplinary field, we are considering and publishing the most important discoveries on any and all materials from materials scientists, chemists, physicists, engineers as well as health and life scientists and bringing you the latest results and trends in modern materials-related research every week.
About Wiley
Wiley is a global leader in authoritative content and research intelligence for the advancement of scientific discovery, innovation, and learning. With more than 200 years at the center of the scholarly ecosystem, Wiley combines trusted publishing heritage with AI-powered platforms to transform how knowledge is discovered, accessed, and applied. From individual researchers and students to Fortune 500 R&D teams, Wiley enables the transformation of scientific breakthroughs into real-world impact. From knowledge to impact—Wiley is redefining what's possible in science and learning. Visit us at Wiley.com and Investors.Wiley.com. Follow us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.