Nanoneedle fields for biological interaction with cells

In this paper a new nanostructured support for the culture of cells is presented. The support is constituted of fields of shar p and high-aspect ratio nanoneedles. The support is obtained through a specifically developed process that allows controlling nanoneedle densities and height. The nanoneedles are typically 10 μm high with tips diameter below 200 nm. Cell viability on this support was evaluated through long -term cells cultures. The narrow interface between the cells' membrane and the nanoneedles has been carefully observed to conclude on the perforation of the cells' membrane thanks to the sharp nanoneedles. Such a nanostructured chip, allowing specific interaction, opens the door to a large number of exciting and valuable applications such as nanoporation for transfection or internal cell potential recording. Keywords: Nanoneedles, Field, Cell Culture, Nanoscale Membrane Poration, Silicon Nanotechnology