Cell LEGO

Abstract

New methodology is required to set appropriate cells at right position to prepare 3 dimensional tissue in regenerative medicine. We have been synthesized single-stranded DNA-conjugated poly(ethylene) glycol-phospholipid (ssDNA-PEG-lipid), which is the amphiphilic conjugate of PEG-lipid and single-stranded DNA and examined as a cell adhesive. New methodology using ssDNA-PEG-lipid as a cell adhesive will be presented. It enables to display cells in certain area on a glass plate and to regenerate 3D tissue using cells as building blocks (cell LEGO). The ssDNA-PEG-lipids spontaneously anchor to the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane. The ssDNA which is presented on the cell surface can be used as an adhesive to immobilize cells on various surfaces. Various patterns can be drawn on glass plates using cells along the patterned aaDNA. Solutions of ssDNA-SHs were printed by an inkjet printer onto a glass plate covered with a gold thin layer. ssDNA-SHs were immobilized onto the surface. Cells with ssDNA'-PEG-lipid, in which ssDNA' was complementary to the ssDNA sequence of the ssDNA-SHs on the surface, were applied to the surface to induce cell attachment through the ssDNA-ssDNA' hybridization.