Todd D Krauss
The development of optically based biological sensors that can detect multiple analytes has revolutionized molecular biology. In addition to greatly aiding basic research, these devices have led to pioneering applications in gene expression, detection of biowarfare agents, medical diagnostics, drug discovery and forensics. However, most optically based biosensors, like the well-known DNA chip1, have limitations such as a slow response or unsuitability for in vivo use. On page 114 of this issue,...
Kenneth A Dawson Anna salvati and Iseult Lynch
Figure 1 Nanoparticles may enter cells in various ways by known mechanisms. a, Confocal microscopy image showing the active uptake of 50-nm negatively charged polystyrene nanoparticles green by epithelial cells. The cell nucleus is stained with DAPI blue . b, Schematic showing the different ways that nutrients and signals can be taken-up by cells entry of nanoparticles could follow similar mechanisms Reprinted from ref. 10 2003 NPG . In phagocytosis which is mainly relevant to specialized...