Abstract: Nanostructure Enhanced Cell Survival and Metabolism (2008 Annual Meeting)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Exhibit Hall A (Pennsylvania Convention Center)

Shelly Karlin, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Jason C. Harper, Sandia National Labs and the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Eric C. Carnes, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Carlee E. Ashley, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

DeAnna Lopez, Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Cynthia Douthit, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

Jennifer Pelowitz, Biochemistry, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NY

Darren R. Dunphy, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM

Susan Brozik, Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM

C. Jeffrey Brinker, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM

We have recently demonstrated that various bacterial and eukaryotic cells remain viable for months to years when entrapped in a 3D short-chain phospholipid-silica nanostructured matrix [1]. The cells are not supplied with culture nutrients and they do not reproduce. They do however, participate in forming a unique interface with the host nanomaterial, express genes upon stimulation, can incorporate plamids and subsequently express the encoded gene, and appear viable for months to years post immobilization. This raises fundamental questions as to the physiological state of the entrapped cells. Is the cell machinery still operating (i.e. genes can be expressed) but the cells are “dead?” How do we define “alive?” Is life the ability to form colonies? Is life the ability to express genes or an operating metabolism? In this work we characterize the metabolism of different organisms within lipid/silica templated nanomatrices.

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