Nano-labelled cells - a functional tool in biomedical applications

- Labelling of cells with nanomaterials renders the cells with novel functions.
- Nano-coated cells are employed as building blocks in tissue engineering.
- Nano-coated 'nanobait' cells are envisaged as nanoparticle-delivery vehicles.

Nanotechnology offers an unprecedented number of opportunities for biomedical research, utilizing the unusual functionalities of nanosized materials. Here we describe the recent advances in fabrication and utilization of nanoparticle-labelled cells. We present a brief overview of the most promising techniques, namely layer-by-layer polyelectrolyte assembly on cells and intracellular and extracellular labelling with magnetic nanoparticles. Several important practical application of nanofucntionalized cells, including tissue engineering and tumour therapy, are reviewed.

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