Light-Controlled Cell–Cell Assembly Using Photocaged Oligonucleotides

The interactions between heterogeneous cell populations play important roles in dictating various behaviors. Cell–cell contact mediates communication through the exchange of signaling molecules, electrical coupling, and direct membrane-linked ligand–receptor interactions. In vitro culturing multiple types with control over their specific arrangement is difficult, especially three-dimensional (3D) systems. While techniques that allow one to cells different have been developed expand upon simple co-culture methods, heterojunctions form not easily accomplished current such as 3D cell-printing. this article, DNA-mediated are combined cell-compatible photolithographic approaches assembly. Specifically, coated oligonucleotides containing DNA nucleobases protected photocleavable moieties; coating facilitated light-controlled assembly when these were mixed complementary oligonucleotides. By combining technology digital micromirror devices mounted on a microscope, selective activation for other was achieved. Importantly, technique rapid uses non-UV light sources. Taken together, opens new pathways on-demand programming complex structures.