Vertical nanostructures for probing live cells

Vertical nanostructures (e.g., nanopillars, nanobars, nanostraws, and nanomushrooms) have emerged as effective tools for manipulating and studying live cells. The advantages of such tools originate from accurate nanoscale topography and unique chemical and physical properties at small nanoscales. In particular, growing research shows that the topographical features of these nanostructures overcome their intrinsic material properties to strongly elicit cell responses that are of great interest to biophysical studies. Here, we start the discussion with the fabrication methods that generate various vertical nanostructures for biophysical studies. Next, we introduce the approaches to characterizing the cell-nanostructure interactions and the resultant mechanistic understanding that may inform the design of nanostructures to probe cells effectively. Finally, we summarize the diverse applications of vertical nanostructures in biophysical studies, including electrophysiological recording, cell mechanics and mechanotransduction, and membrane curvature.