Cnidocytes as Microscale Synthesis and Delivery Modules
Abstract
As a first step in using nematocysts isolated from Physalia in a drug-delivery patch, we needed to assess the techniques used to yield efficient discharge. A number of pre-discharge and discharge solutions were utilized to determine the best combination, chosen based on literature findings for nematocysts isolated from other species. Note that Physalia is not a true jellyfish, suggesting that the mechanisms behind discharge are not exactly the same. The next step was to examine the puncture mechanics of the thread, by assessing the ability of the thread to puncture materials with a range of elastic modulus ranging from 0.02 to 90,000 MPa. The puncture tests were accomplished using excised tentacles from Physalia as a best-case scenario due to physical immobilization of the nematocysts as well as physiological discharge induced by mechanical stimulation of the cnidocyte cnidocil. To date, the puncture mechanics of the thread have only been theoretically calculated using mass and velocity information. Additionally, lectin-binding studies were conducted to examine the potential for using the lectins as a means for immobilization. Lectins are sugar-binding proteins that bind to moieties present on the surface of nematocysts. Finally, optical tweezing was used to evaluate the manipulation of individual nematocysts as a means for fabricating the patch.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA514707
Entities
People
- David Eddington
- Jamie Bates
Organizations
- University of Illinois at Chicago