Advanced jet protocols for directly engineering living cells: a genesis to alternative biohandling approaches for the life sciences

Abstract

Processing methodologies possessing the ability to directly handle living cells imply tremendous possibilities for a whole host of applications in the regenerative and therapeutic medicinal themes of R&D. Most cell-handling techniques have, in the past, been unearthed in the physical sciences, which have subsequently undergone rapid development for a plethora of applications within the life sciences. In this review, the author wishes to introduce current and swiftly emerging direct cell-handling jet protocols whilst identifying their advantages and disadvantages in comparison to each approach. The article extends to elucidating their applicability for a few life science-based research themes, where these protocols are currently undergoing intense investigation. It is the opinion of this author that these protocols generate a range of opportunities for the life sciences, which have previously not been explored and hence could have an overwhelming affect in a biological and clinical standpoint. These methods and protocols have evidently bridged the physical with the life sciences during this endeavor.