Engineering mammalian cells for solid-state sensor applications

A fundamental advance in the development and application of cell- and tissue-based biosensors would be the ability to achieve air-dry stabilization of mammalian (especially human) cells with subsequent recovery following rehydration. The would allow for the preparation of sensors with extended shelf lives, only requiring the addition of water for activation. By understanding and subsequently employing the tactics used by desiccation-tolerant extremophiles, it may be possible to design stabilized mammalian cell-based biosensors. The approaches required to realize this goal are discussed and illustrated with several examples. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.