Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (1+1)

9.1.4 Transport and adhesion of cells

One of the important parameters involved in sensing and controlling reactors is understanding the transport of cells and chemicals.

 Cellular and viral transport and adhesion are of importance in

•  immobilized reactors,
• development of new drugs, and
• in situ bioremediation efforts.

Undertaking the mechanism of intra and intercellular transport is key to the development of site–directed or target-specific drugs.

• monoclonal antibodies may be used to deliver drugs to cancer cells only, through specific ligand– receptor binding.

Understanding cellular transport can also aid in environmental remediation.

• Once microorganism has been injected into the environment, they must move from the point of injection to the contamination site. When cells move slowly toward a chemical contaminant as they degrade it, chemotaxis is useful in bioremediation efforts.