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The name's Bond: Separated cells form membranous nanotubes whose tips are tethered by adhesive bonds (see picture). The lifetime of receptor–ligand interactions can be measured by using membrane nanotubes of living cells as constant force actuators. Because the nanotubes are extruded from living cells at conditions approaching the physiological, cellular processes can be both studied and utilized.
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Krieg et al. (2008) studied this question.
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