Silicon Nanopore–Photocatalytic System Bioengineering Concept
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Description This work presents a conceptual systems-bioengineering framework for the integration of nanoporous silicon membrane engineering, photocatalytic chemistry, engineered cellular sensing, cytochemical analysis, and kinase signaling readouts. The proposed architecture explores a multiscale processing and evaluation pathway for lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), linking: Physical → Chemical → Cellular → Signaling At the physical layer, silicon nanopore membranes are conceptualized as selective interfaces for nanoparticle retention and controlled transport. At the chemical layer, a TiO₂–silicon photocatalytic interface is proposed as a localized mechanism for reactive oxygen species generation and potential LNP structural disruption under light activation. The resulting processed material is then conceptually connected to an engineered cellular reporter layer, enabling cytochemical assessment of particle-associated localization, intracellular processing, oxidative or membrane stress, and related cellular responses. Kinase phosphorylation states are proposed as downstream signaling readouts that may provide an additional functional layer for characterizing cellular responses to processed versus unprocessed material. The framework therefore connects four engineering domains: Physical Engineering — nanoporous silicon, selective retention, surface interactions, and permeation. Chemical Engineering — semiconductor photocatalysis, ROS generation, and potential lipid oxidation. Biological Sensing — engineered cellular reporters and cytochemical readouts. Signaling Readout — kinase activity and phosphorylation-state measurements. The silicon nanopore component draws conceptual engineering heritage from nanoporous membrane research, including hemofiltration and artificial-kidney architectures. This precedent is presented as an engineering reference and does not constitute validation of the proposed LNP application. The central hypothesis is that physical capture, localized photocatalytic transformation, cellular sensing, and downstream signaling analysis can be conceptually integrated into a single multiscale systems-bioengineering architecture. This work is intended as a hypothesis and conceptual system map, not as a report of experimental validation. It does not claim complete LNP degradation, mRNA degradation, clinical efficacy, or validation of a functional device. The purpose of this artifact is to define a testable architecture from which future mechanistic studies, experimental designs, and independent validation strategies can be developed. Status: Conceptual Systems-Bioengineering HypothesisVersion: 1.0.0Canonical DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22077372
Author: Marutani, Yuji
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204151495
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