Dielectric microsphere mediated transfection using a femtosecond laser

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Optical Engineering
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cell membrane permeabilization is crucial for intracellular delivery of molecules.
• Existing methods often lack precision or high throughput.
• Nanoparticle-mediated laser manipulation offers a potential solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate cell membrane permeabilization using laser-excited polystyrene microspheres.
• To achieve efficient intracellular delivery of fluorescent molecules and siRNA.
• To evaluate the throughput and precision of this novel method.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 1000 nm diameter polystyrene microspheres.
• Excited microspheres with a femtosecond laser pulse (80 fs, 800 nm wavelength).
• Employed antibody-conjugated microspheres for targeted delivery and enhanced optical field generation.

Main Results:

• Achieved cell membrane permeabilization in 38% of cells for Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran and 21% for siRNA.
• Successful delivery of molecules into cells within the laser-irradiated area.
• Demonstrated high throughput and precise processing of cell membranes.

Conclusions:

• Laser-excited polystyrene microspheres effectively permeabilize cell membranes.
• This technique enables efficient, high-throughput intracellular delivery of various molecules.
• The method provides precise control over cell membrane processing for biotechnological applications.