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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Cell Squeezing as a Robust, Microfluidic Intracellular Delivery Platform
08:02

Cell Squeezing as a Robust, Microfluidic Intracellular Delivery Platform

Published on: November 7, 2013

A vector-free microfluidic platform for intracellular delivery.

Armon Sharei1, Janet Zoldan, Andrea Adamo

  • 1Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|January 24, 2013
PubMed
Summary

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This summary is machine-generated.

A novel microfluidic method mechanically deforms cells, creating transient pores for efficient macromolecule delivery. This technique offers a non-viral, non-electrical approach for diverse cell types, improving research and therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Biotechnology
  • Cell Biology
  • Bioengineering

Background:

  • Intracellular delivery of macromolecules is crucial for research and therapeutics.
  • Current methods like viral vectors and electroporation have limitations including toxicity and off-target effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel microfluidic approach for efficient and safe intracellular delivery of macromolecules.
  • To overcome the limitations of existing delivery methods.

Main Methods:

  • Cells are mechanically deformed by passing through a microfluidic constriction (30-80% smaller than cell diameter).
  • Controlled compression and shear forces create transient pores for material diffusion into the cytosol.
  • Demonstrated delivery of carbon nanotubes, proteins, and siRNA to 11 cell types.

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High Speed Droplet-based Delivery System for Passive Pumping in Microfluidic Devices
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High Speed Droplet-based Delivery System for Passive Pumping in Microfluidic Devices

Published on: September 2, 2009

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Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Cell Squeezing as a Robust, Microfluidic Intracellular Delivery Platform
08:02

Cell Squeezing as a Robust, Microfluidic Intracellular Delivery Platform

Published on: November 7, 2013

Microscale Vortex-assisted Electroporator for Sequential Molecular Delivery
10:51

Microscale Vortex-assisted Electroporator for Sequential Molecular Delivery

Published on: August 7, 2014

High Speed Droplet-based Delivery System for Passive Pumping in Microfluidic Devices
10:22

High Speed Droplet-based Delivery System for Passive Pumping in Microfluidic Devices

Published on: September 2, 2009

Main Results:

  • Successfully delivered diverse materials to various cell types, including stem and immune cells.
  • Achieved a 10-fold improvement in transcription factor delivery for colony formation compared to electroporation and cell-penetrating peptides.
  • Showcased applicability to difficult-to-transfect primary cells.

Conclusions:

  • The microfluidic method provides a versatile and effective platform for intracellular macromolecule delivery.
  • This technique holds significant potential for advancing research and clinical applications by enabling efficient delivery to challenging cell types.