Single cell membrane poration by bubble-induced microjets in a microfluidic chip.
1Division of Microelectronics, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639798, Singapore.
Lab on a Chip
|February 1, 2013
Summary
Researchers created a microjet from a laser-induced bubble to rupture single cell membranes. This method precisely porates cells, with pore size depending on bubble dynamics and proximity.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Microfluidics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Precise manipulation of individual cells is crucial for various biological studies.
- Laser-induced bubble dynamics offer potential for non-invasive cellular manipulation.
- Existing methods for cell membrane poration can lack precision or scalability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate membrane poration of single suspension cells using a laser-induced microjet.
- To investigate the relationship between cavitation bubble dynamics and cell membrane rupture.
- To establish a method for controlled and localized cell membrane poration.
Main Methods:
- A laser-induced bubble was generated near a single, trapped suspension cell within a microfluidic chip.
- The asymmetrical collapse of the bubble created a high-speed liquid microjet impacting the cell.
- Membrane poration was assessed by trypan blue uptake, with time-resolved diffusion studies.
Main Results:
- Successful membrane poration of myeloma cells was achieved via microjet impact.
- Trypan blue diffusion showed a strong dependence on the bubble's stand-off distance from the cell.
- Shorter distances resulted in increased dye penetration, indicating larger membrane pores.
Conclusions:
- Laser-induced bubble collapse provides a mechanism for controlled single-cell membrane poration.
- The method is fast, repeatable, and allows for localized membrane rupture.
- This technique has potential applications in cell analysis and manipulation.
