Light-induced microbubble poration of localized cells

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Precise molecular delivery into cells is crucial for research and therapeutics.
• Existing methods often lack specificity or can damage cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate targeted molecular delivery into localized NIH/3T3 cells using laser-induced microbubbles.
• To evaluate the efficiency and viability of this cell poration technique.

Main Methods:

• Microbubbles were generated using laser pulses focused on an optically absorbent substrate.
• Laser-induced bubble dynamics were used to create transient pores in cell membranes.
• Delivery of 3-kDa FITC-Dextran was used to demonstrate molecular transport.

Main Results:

• Localized molecular delivery into NIH/3T3 cells was successfully achieved.
• Single-cell delivery was demonstrated, even with adjacent cells present.
• Cell poration efficiency reached up to 95%, with cell viability at 98%.

Conclusions:

• Laser-induced microbubbles provide a highly localized and efficient method for molecular delivery.
• This technique offers precise control for targeted intracellular delivery.
• The method demonstrates high cell viability, making it suitable for sensitive applications.