Single-cell-precision microplasma-induced cancer cell apoptosis

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Plasma Physics

Background:

• Selective single-cell apoptosis induction remains a challenge despite advanced cellular probing techniques.
• Existing methods often struggle to target individual cells without collateral damage to neighboring cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a method for precise, single-cell-level apoptosis induction in cancer cells.
• To investigate the efficacy of localized micro-plasma discharge for targeted cancer cell treatment.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a needle-like electrode (∼1 µm spot size) to generate a localized corona-type plasma discharge.
• Precisely positioned the electrode against individual cancer cells (HepG2 and HeLa) for targeted plasma exposure.
• Monitored cellular and nuclear morphological and structural changes in real-time post-plasma exposure.

Main Results:

• Achieved effective single-cell-precision apoptosis in selected HepG2 and HeLa cancer cells.
• Demonstrated that the micro-plasma discharge did not affect surrounding cells, even in close proximity.
• Confirmed targeted cell death through real-time observation of cellular and nuclear alterations.

Conclusions:

• Localized micro-plasma discharge is a viable technique for selective, single-cell-precision cancer cell apoptosis.
• This approach offers a promising new modality for targeted cancer therapy with minimal damage to healthy tissues.
• Further research can explore the application of this technique in complex cellular environments and in vivo models.