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Updated: Apr 18, 2026
Analysis of mRNA Nuclear Export Kinetics in Mammalian Cells by Microinjection
Published on: December 4, 2010
The effect of injection using narrow-bore needles on mammalian cells: administration and formulation considerations
Mahetab H Amer1, Lisa J White, Kevin M Shakesheff
1Wolfson Centre for Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering and Modelling (STEM), School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
Objectives:
This study focuses on the effect of the injection administration process on a range of cell characteristics.
Methods:
Effects of different ejection rates, needle sizes and cell suspension densities were assessed in terms of viability, membrane integrity, apoptosis and senescence of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. For ratiometric measurements, a multiplex assay was used to verify cell viability, cytotoxicity and apoptosis independent of cell number. Co-delivery with alginate hydrogels and viscosity-modifying excipients was also assessed.
Key Findings:
Ejections at 150 microl/min resulted in the highest percentage of dose being delivered as viable cells among ejection rates tested. The difference in proportions of apoptotic cells became apparent 48 h after ejection, with proportions being higher in samples ejected at slower rates. Co-delivery with alginate hydrogels demonstrated a protective action on the cell payload.
Conclusions:
This study demonstrates the importance of careful consideration of administration protocols required for successful delivery of cell suspensions, according to their nature and cellular responses post-ejection.
