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Selective photonic disinfection of cell culture using a visible ultrashort pulsed laser
Shaw-Wei D Tsen1, Karen Kibler2, Bert Jacobs2
1Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110.
Abstract:
Microbial contamination of cell culture is a major problem encountered both in academic labs and in the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industries. A broad spectrum of microbes including mycoplasma, bacteria, fungi, and viruses are the causative agents of cell culture contamination. Unfortunately, the existing disinfection techniques lack selectivity and/or lead to the development of drug-resistance, and more importantly there is no universal method to address all microbes. Here, we report a novel, chemical-free visible ultrashort pulsed laser method for cell culture disinfection. The ultrashort pulsed laser technology inactivates pathogens with mechanical means, a paradigm shift from the traditional pharmaceutical and chemical approaches. We demonstrate that ultrashort pulsed laser treatment can efficiently inactivate mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and viruses with good preservation of mammalian cell viability. Our results indicate that this ultrashort pulsed laser technology has the potential to serve as a universal method for the disinfection of cell culture.
Insights
A new chemical-free laser method effectively disinfects cell cultures, inactivating microbes like mycoplasma and bacteria. This ultrashort pulsed laser technology offers a universal solution for contamination control while preserving cell viability.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Microbial contamination is a significant challenge in academic and industrial cell culture.
- Current disinfection methods lack selectivity, promote drug resistance, and are not universally effective against all microbes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel, chemical-free method for cell culture disinfection using visible ultrashort pulsed laser technology.
- To evaluate the efficacy of this laser method in inactivating a broad spectrum of microbial contaminants.
Main Methods:
- Development and application of a visible ultrashort pulsed laser system for cell culture treatment.
- Assessment of microbial inactivation (mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, viruses) and mammalian cell viability post-treatment.
Main Results:
- The ultrashort pulsed laser effectively inactivated mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast, and viruses.
- Mammalian cell viability was well-preserved during the laser disinfection process.
- The laser technology operates via mechanical inactivation, a novel approach compared to chemical methods.
Conclusions:
- Visible ultrashort pulsed laser treatment presents a promising, universal, and chemical-free method for cell culture disinfection.
- This technology offers a paradigm shift from traditional antimicrobial approaches.
- Potential for widespread application in biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
