Biodegradable microsphere-mediated cell perforation in microfluidic channel using femtosecond laser
Atsuhiro Ishii1, Kazumasa Ariyasu1, Tatsuki Mitsuhashi1
1Keio University, Department of Electronics and Electrical Engineering, 3-14-1 Hiyoshi, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama 223-8522, Japan.
Journal of Biomedical Optics
|May 10, 2016
Summary
Biodegradable polymer microspheres combined with laser optoinjection enable efficient molecule delivery into multiple cells. This high-throughput method is promising for cell analysis, drug delivery, and gene transfection without residual microspheres.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Laser Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Microfluidic platforms offer synergistic advantages with laser technology for precise cell manipulation.
- Optoinjection, a laser-based technique, facilitates the delivery of molecules into cells.
- Small particles enhance the capability of ultrashort pulsed laser optoinjection for simultaneous multi-cell treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate molecule delivery into suspended-flowing cells using biodegradable polymer microspheres and femtosecond laser pulses within a microfluidic channel.
- To compare the efficacy of polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) microspheres with polylactic acid (PLA) microspheres for optoinjection.
- To assess the impact of cell adhesion status on optoinjection efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing biodegradable polymer microspheres (PLGA and PLA) as carriers for molecule delivery.
- Employing a near-infrared femtosecond laser pulse for localized optical field enhancement and optoinjection.
- Conducting experiments within a microfluidic channel to manipulate suspended-flowing cells.
- Analyzing optoinjection ratios, particularly to the nucleus, for both adhered and suspended cells.
Main Results:
- Polylactic-co-glycolic acid microspheres achieved higher optoinjection ratios compared to polylactic acid microspheres.
- The use of PLGA microspheres minimized optical damage to the microfluidic chip due to enhanced localized optical intensity.
- A difference in optoinjection ratios to the nucleus was observed between adhered and suspended cells.
- High-throughput optoinjection, treating multiple cells rapidly, was achieved.
Conclusions:
- Biodegradable polymer microspheres combined with laser optoinjection offer an efficient and high-throughput method for molecule delivery into cells.
- This technique avoids concerns about residual microspheres, making it suitable for various biomedical applications.
- Potential applications include cell analysis, targeted drug delivery, and ex vivo gene transfection of critical cell types like bone marrow and stem cells.
