Non-Cavitation Targeted Microbubble-Mediated Single-Cell Sonoporation.
Xiufang Liu1,2, Wenjun Zhang3, Yanshu Jing2,4
1College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, 195 Innovation Road, Shenyang 110016, China.
Micromachines
|January 21, 2022
Summary
This study introduces a non-cavitation method for targeted microbubble (TMB) sonoporation using traveling surface acoustic waves (TSAWs). This technique achieves high cell sonoporation efficiency (83%) while minimizing cell damage, improving intracellular delivery.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Acoustic Engineering
Background:
- Sonoporation uses ultrasound and microbubbles (MBs) for intracellular delivery but risks cell damage from cavitation.
- Achieving efficient delivery and high cell survival simultaneously remains a challenge in current sonoporation techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a non-cavitation sonoporation method for precise single-cell macromolecular delivery.
- To investigate the use of traveling surface acoustic waves (TSAWs) to manipulate targeted microbubbles (TMBs) for cell membrane perforation.
Main Methods:
- A traveling surface acoustic wave (TSAW) device with a TSAW chip and PDMS channel was designed.
- Targeted microbubbles (TMBs) were attached to MDA-MB-231 cells and manipulated using TSAWs.
- The effects of input voltage and TMB number on sonoporation efficiency were analyzed, considering acoustic radiation force (ARF).
Main Results:
- TSAWs precisely controlled TMB movement, inducing sonoporation at the single-cell level without cavitation.
- Acoustic radiation force (ARF) propelled TMBs, causing direct cell membrane deformation and reversible perforation.
- Optimal conditions (350 mVpp input voltage, two TMBs) yielded an 83% cell sonoporation efficiency.
Conclusions:
- TSAW-mediated TMB manipulation offers a promising, non-cavitation approach for efficient and safe intracellular delivery.
- This method overcomes the limitations of traditional sonoporation, balancing high delivery efficiency with cell viability.
