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Infrared Laser-Based Single Cell Permeabilization by Plasma Membrane Temperature Gradients.
Allen L Garner1,2,3, Bogdan Neculaes4, Dmitry V Dylov4
1School of Nuclear Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA.
Membranes
|June 23, 2022
Summary
Laser microinjection offers a simpler, more cost-effective alternative to traditional methods for precise cell delivery. This study demonstrates its potential for selective cell permeabilization using a 1550 nm femtosecond laser.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Cell Biology
- Laser Physics
Background:
- Single cell microinjection is precise but complex and requires skilled operators.
- Laser-based microinjection offers a standardized, accessible alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate laser-based microinjection using a 1550 nm femtosecond laser.
- To elucidate the physical mechanism behind laser-induced cell permeabilization.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 1550 nm, 100 fs pulse duration laser at a 20 ns repetition rate for microinjection.
- Exposed Chinese Hamster Ovarian (CHO) cells to the laser and assessed propidium iodide uptake.
- Calculated transmembrane potential changes due to laser-induced temperature gradients.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated selective cell permeabilization in CHO cells via propidium iodide uptake.
- Observed agreement between experimental conditions and electropermeabilization thresholds.
- Hypothesized a mechanism involving laser-induced plasma membrane temperature gradients.
Conclusions:
- 1550 nm femtosecond lasers show potential for cost-effective, operator-agnostic microinjection.
- This method may induce fewer deleterious effects compared to traditional lasers.
- Laser-induced temperature gradients are a likely mechanism for cell permeabilization.
