Nanoparticle-mediated photoporation - an emerging versatile physical drug delivery method

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Efficient delivery of impermeable molecules into cells is crucial for research and therapeutics.
• Current methods like nanoparticles and viral vectors have limitations.
• Light-based physical techniques, such as photoporation, offer an alternative approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of direct and indirect photoporation techniques.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of cell pore formation and molecule delivery via photoporation.
• To discuss the evolution, variations, and clinical translation potential of photoporation.

Main Methods:

• Photoporation utilizes pulsed or continuous wave lasers to induce transient pores in cell membranes.
• Direct photoporation focuses laser beams onto cell membranes.
• Indirect photoporation employs sensitizing nanoparticles that interact with laser pulses for enhanced effect.

Main Results:

• Photoporation enables the entry of membrane-impermeable molecules into the cell cytosol while maintaining cell viability.
• Nanoparticle-mediated photoporation demonstrates high-throughput cell transfection capabilities.
• The review covers methodologies for various cell types and experimental setups.

Conclusions:

• Photoporation is a promising physical method for intracellular delivery, with nanoparticle-mediated approaches showing significant potential for clinical translation.
• Further research is needed to address existing gaps and inconsistencies for broader application.
• The technique offers a viable alternative to traditional transfection methods.