Distance-dependent spatial analysis of micropattern-generated shockwave for cell-type specific intracellular...

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Intracellular delivery of therapeutics is crucial but challenging.
• Conventional optoporation methods lack precise spatial analysis of laser effects.
• Developing methods for controlled intracellular delivery is essential for therapeutic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distance-dependent effects of shockwaves on cell membrane permeabilization using pigmented SU-8 microdisks.
• To analyze how micropattern size influences shockwave generation and cellular response.
• To determine the impact of cellular adhesion strength on shockwave-mediated delivery efficiency and cell viability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized pigmented SU-8 microdisks (20 μm and 50 μm) for laser irradiation.
• Employed nanosecond laser pulses to generate shockwaves for cell membrane permeabilization.
• Assessed delivery yields and cellular damage in relation to micropattern size and distance.
• Investigated the role of cell adhesion using SAOS-2 and HEK-293 cell lines.

Main Results:

• Achieved intracellular delivery yields up to 60% under optimized conditions.
• Demonstrated that larger microdisks generate more extensive shockwaves, causing increased cell damage over broader areas.
• Showed that smaller microdisks maintain high delivery efficiency with minimal cellular disruption.
• Found that strongly adherent cells (SAOS-2) exhibit greater resilience to shockwave effects compared to weakly adherent cells (HEK-293).

Conclusions:

• Micropattern size and cell-specific adhesion properties are critical determinants of shockwave-mediated intracellular delivery efficiency and spatial extent.
• The study provides a framework for optimizing intracellular delivery strategies by controlling laser-induced shockwaves.
• This approach enhances therapeutic material delivery while preserving cell viability.