Novel Acoustofluidic Method for High-Efficiency Nanoparticle Delivery into Cells

A recent study in Engineering presents a new acoustofluidics-based method for intracellular nanoparticle delivery. This technique offers a novel approach to delivering various functional nanomaterials into different cell types, potentially advancing biophysical research and therapeutic applications.

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Effective biomolecular cargo delivery into cells is crucial for biomedical research, including drug delivery and gene therapy. However, conventional methods like electroporation, microinjection, and endocytosis of nanovectors have drawbacks, such as the need for costly equipment, complex procedures, or time-consuming processes. These techniques also face challenges like low delivery efficiency and potential cell damage.

To address these issues, a recently developed acoustofluidics-based approach uses standing acoustic waves generated in a glass capillary coated with cargo-encapsulated nanoparticles. The acoustic radiation force increases membrane stress, causing slight cell deformation and enhancing membrane permeability, allowing nanoparticles to enter the cells.

By adjusting the frequency of the acoustic waves, the capillary wall moves the cells through the capillary, allowing controlled interaction between the nanoparticles and the cell membrane.

In the study, doxorubicin (DOX) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled bovine serum albumin (FBSA) were used as cargo types. Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles were loaded with these cargos for testing.

The results demonstrated that the acoustofluidics-based technique effectively introduced nanoparticles into HeLa and U937 cells carrying various cargos. The delivery efficiency was significantly higher than methods that did not use acoustofluidics. Unlike traditional sonoporation techniques, this approach does not require bubbles or specific acoustic contrast agents.

The researchers also examined the characteristics of the cargo-encapsulated ZIF-8 nanoparticles and their impact on cell viability. They found that the acoustic waves and ZIF-8 breakdown had minimal effect on cell viability, and that the nanoparticles had suitable properties for cargo encapsulation and release.

This acoustofluidics-based intracellular delivery method offers an innovative approach for effective and controlled delivery of biomolecular cargos. The research team plans to further investigate its potential for use with various cell types, including primary human cells, and in transporting other types of cargo.

The findings of this study could contribute to advancements in basic cell mechanics research and the development of gene and cellular therapies.

Journal Reference:

Li, Z., et al. (2024) Acoustofluidics-Based Intracellular Nanoparticle Delivery. Engineering. doi.org/10.1016/j.eng.2024.11.030.