Transfection, the process of delivering macromolecules such as DNA, mRNA, and proteins into cells, has enabled researchers to engineer cells for a variety of medical applications. Nanopore electroporation (NanoEP) is a gentle and highly efficient transfection method that utilizes an insulating nanoporous polycarbonate track-etched (PCTE) membrane to localize the electric field along the cell membrane over the nanopores. We are currently working on increasing the delivery efficiency and controllability of this transfection technique.
We have demonstrated successful delivery of Albumin from Bovine Serum (BSA), Alexa Fluor™ 488 conjugate into HT1080 cells using NanoEP.
Hoechst stain
BSA-Alexa Fluor 488
Overlay
NanoEP can also be used to sample contents from cells, without having to lyse the cells. Here, we show removal of calcein from HT1080 cells. Through real time visualization, we can quantify the removal rate of cargo from cells when changing different parameters, such as voltage, pulse width, and frequency.
