Unlocking Gene Delivery: How Ultrasound Bubbles Boost Cell Permeability and Survival

Industry: This paper pertains to the field of medical and biological research, specifically focusing on ultrasound technology and its applications in gene delivery and cell membrane permeability.

Challenge: The research aims to understand how ultrasound-induced acoustic cavitation (formation of bubbles) can improve the delivery of genetic material into cells (sonoporation) and determine its impact on cell viability. The challenge is to quantify the relationship between the cavitation dose and the rates of sonoporation and cell survival.

Extraordinary Aspects of the Paper: The study successfully quantified the inertial cavitation dose (ICD) and established its strong correlation with the sonoporation rate and cell viability.

The experimental setup allowed for precise control and measurement of various ultrasonic parameters, such as acoustic pressure, microbubble concentration, and pulse duration.

The research demonstrated that a higher ICD leads to an increased sonoporation rate but decreased cell viability, providing insights that could optimize gene delivery methods.

Equipment & Sensors Used:

GaGe Digitizer: CompuScope 12100, used to digitize received ultrasonic signals.

Ultrasonic Transducers: 1-MHz cylindrical focused transducer (V303, Panametrics-NDT), 10-MHz unfocused transducer (V312, Panametrics-NDT)

Power Amplifier: 250A250A (Amplifier Research), used to amplify the signals generated for inducing cavitation.

Ultrasonic Receiver: 5072PR (Panametrics-NDT), for further signal amplification.

Particle Counter: Z2 Coulter Counter (Beckman Coulter), to measure the size distribution of Levovist® microbubbles.

Commercial Ultrasound Imaging System: LOGIQ 500/10L probe (GE Medical Systems) for real-time observation.

Calibration Equipment: Radiation force balance (National Physical Laboratory), Needle-type hydrophone (MHA150, FORCE Technology)