Repeated introduction of laser-induced stress waves into an electroporation cuvette for applying electrical and mechanical stimuli into cell suspension

抄録

The introduction of intense pressure waves such as laser-induced stress waves (LISWs) during electroporation is expected to solve the problem encountered in electroporation by either promoting cell membrane permeability or cell growth. In this study, the repeated LISW introduction exceeding 10 MPa at peak intensity into a versatile electroporation cuvette was experimentally demonstrated. For generating the LISWs, circulating black ink and a transparent soft tube was used as an optical absorber and a plasma-confined medium, respectively. From experimental results, the author found that the peak positive pressure of LISWs in the cuvette was dominant; however, the effect of cavitation was relatively weak because of a small negative pressure. Moreover, the stable repeated generation of LISWs was observed in laser irradiation for more than 30 cycles. The effects of repeated LISW introduction on yeast cell growth were also investigated using the present system. The reduction of yeast growth after LISW introduction of 100 cycles was suggested.