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Maschietto M, Dal Maschio M, Girardi S, Vassanelli S. In situ electroporation of mammalian cells through SiO 2 thin film capacitive microelectrodes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15126. [PMID: 34302040 PMCID: PMC8302607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94620-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is a widely used non-viral technique for the delivery of molecules, including nucleic acids, into cells. Recently, electronic microsystems that miniaturize the electroporation machinery have been developed as a new tool for genetic manipulation of cells in vitro, by integrating metal microelectrodes in the culture substrate and enabling electroporation in-situ. We report that non-faradic SiO2 thin film-insulated microelectrodes can be used for reliable and spatially selective in-situ electroporation of mammalian cells. CHO-K1 and SH-SY5Y cell lines and primary neuronal cultures were electroporated by application of short and low amplitude voltage transients leading to cell electroporation by capacitive currents. We demonstrate reliable delivery of DNA plasmids and exogenous gene expression, accompanied by high spatial selectivity and cell viability, even with differentiated neurons. Finally, we show that SiO2 thin film-insulated microelectrodes support a double and serial transfection of the targeted cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Maschietto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padua, via F. Marzolo 3, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - M Dal Maschio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padua, via F. Marzolo 3, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - S Girardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padua, via F. Marzolo 3, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - S Vassanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Padua, via F. Marzolo 3, 35131, Padua, Italy. .,Padua Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, via Orus 2/B, 35131, Padua, Italy. .,Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry and Technologies for Energy, CNR, Corso Stati Uniti 4, 35127, Padua, Italy.
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Stolwijk JA, Wegener J. Impedance analysis of adherent cells after in situ electroporation-mediated delivery of bioactive proteins, DNA and nanoparticles in µL-volumes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21331. [PMID: 33288771 PMCID: PMC7721805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Specific intracellular manipulation of animal cells is a persistent goal in experimental cell biology. Such manipulations allow precise and targeted interference with signaling cascades, metabolic pathways, or bi-molecular interactions for subsequent tracking of functional consequences. However, most biomolecules capable of molecular recognition are membrane impermeable. The ability to introduce these molecules into the cytoplasm and then to apply appropriate readouts to monitor the corresponding cell response could prove to be an important research tool. This study describes such an experimental approach combining in situ electroporation (ISE) as a means to efficiently deliver biomolecules to the cytoplasm with an impedance-based, time-resolved analysis of cell status using electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). In this approach, gold-film electrodes, deposited on the bottom of regular culture dishes, are used for both electroporation and monitoring. The design of the electrode layout and measurement chamber allows working with sample volumes as small as 10 µL. A miniaturized setup for combined electroporation and impedance sensing (µISE-ECIS) was applied to load different adherent cells with bioactive macromolecules including enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids and quantum dot nanoparticles. The cell response after loading the cytoplasm with RNase A or cytochrome c (in the presence or absence of caspase inhibitors) was tracked by non-invasive impedance readings in real-time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith A Stolwijk
- Institut fuer Analytische Chemie, Chemo- & Biosensorik, Universität Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Joachim Wegener
- Institut fuer Analytische Chemie, Chemo- & Biosensorik, Universität Regensburg, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Einrichtung fuer Mikrosysteme und Festkörpertechnologien EMFT, Universitaetsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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Optimization of single-cell electroporation protocol for forced gene expression in primary neuronal cultures. Mol Biotechnol 2014; 56:824-32. [PMID: 24794046 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-014-9761-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The development and function of the central nervous system (CNS) are realized through interactions between many neurons. To investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of the development and function of the CNS, it is thus crucial to be able to manipulate the gene expression of single neurons in a complex cell population. We recently developed a technique for gene silencing by introducing small interfering RNA into single neurons in primary CNS cultures using single-cell electroporation. However, we had not succeeded in forced gene expression by introducing expression plasmids using single-cell electroporation. In the present study, we optimized the experimental conditions to enable the forced expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in cultured cerebellar Purkinje neurons using single-cell electroporation. We succeeded in strong GFP expression in Purkinje neurons by increasing the inside diameter of micropipettes or by making the size of the original plasmid smaller by digestion and cyclizing it by ligation. Strong GFP expression in Purkinje neurons electroporated under the optimal conditions continued to be observed for more than 25 days after electroporation. Thus, this technique could be used for forced gene expression in single neurons to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of the development, function, and disease of the CNS.
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Abstract
Electroporation is a simple yet powerful technique for breaching the cell membrane barrier. The applications of electroporation can be generally divided into two categories: the release of intracellular proteins, nucleic acids and other metabolites for analysis and the delivery of exogenous reagents such as genes, drugs and nanoparticles with therapeutic purposes or for cellular manipulation. In this review, we go over the basic physics associated with cell electroporation and highlight recent technological advances on microfluidic platforms for conducting electroporation. Within the context of its working mechanism, we summarize the accumulated knowledge on how the parameters of electroporation affect its performance for various tasks. We discuss various strategies and designs for conducting electroporation at the microscale and then focus on analysis of intracellular contents and delivery of exogenous agents as two major applications of the technique. Finally, an outlook for future applications of microfluidic electroporation in increasingly diverse utilities is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Geng
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Chang Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. Fax: +1-540-231-5022; Tel: +1-540-231-8681
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Overview of micro- and nano-technology tools for stem cell applications: micropatterned and microelectronic devices. SENSORS 2012. [PMID: 23202240 PMCID: PMC3522993 DOI: 10.3390/s121115947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades the scientific community has been recognizing the paramount role of the cell microenvironment in determining cell behavior. In parallel, the study of human stem cells for their potential therapeutic applications has been progressing constantly. The use of advanced technologies, enabling one to mimic the in vivo stem cell microenviroment and to study stem cell physiology and physio-pathology, in settings that better predict human cell biology, is becoming the object of much research effort. In this review we will detail the most relevant and recent advances in the field of biosensors and micro- and nano-technologies in general, highlighting advantages and disadvantages. Particular attention will be devoted to those applications employing stem cells as a sensing element.
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Movahed S, Li D. A Theoretical Study of Single-Cell Electroporation in a Microchannel. J Membr Biol 2012; 246:151-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-012-9515-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Movahed S, Li D. Electrokinetic transport through the nanopores in cell membrane during electroporation. J Colloid Interface Sci 2012; 369:442-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2011.12.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 12/09/2011] [Accepted: 12/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Tanaka M. Single-Cell Electroporation of siRNA in Primary Neuronal Cultures. CONTROLLED GENETIC MANIPULATIONS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-61779-533-6_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Tanaka M, Asaoka M, Yanagawa Y, Hirashima N. Long-term gene-silencing effects of siRNA introduced by single-cell electroporation into postmitotic CNS neurons. Neurochem Res 2011; 36:1482-9. [PMID: 21509509 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-011-0474-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
To explore how long the gene-silencing effects of siRNA introduced into postmitotic neurons continue, we transferred siRNA against GFP into GFP-expressing Purkinje and Golgi cells in cerebellar cell cultures by single-cell electroporation. The temporal changes in the intensity of GFP fluorescence in the same electroporated cells were monitored in real time using GFP imaging. Under standard conditions, GFP fluorescence was reduced to under one-tenth of the initial levels 4-7 days after electroporation. Such effects continued at least up to 14 days after electroporation. The effects of siRNAs against endogenous genes also continued for the same period. Thus, this method could be an effective tool for silencing gene expression for a long period in postmitotic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Tanaka
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, 467-8603, Japan.
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Wang M, Orwar O, Olofsson J, Weber SG. Single-cell electroporation. Anal Bioanal Chem 2010; 397:3235-48. [PMID: 20496058 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-010-3744-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell electroporation (SCEP) is a relatively new technique that has emerged in the last decade or so for single-cell studies. When a large enough electric field is applied to a single cell, transient nano-pores form in the cell membrane allowing molecules to be transported into and out of the cell. Unlike bulk electroporation, in which a homogenous electric field is applied to a suspension of cells, in SCEP an electric field is created locally near a single cell. Today, single-cell-level studies are at the frontier of biochemical research, and SCEP is a promising tool in such studies. In this review, we discuss pore formation based on theoretical and experimental approaches. Current SCEP techniques using microelectrodes, micropipettes, electrolyte-filled capillaries, and microfabricated devices are all thoroughly discussed for adherent and suspended cells. SCEP has been applied in in-vivo and in-vitro studies for delivery of cell-impermeant molecules such as drugs, DNA, and siRNA, and for morphological observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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Abstract
During postnatal cerebellar development, Purkinje cells form the most elaborate dendritic trees among neurons in the brain, which have been of great interest to many investigators. This article overviews various examples of cellular and molecular mechanisms of formation of Purkinje cell dendrites as well as the methodological aspects of investigating those mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiko Tanaka
- Department of Cellular Biophysics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8603, Japan.
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Wang M, Orwar O, Weber SG. Single-cell transfection by electroporation using an electrolyte/plasmid-filled capillary. Anal Chem 2009; 81:4060-7. [PMID: 19351139 DOI: 10.1021/ac900265f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell transfection of adherent cells has been accomplished using single-cell electroporation (SCEP) with a pulled capillary. HEPES-buffered physiological saline solution containing pEGFP plasmid at a low concentration (0.16 approximately 0.78 microg/microL) filled a 15 cm long capillary with a tip opening of 2 microm. The electric field is applied to individual cells by bringing the tip close to the cell and subsequently applying one or two brief electric pulses. Many individual cells can thus be transfected with a small volume of plasmid-containing solution (approximately 1 microL). The extent of electroporation is determined by measuring the percentage loss of freely diffusing thiols (chiefly reduced glutathione) that have been derivatized with the fluorogenic ThioGlo 1. A mass transport model is used to fit the time-dependent fluorescence intensity decay in the target cells. The fits, which are excellent, yield the electroporation-induced fluorescence loss at steady state and the mass transfer rate through the electroporated cell membrane. Steady-state fluorescence loss ranged approximately from 0 to about 80% (based on the fluorescence intensity before electroporation). For the cells having a loss of thiol-ThioGlo 1 fluorescence intensity greater than 10% and mass transfer rate greater than 0.03 s(-1), EGFP fluorescence is observed after 24 h. The EGFP fluorescence is increased at 48 h. With a loss smaller than 10% and a mass transfer rate smaller than 0.03 s(-1), no EGFP fluorescence is detected. Thus, transfection success is closely related to the small molecule mass transport dynamics as indicated by the loss of fluorescence from thiol-ThioGlo 1 conjugates. The EGFP expression is weaker than bulk lipid-mediated transfection, as indicated by the EGFP fluorescence intensities. However, the success with the single-cell approach is considerably greater than lipid-mediated transfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
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Transfer of small interfering RNA by single-cell electroporation in cerebellar cell cultures. J Neurosci Methods 2008; 178:80-6. [PMID: 19114056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2008.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2008] [Revised: 11/04/2008] [Accepted: 11/22/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful means to investigate functions of genes involved in neuronal differentiation and degeneration. In contrast to widely used methods for introducing small interfering RNA (siRNA) into cells, recently developed single-cell electroporation has enabled transfer of siRNA into single and identified cells. To explore the availability of single-cell electroporation of siRNA in detail, we introduced siRNA against green fluorescent protein (GFP) into GFP-expressing Golgi and Purkinje cells in cerebellar cell cultures by single-cell electroporation using micropipettes. The temporal changes in the intensity of GFP fluorescence in the same electroporated cells were monitored in real-time up to 4 days after electroporation. Several parameters, including tip diameter and resistance of micropipettes, concentrations of siRNA and a fluorescent dye marker, voltage and time of pulses, were optimized to maximize both the efficacy of RNAi and the viability of the electroporated cells. Under the optimal conditions, transfer of GFP siRNA significantly reduced GFP fluorescence in the electroporated cells, whereas that of negative control siRNA had no effects. GFP siRNA was more efficient in Purkinje cells than in Golgi cells. The electroporated Purkinje cells were normal in their morphology, including elaborated dendrites. Thus, the single-cell electroporation of siRNA could be a simple but effective tool for silencing gene expression in individual cells in neuronal primary cultures. In addition, both gene-silencing and off-target effects of siRNA introduced by this method may differ between neuronal cell types, and the parameters of single-cell electroporation should be optimized in each cell type.
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Citations. Biotechniques 2008. [DOI: 10.2144/000112973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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