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Hu T, Kumar AR, Luo Y, Tay A. Automating CAR-T Transfection with Micro and Nano-Technologies. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301300. [PMID: 38054597 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer poses a significant health challenge, with traditional treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy often lacking in cell specificity and long-term curative potential. Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy,utilizing genetically engineered T cells to target cancer cells, is a promising alternative. However, its high cost limits widespread application. CAR-T manufacturing process encompasses three stages: cell isolation and activation, transfection, and expansion.While the first and last stages have straightforward, commercially available automation technologies, the transfection stage lags behind. Current automated transfection relies on viral vectors or bulk electroporation, which have drawbacks such as limited cargo capacity and significant cell disturbance. Conversely, micro and nano-tool methods offer higher throughput and cargo flexibility, yet their automation remains underexplored.In this perspective, the progress in micro and nano-engineering tools for CAR-T transfection followed by a discussion to automate them is described. It is anticipated that this work can inspire the community working on micro and nano transfection techniques to examine how their protocols can be automated to align with the growing interest in automating CAR-T manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianmu Hu
- Engineering Science Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Arun Rk Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | - Yikai Luo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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2
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Maremonti MI, Panzetta V, Netti PA, Causa F. HiViPore: a highly viable in-flow compression for a one-step cell mechanoporation in microfluidics to induce a free delivery of nano- macro-cargoes. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:441. [PMID: 39068464 PMCID: PMC11282774 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02730-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among mechanoporation techniques for intracellular delivery, microfluidic approaches succeed in high delivery efficiency and throughput. However, especially the entry of large cargoes (e.g. DNA origami, mRNAs, organic/inorganic nanoparticles) is currently impaired since it requires large cell membrane pores with the need to apply multi-step processes and high forces, dramatically reducing cell viability. RESULTS Here, HiViPore presents as a microfluidic viscoelastic contactless compression for one-step cell mechanoporation to produce large pores while preserving high cell viability. Inducing an increase of curvature at the equatorial region of cells, formation of a pore with a size of ~ 1 μm is obtained. The poration is coupled to an increase of membrane tension, measured as a raised fluorescence lifetime of 12% of a planarizable push-pull fluorescent probe (Flipper-TR) labelling the cell plasma membrane. Importantly, the local disruptions of cell membrane are transient and non-invasive, with a complete recovery of cell integrity and functions in ~ 10 min. As result, HiViPore guarantees cell viability as high as ~ 90%. In such conditions, an endocytic-free diffusion of large nanoparticles is obtained with typical size up to 500 nm and with a delivery efficiency up to 12 times higher than not-treated cells. CONCLUSIONS The proposed one-step contactless mechanoporation results in an efficient and safe approach for advancing intracellular delivery strategies. In detail, HiViPore solves the issues of low cell viability when multiple steps of poration are required to obtain large pores across the cell plasma membrane. Moreover, the compression uses a versatile, low-cost, biocompatible viscoelastic fluid, thus also optimizing the operational costs. With HiViPore, we aim to propose an easy-to-use microfluidic device to a wide range of users, involved in biomedical research, imaging techniques and nanotechnology for intracellular delivery applications in cell engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabella Maremonti
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80125, Italy
| | - Valeria Panzetta
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80125, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, 80125, Italy
| | - Paolo Antonio Netti
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80125, Italy
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare@CRIB, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Naples, 80125, Italy
| | - Filippo Causa
- Interdisciplinary Research Centre on Biomaterials (CRIB), Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica, dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80125, Italy.
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3
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Patino CA, Sarikaya S, Mukherjee P, Pathak N, Espinosa HD. Well Plate-Based Localized Electroporation Workflow for Rapid Optimization of Intracellular Delivery. Bio Protoc 2024; 14:e5037. [PMID: 39100599 PMCID: PMC11291937 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.5037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient and nontoxic delivery of foreign cargo into cells is a critical step in many biological studies and cell engineering workflows with applications in areas such as biomanufacturing and cell-based therapeutics. However, effective molecular delivery into cells involves optimizing several experimental parameters. In the case of electroporation-based intracellular delivery, there is a need to optimize parameters like pulse voltage, duration, buffer type, and cargo concentration for each unique application. Here, we present the protocol for fabricating and utilizing a high-throughput multi-well localized electroporation device (LEPD) assisted by deep learning-based image analysis to enable rapid optimization of experimental parameters for efficient and nontoxic molecular delivery into cells. The LEPD and the optimization workflow presented herein are relevant to both adherent and suspended cell types and different molecular cargo (DNA, RNA, and proteins). The workflow enables multiplexed combinatorial experiments and can be adapted to cell engineering applications requiring in vitro delivery. Key features • A high-throughput multi-well localized electroporation device (LEPD) that can be optimized for both adherent and suspended cell types. • Allows for multiplexed experiments combined with tailored pulse voltage, duration, buffer type, and cargo concentration. • Compatible with various molecular cargoes, including DNA, RNA, and proteins, enhancing its versatility for cell engineering applications. • Integration with deep learning-based image analysis enables rapid optimization of experimental parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar A. Patino
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Sevketcan Sarikaya
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Prithvijit Mukherjee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Nibir Pathak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Horacio D. Espinosa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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4
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Muralidharan A, Boukany PE. Electrotransfer for nucleic acid and protein delivery. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:780-798. [PMID: 38102019 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Electrotransfer of nucleic acids and proteins has become crucial in biotechnology for gene augmentation and genome editing. This review explores the applications of electrotransfer in both ex vivo and in vivo scenarios, emphasizing biomedical uses. We provide insights into completed clinical trials and successful instances of nucleic acid and protein electrotransfer into therapeutically relevant cells such as immune cells and stem and progenitor cells. In addition, we delve into emerging areas of electrotransfer where nanotechnology and deep learning techniques overcome the limitations of traditional electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aswin Muralidharan
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands; Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Pouyan E Boukany
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, van der Maasweg 9, 2629 HZ Delft, The Netherlands.
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5
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Quek YJ, Tay A. Nanoscale Methods for Longitudinal Extraction of Intracellular Contents. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2314184. [PMID: 38459829 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202314184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Longitudinal analysis of intracellular contents including gene and protein expression is crucial for deciphering the fundamentally dynamic nature of cells. This offers invaluable insights into complex tissue composition and behavior, and drives progress in disease diagnosis, biomarker discovery, and drug development. Traditional longitudinal analysis workflows, involving the destruction of cells at various timepoints, limit insights to singular moments and fail to account for cellular heterogeneity. Current non-destructive approaches, like temporal modeling with single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) and live-cell fluorescence imaging, either rely on biological assumptions or possess the risk of cellular perturbation. Recent advances in nanoscale technologies for non-destructive intracellular content extraction offer a promising solution to these challenges. These novel methods work at the nanoscale to non-destructively access cellular membranes and can be broadly classified into three mechanisms: tip-facilitated aspiration, membrane-based, and probe-based methods. This perspective focuses on these emerging nanotechnologies for repeated intracellular content extraction. Their potential in longitudinal analysis is discussed, the critical requirements for effective repeated sampling are addressed, and the suitability of each technique for various applications is explored. Furthermore, unresolved challenges in repeated sampling are highlighted to encourage further research in this growing field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Jie Quek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Tissue Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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6
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Vo QD, Saito Y, Ida T, Nakamura K, Yuasa S. The use of artificial intelligence in induced pluripotent stem cell-based technology over 10-year period: A systematic scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302537. [PMID: 38771829 PMCID: PMC11108174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stem cell research, particularly in the domain of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, has shown significant progress. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), especially machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), has played a pivotal role in refining iPSC classification, monitoring cell functionality, and conducting genetic analysis. These enhancements are broadening the applications of iPSC technology in disease modelling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine. This review aims to explore the role of AI in the advancement of iPSC research. METHODS In December 2023, data were collected from three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct) to investigate the application of AI technology in iPSC processing. RESULTS This systematic scoping review encompassed 79 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The number of research studies in this area has increased over time, with the United States emerging as a leading contributor in this field. AI technologies have been diversely applied in iPSC technology, encompassing the classification of cell types, assessment of disease-specific phenotypes in iPSC-derived cells, and the facilitation of drug screening using iPSC. The precision of AI methodologies has improved significantly in recent years, creating a foundation for future advancements in iPSC-based technologies. CONCLUSIONS Our review offers insights into the role of AI in regenerative and personalized medicine, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. Although still in its early stages, AI technologies show significant promise in advancing our understanding of disease progression and development, paving the way for future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Duy Vo
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
- Faculty of Medicine, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Yukihiro Saito
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ida
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Nakamura
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Yuasa
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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7
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Shiomi A, Kaneko T, Nishikawa K, Tsuchida A, Isoshima T, Sato M, Toyooka K, Doi K, Nishikii H, Shintaku H. High-throughput mechanical phenotyping and transcriptomics of single cells. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3812. [PMID: 38760380 PMCID: PMC11101642 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48088-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecular system regulating cellular mechanical properties remains unexplored at single-cell resolution mainly due to a limited ability to combine mechanophenotyping with unbiased transcriptional screening. Here, we describe an electroporation-based lipid-bilayer assay for cell surface tension and transcriptomics (ELASTomics), a method in which oligonucleotide-labelled macromolecules are imported into cells via nanopore electroporation to assess the mechanical state of the cell surface and are enumerated by sequencing. ELASTomics can be readily integrated with existing single-cell sequencing approaches and enables the joint study of cell surface mechanics and underlying transcriptional regulation at an unprecedented resolution. We validate ELASTomics via analysis of cancer cell lines from various malignancies and show that the method can accurately identify cell types and assess cell surface tension. ELASTomics enables exploration of the relationships between cell surface tension, surface proteins, and transcripts along cell lineages differentiating from the haematopoietic progenitor cells of mice. We study the surface mechanics of cellular senescence and demonstrate that RRAD regulates cell surface tension in senescent TIG-1 cells. ELASTomics provides a unique opportunity to profile the mechanical and molecular phenotypes of single cells and can dissect the interplay among these in a range of biological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akifumi Shiomi
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
- Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Mayuko Sato
- Center for Sustainable Resource Science, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Kentaro Doi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi, Japan
| | | | - Hirofumi Shintaku
- Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan.
- Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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8
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Chowdhry R, Lu SZ, Lee S, Godhulayyagari S, Ebrahimi SB, Samanta D. Enhancing CRISPR/Cas systems with nanotechnology. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1549-1564. [PMID: 37451945 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas systems have revolutionized biology and medicine, and have led to new paradigms in disease diagnostics and therapeutics. However, these complexes suffer from key limitations regarding barriers to cellular entry, stability in biological environments, and off-target effects. Integrating nanotechnology with CRISPR/Cas systems has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges and has further unlocked structures that accumulate preferentially in tissues of interest, have tunable pharmacological properties, and are activated in response to desired stimuli. Nanomaterials can also enhance CRISPR/Cas-mediated detection platforms by enabling faster, more sensitive, and convenient readouts. We highlight recent advances in this rapidly growing field. We also outline areas that need further development to fully realize the potential of CRISPR technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali Chowdhry
- Department of Public Health, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Steven Z Lu
- Department of Biology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Seungheon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | | | - Sasha B Ebrahimi
- Drug Product Development - Steriles, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Devleena Samanta
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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9
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Brooks JR, Heiman TC, Lorenzen SR, Mungloo I, Mirfendereski S, Park JS, Yang R. Transepithelial Electrical Impedance Increase Following Porous Substrate Electroporation Enables Label-Free Delivery. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.17.562630. [PMID: 37905105 PMCID: PMC10614851 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.17.562630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Porous substrate electroporation (PSEP) is a promising new method for intracellular delivery, yet fundamentals of the PSEP delivery process are not well understood, partly because most PSEP studies rely solely on imaging for evaluating delivery. Although effective, imaging alone limits understanding of intermediate processes leading to delivery. PSEP is an electrical process, so electrical impedance measurements naturally complement imaging for PSEP characterization. In this study, we developed a device capable of measuring impedance and performing PSEP and we monitored changes in transepithelial electrical impedance (TEEI). Our measurements show TEEI increases following PSEP, unlike other electroporation methods. We then demonstrated how cell culture conditions and electrical waveforms influence this response. More importantly, we correlated TEEI response features with viability and delivery efficiency, allowing prediction of outcomes without fluorescent cargo, imaging, or image processing. This label-free delivery also allows improved temporal resolution of transient processes following PSEP, which we expect will aid PSEP optimization for new cell types and cargos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R. Brooks
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Tyler C. Heiman
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Sawyer R. Lorenzen
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Ikhlaas Mungloo
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Siamak Mirfendereski
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Jae Sung Park
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
| | - Ruiguo Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
- Nebraska Center for Integrated Biomolecular Communications, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68588, USA
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Shokouhi AR, Chen Y, Yoh HZ, Murayama T, Suu K, Morikawa Y, Brenker J, Alan T, Voelcker NH, Elnathan R. Electroactive nanoinjection platform for intracellular delivery and gene silencing. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:273. [PMID: 37592297 PMCID: PMC10433684 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02056-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nanoinjection-the process of intracellular delivery using vertically configured nanostructures-is a physical route that efficiently negotiates the plasma membrane, with minimal perturbation and toxicity to the cells. Nanoinjection, as a physical membrane-disruption-mediated approach, overcomes challenges associated with conventional carrier-mediated approaches such as safety issues (with viral carriers), genotoxicity, limited packaging capacity, low levels of endosomal escape, and poor versatility for cell and cargo types. Yet, despite the implementation of nanoinjection tools and their assisted analogues in diverse cellular manipulations, there are still substantial challenges in harnessing these platforms to gain access into cell interiors with much greater precision without damaging the cell's intricate structure. Here, we propose a non-viral, low-voltage, and reusable electroactive nanoinjection (ENI) platform based on vertically configured conductive nanotubes (NTs) that allows for rapid influx of targeted biomolecular cargos into the intracellular environment, and for successful gene silencing. The localization of electric fields at the tight interface between conductive NTs and the cell membrane drastically lowers the voltage required for cargo delivery into the cells, from kilovolts (for bulk electroporation) to only ≤ 10 V; this enhances the fine control over membrane disruption and mitigates the problem of high cell mortality experienced by conventional electroporation. RESULTS Through both theoretical simulations and experiments, we demonstrate the capability of the ENI platform to locally perforate GPE-86 mouse fibroblast cells and efficiently inject a diverse range of membrane-impermeable biomolecules with efficacy of 62.5% (antibody), 55.5% (mRNA), and 51.8% (plasmid DNA), with minimal impact on cells' viability post nanoscale-EP (> 90%). We also show gene silencing through the delivery of siRNA that targets TRIOBP, yielding gene knockdown efficiency of 41.3%. CONCLUSIONS We anticipate that our non-viral and low-voltage ENI platform is set to offer a new safe path to intracellular delivery with broader selection of cargo and cell types, and will open opportunities for advanced ex vivo cell engineering and gene silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali-Reza Shokouhi
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Yaping Chen
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Hao Zhe Yoh
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Takahide Murayama
- Institute of Semiconductor and Electronics Technologies, ULVAC Inc, 1220-1 Suyama, Susono, Shizuoka, 410-1231, Japan
| | - Koukou Suu
- Institute of Semiconductor and Electronics Technologies, ULVAC Inc, 1220-1 Suyama, Susono, Shizuoka, 410-1231, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Morikawa
- Institute of Semiconductor and Electronics Technologies, ULVAC Inc, 1220-1 Suyama, Susono, Shizuoka, 410-1231, Japan
| | - Jason Brenker
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Tuncay Alan
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Monash University, Wellington Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Voelcker
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
- INM-Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, 22 Alliance Lane, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
| | - Roey Elnathan
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, 151 Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
- Faculty of Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Melbourne, VIC, 3216, Australia.
- Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3216, Australia.
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, Melbourne, VIC, 3216, Australia.
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11
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Pathak N, Patino CA, Ramani N, Mukherjee P, Samanta D, Ebrahimi SB, Mirkin CA, Espinosa HD. Cellular Delivery of Large Functional Proteins and Protein-Nucleic Acid Constructs via Localized Electroporation. NANO LETTERS 2023; 23:3653-3660. [PMID: 36848135 PMCID: PMC10433461 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.2c04374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Delivery of proteins and protein-nucleic acid constructs into live cells enables a wide range of applications from gene editing to cell-based therapies and intracellular sensing. However, electroporation-based protein delivery remains challenging due to the large sizes of proteins, their low surface charge, and susceptibility to conformational changes that result in loss of function. Here, we use a nanochannel-based localized electroporation platform with multiplexing capabilities to optimize the intracellular delivery of large proteins (β-galactosidase, 472 kDa, 75.38% efficiency), protein-nucleic acid conjugates (protein spherical nucleic acids (ProSNA), 668 kDa, 80.25% efficiency), and Cas9-ribonucleoprotein complex (160 kDa, ∼60% knock-out and ∼24% knock-in) while retaining functionality post-delivery. Importantly, we delivered the largest protein to date using a localized electroporation platform and showed a nearly 2-fold improvement in gene editing efficiencies compared to previous reports. Furthermore, using confocal microscopy, we observed enhanced cytosolic delivery of ProSNAs, which may expand opportunities for detection and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nibir Pathak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Cesar A Patino
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Namrata Ramani
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Prithvijit Mukherjee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Devleena Samanta
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Sasha B Ebrahimi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Horacio D Espinosa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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Mukherjee P, Peng CY, McGuire T, Hwang JW, Puritz CH, Pathak N, Patino CA, Braun R, Kessler JA, Espinosa HD. Single cell transcriptomics reveals reduced stress response in stem cells manipulated using localized electric fields. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100601. [PMID: 37063248 PMCID: PMC10102005 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane disruption using Bulk Electroporation (BEP) is a widely used non-viral method for delivering biomolecules into cells. Recently, its microfluidic counterpart, Localized Electroporation (LEP), has been successfully used for several applications ranging from reprogramming and engineering cells for therapeutic purposes to non-destructive sampling from live cells for temporal analysis. However, the side effects of these processes on gene expression, that can affect the physiology of sensitive stem cells are not well understood. Here, we use single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to investigate the effects of BEP and LEP on murine neural stem cell (NSC) gene expression. Our results indicate that unlike BEP, LEP does not lead to extensive cell death or activation of cell stress response pathways that may affect their long-term physiology. Additionally, our demonstrations show that LEP is suitable for multi-day delivery protocols as it enables better preservation of cell viability and integrity as compared to BEP.
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Xu X, Valavanis D, Ciocci P, Confederat S, Marcuccio F, Lemineur JF, Actis P, Kanoufi F, Unwin PR. The New Era of High-Throughput Nanoelectrochemistry. Anal Chem 2023; 95:319-356. [PMID: 36625121 PMCID: PMC9835065 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c05105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Xu
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.
| | | | - Paolo Ciocci
- Université
Paris Cité, ITODYS, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Samuel Confederat
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.
| | - Fabio Marcuccio
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Faculty
of Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paolo Actis
- School
of Electronic and Electrical Engineering and Pollard Institute, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,Bragg
Centre for Materials Research, University
of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K.,
| | | | - Patrick R. Unwin
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, U.K.,
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14
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Mukherjee P, Park SH, Pathak N, Patino CA, Bao G, Espinosa HD. Integrating Micro and Nano Technologies for Cell Engineering and Analysis: Toward the Next Generation of Cell Therapy Workflows. ACS NANO 2022; 16:15653-15680. [PMID: 36154011 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c05494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The emerging field of cell therapy offers the potential to treat and even cure a diverse array of diseases for which existing interventions are inadequate. Recent advances in micro and nanotechnology have added a multitude of single cell analysis methods to our research repertoire. At the same time, techniques have been developed for the precise engineering and manipulation of cells. Together, these methods have aided the understanding of disease pathophysiology, helped formulate corrective interventions at the cellular level, and expanded the spectrum of available cell therapeutic options. This review discusses how micro and nanotechnology have catalyzed the development of cell sorting, cellular engineering, and single cell analysis technologies, which have become essential workflow components in developing cell-based therapeutics. The review focuses on the technologies adopted in research studies and explores the opportunities and challenges in combining the various elements of cell engineering and single cell analysis into the next generation of integrated and automated platforms that can accelerate preclinical studies and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithvijit Mukherjee
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - So Hyun Park
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Nibir Pathak
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Cesar A Patino
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
| | - Gang Bao
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, 6500 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - Horacio D Espinosa
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Theoretical and Applied Mechanics Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
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15
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Vindiš T, Blažič A, Khayyat D, Potočnik T, Sachdev S, Rems L. Gene Electrotransfer into Mammalian Cells Using Commercial Cell Culture Inserts with Porous Substrate. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091959. [PMID: 36145709 PMCID: PMC9506064 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene electrotransfer is one of the main non-viral methods for intracellular delivery of plasmid DNA, wherein pulsed electric fields are used to transiently permeabilize the cell membrane, allowing enhanced transmembrane transport. By localizing the electric field over small portions of the cell membrane using nanostructured substrates, it is possible to increase considerably the gene electrotransfer efficiency while preserving cell viability. In this study, we expand the frontier of localized electroporation by designing an electrotransfer approach based on commercially available cell culture inserts with polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) porous substrate. We first use multiscale numerical modeling to determine the pulse parameters, substrate pore size, and other factors that are expected to result in successful gene electrotransfer. Based on the numerical results, we design a simple device combining an insert with substrate containing pores with 0.4 µm or 1.0 µm diameter, a multiwell plate, and a pair of wire electrodes. We test the device in three mammalian cell lines and obtain transfection efficiencies similar to those achieved with conventional bulk electroporation, but at better cell viability and with low-voltage pulses that do not require the use of expensive electroporators. Our combined theoretical and experimental analysis calls for further systematic studies that will investigate the influence of substrate pore size and porosity on gene electrotransfer efficiency and cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Vindiš
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anja Blažič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Diaa Khayyat
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Institute for Multiphase Processes, Leibniz University Hannover, An der Universität 1, 30823 Garbsen, Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, Stadtfelddamm 34, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tjaša Potočnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Shaurya Sachdev
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Rems
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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