Harvard researchers use tiny gold pyramids operated by lasers to deliver drugs inside cells

It is important for biomedical research to deliver cargo such as DNA or drugs inside cells. However, cells have natural mechanisms to prevent insertion of alien materials, and so far the only effective methods of delivery were highly dependent on the payload. Harvard researchers have developed a way to introduce any cargo directly into cells, without any lasting damage. The research has the potential to accelerate and transform biomedical research.

Nabiha Saklayen, the first author of the research paper, said “Being able to effectively deliver large and diverse cargos directly into cells will transform biomedical research. However, no current single delivery system can do all the things you need to do at once. Intracellular delivery systems need to be highly efficient, scalable, and cost effective while at the same time able to carry diverse cargo and deliver it to specific cells on a surface without damage. It’s a really big challenge.”

Image: Nabiha Saklayen/Harvard SEAS.

The research was conducted on cancer cells, which were coated with the cargo molecules, and placed on a substrate containing an array of tiny gold pyramids. About 50 pyramids were exposed to each cell. The researchers then used lasers to heat the tips of the pyramids to about 300 degrees Celsius. The heat was extremely controlled and extremely localised, allowing for 50 tiny pores to open. The cargo then diffused into the cell. The cells suffered no long lasting damage, and could reproduce well after the procedure.

The molecules used as the cargo were the same size as clinically relevant cargoes such as proteins and antibodies. The researchers will now go on to test the method of delivery on T cells, stem cells and blood cells. The research could lead to a procedure where unhealthy cells are removed from the body, injected with drugs or DNA, and re-introduced into the body. Harvard has applied for patents, and is looking to commercialise the technology.

 

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