Non-invasive targeted gene transfer/expression of the firefly luciferase gene in an Opticell-based configuration using ultrasound (sonoporation)

Ultrasound may be employed to achieve targeted expression of a transgene either in vitro or in vivo. The data above indicate the targeting capabilities of the SONIDEL SP100 platform which includes the SONIDEL SP100 Sonoporator, the SONIDEL STK10 Transfection Kit and the SONIDEL MB101 Microbubble-based technology.

Cells have been plated throughout the window of the unit above and microbubbles together with luciferase-encoding naked plasmid DNA have been added. Areas exhibiting luciferase activity have been treated with ultrasound externally applied to the unit. The data indicate both the non-invasive nature of the ultrasound-based stimulus AND the site-specific nature of gene transfer/expression.

•    Target cells covered the complete Opticell membrane surface and positions treated with ultrasound are non-destructively visualised by photonic imaging.

•    Non-invasive specific spatial targeting of gene transfer to pre-defined sites on the membrane are clearly visible

•    Gene expression may be quantified directly using photonic imaging or by excision of the membrane and recovery of the cells

•    Gene expression may also be visualised and mapped using fluorescence microscopy if a GFP-based reporter is employed

See also ultrasound-mediated specific targeting of gene expression in vivo

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