Direct nuclear delivery of DNA macromolecules using the photothermal nanoblade

Abstract

We demonstrated direct nuclear delivery of macromolecules into live mammalian cells using the photothermal nanoblade. Pulsed laser triggered cavitation bubbles on a titanium thin film coated micropipette tip was utilized to puncture both the cell plasma and nuclear membranes followed by pressure controlled delivery of cargo into the nucleus. High plasmid expression (79-100%) in different cell types with maintained cell viability was achieved.