In vitro transfection of human bladder cancer cells by acoustic energy

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to examine and quantify the shock-wave-induced transfection of human bladder carcinoma cells.

Materials and methods: Cell suspensions were transfected with different concentrations of the pEGFP-N1 plasmid. Shock-waves were applied in a degassed water bath with different numbers of impulses at different energy levels. Additionally, the effects of different DNA concentrations, frequencies and the absence/presence of a liquid air border were examined.

Results: After shock-wave application, the transfection rate increased up to a maximum of 27.10% after 1000 impulses at an energy level of 0.5 mJ/mm2. In comparison negative control groups were transfected significantly below 1%. An increase in acoustic power and frequency and of DNA concentration and the presence of a liquid-air border resulted in an increasing transfection rate.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that naked plasmid DNA can easily and effectively be delivered to malignant urothelial cells in vitro upon exposure to lithotripter-generated shock-waves.