Project 1

Assessing Ultrasound-Mediated Cell Transfection in microchamber SYSTEMS

(Prof. Jonathan Kopechek, BE)

Cell therapies often require intracellular delivery of plasmids or other compounds in order to transform the cells for therapeutic effect. However, current transfection techniques have safety concerns or are slow and inefficient. To address this problem, we have developed a unique 3D-printed acoustofluidic platform combining ultrasound technology in a flow system for rapid delivery of DNA or other molecular compounds into cells (Figure 1) [1-4]. To further understand the key mechanisms involved in acoustofluidic transfection, we are developing PDMS-based microchamber systems to modulate cellular properties and analyze transfection efficiency using single cell microscopy analysis. The goal of this project is to elucidate key factors that influence ultrasound-guided transfection mechanisms of human cells cultured in PDMS-based microwell chambers. The results of these studies will enable optimization of acoustofluidic transfection methods for manufacturing of cellular therapies for improved human health. The REU student will design and perform experiments to assess transfection efficiency by loading DNA plasmids and other molecular compounds into immune cells and other cell types in microwell chambers. Students interested in BE, ME, ChE, Chem, or Bio would be excellent candidates.

References

1.           Centner, C.S., et al., Acoustofluidic-mediated molecular delivery to human T cells with a three-dimensional-printed flow chamber. J Acoust Soc Am, 2021. 150(6): p. 4534.

2.           Centner, C.S., et al., Comparison of Acoustofluidic and Static Systems for Ultrasound-Mediated Molecular Delivery to T Lymphocytes. Ultrasound Med Biol, 2023. 49(1): p. 90-105.

3.           Centner, C.S., et al., Ultrasound-induced molecular delivery to erythrocytes using a microfluidic system. Biomicrofluidics, 2020. 14(2): p. 024114.

4.           Centner, C.S., et al., Assembly and Operation of an Acoustofluidic Device for Enhanced Delivery of Molecular Compounds to Cells. J Vis Exp, 2021(167).