Development of a quantitative and non-traumatic strategy to insert any nano-molecules into living cells with electrospray

2012 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22500302
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Neuroscience in general
• Research Institution: The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
• Principal Investigator: VIGOT Rejan 独立行政法人理化学研究所, Launey研究ユニット, 研究員 (20470304)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): LAUNEY Thomas 独立行政法人理化学研究所, Launey研究ユニット, ユニットリーダー (30322704) ; CHIMURA Takahiko 独立行政法人理化学研究所, Launey研究ユニット, 研究員 (90392034)
• Co-Investigator(Renkei-kenkyūsha): IKEDA Tokihiro 独立行政法人理化学研究所, 応用研究開発室生物照射チーム, 専任研究員 (80301745)
• Project Period (FY): 2010 – 2012
• Keywords: Electrospray / Transfection / Neuron

Research Abstract

We designed a nanoelectrospray micronozzle to ionize, accelerate and focus molecules/particles toward a single neuron for injection. The two concentric capillaries with hydrophobic coating produced an electrospray of solutions, with localized deposition on solid target. Precise nozzle alignment and voltage wave form were both critical to achieve stable droplet production with peak current reaching 50-250nA. With anionic dye and epifluorescence microscopy, we observed particles reaching the gas-medium interface but also run-away droplets accumulation on the inside of the outer pipette, until an abrupt flooding of the tip and leak of solution. Various nozzle morphologies were tested but this limitation is intrinsic to the current nozzle. Improved designs based on simulations of electrostatic properties are presented.