Name: assembly and operation of an acoustofluidic device for enhanced delivery of molecular compounds to cells
Uploaded: 2021-01-21T13:30:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Assembly and Operation of an Acoustofluidic Device for Enhanced Delivery of Molecular Compounds to Cells at JoVE.com

This work was supported in part by funding from the National Science Foundation (#1827521, #1827521, #1450370)&#160;and the National Institutes of Health (U01HL127518). Photolithography services were provided by the University of Louisville Micro/Nano Technology Center.

Whole blood donations were collected from healthy donors following protocols approved by the institutional review board at the University of Louisville.
1.&#160;Fabrication&#160;of&#160;acoustofluidic&#160;device
<ol>
	<li>Obtain a photomask with a concentric spiral design containing channels with a diameter of 500 &#181;m. A CAD file is provided in the supplemental files as an example. A custom photomask can be ordered from a commercial vendor or patterned using a mask writ...

<ol>
	<li>Gardlik, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Vectors+and+delivery+systems+in+gene+therapy.">Vectors and delivery systems in gene therapy.</a> Medical Science Monitor. 11 (4), 110-121 (2005).</li><li>Wahlers, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Influence+of+multiplicity+of+infection+and+protein+stability+on+retroviral+vector-mediated+gene+expression+in+hematopoietic+cells.">Influence of multiplicity of infection and protein stability on retroviral vector-mediated gene expression in hematopoietic cells.</a> Gene Therapy. 8 (6), 477-486 (2001).</li><li>Nayerossadat, N., Maedeh, T., Ali, P. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Viral+and+nonviral+delivery+systems+for+gene+delivery.">Viral and nonviral delivery systems for gene delivery.</a> Advanced Biomedical Research. 1, 27 (2012).</li><li>Chen, C., Smye, S. W., Robinson, M. P., Evans, J. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Membrane+electroporation+theories:+a+review.">Membrane electroporation theories: a review.</a> Medical &amp; Biological Engineering &amp; Computing. 44 (1-2), 5-14 (2006).</li><li>Gehl, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Electroporation:+theory+and+methods,+perspectives+for+drug+delivery,+gene+therapy+and+research.">Electroporation: theory and methods, perspectives for drug delivery, gene therapy and research.</a> Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 177 (4), 437-447 (2003).</li><li>Lin, Y. C., Li, M., Wu, C. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Simulation+and+experimental+demonstration+of+the+electric+field+assisted+electroporation+microchip+for+in+vitro+gene+delivery+enhancement.">Simulation and experimental demonstration of the electric field assisted electroporation microchip for in vitro gene delivery enhancement.</a> Lab on a Chip. 4 (2), 104-108 (2004).</li><li>Sugar, I. P., Neumann, E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stochastic+model+for+electric+field-induced+membrane+pores.">Stochastic model for electric field-induced membrane pores.</a> Electroporation. Biophysical Chemistry. 19 (3), 211-225 (1984).</li><li>Weaver, J. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Electroporation:+a+general+phenomenon+for+manipulating+cells+and+tissues.">Electroporation: a general phenomenon for manipulating cells and tissues.</a> Journal of Cellular Biochemistry. 51 (4), 426-435 (1993).</li><li>Hashimoto, M., Takemoto, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Electroporation+enables+the+efficient+mRNA+delivery+into+the+mouse+zygotes+and+facilitates+CRISPR/Cas9-based+genome+editing.">Electroporation enables the efficient mRNA delivery into the mouse zygotes and facilitates CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing.</a> Scientific Reports. 5, 11315 (2015).</li><li>Klibanov, A. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Microbubble+contrast+agents:+targeted+ultrasound+imaging+and+ultrasound-assisted+drug-delivery+applications.">Microbubble contrast agents: targeted ultrasound imaging and ultrasound-assisted drug-delivery applications.</a> Investigative Radiology. 41 (3), 354-362 (2006).</li><li>Klibanov, A. L., Shevchenko, T. I., Raju, B. I., Seip, R., Chin, C. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound-triggered+release+of+materials+entrapped+in+microbubble-liposome+constructs:+a+tool+for+targeted+drug+delivery.">Ultrasound-triggered release of materials entrapped in microbubble-liposome constructs: a tool for targeted drug delivery.</a> Journal of Controlled Release. 148 (1), 13-17 (2010).</li><li>Fan, Z., Kumon, R. E., Deng, C. X. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mechanisms+of+microbubble-facilitated+sonoporation+for+drug+and+gene+delivery.">Mechanisms of microbubble-facilitated sonoporation for drug and gene delivery.</a> Therapeutic Delivery. 5 (4), 467-486 (2014).</li><li>Secomski, W., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+ultrasound+experiments:+Standing+wave+and+multiple+reflections+influence+on+the+outcome.">In vitro ultrasound experiments: Standing wave and multiple reflections influence on the outcome.</a> Ultrasonics. 77, 203-213 (2017).</li><li>Gedge, M., Hill, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Acoustofluidics+17:+theory+and+applications+of+surface+acoustic+wave+devices+for+particle+manipulation.">Acoustofluidics 17: theory and applications of surface acoustic wave devices for particle manipulation.</a> Lab on a Chip. 12 (17), 2998-3007 (2012).</li><li>Shi, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Acoustic+tweezers:+patterning+cells+and+microparticles+using+standing+surface+acoustic+waves+(SSAW).">Acoustic tweezers: patterning cells and microparticles using standing surface acoustic waves (SSAW).</a> Lab on a Chip. 9 (20), 2890-2895 (2009).</li><li>Shi, J., Huang, H., Stratton, Z., Huang, Y., Huang, T. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Continuous+particle+separation+in+a+microfluidic+channel+via+standing+surface+acoustic+waves+(SSAW).">Continuous particle separation in a microfluidic channel via standing surface acoustic waves (SSAW).</a> Lab on a Chip. 9 (23), 3354-3359 (2009).</li><li>Shields, C. W. t., Cruz, D. F., Ohiri, K. A., Yellen, B. B., Lopez, G. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fabrication+and+operation+of+acoustofluidic+devices+supporting+bulk+acoustic+standing+waves+for+sheathless+focusing+of+particles.">Fabrication and operation of acoustofluidic devices supporting bulk acoustic standing waves for sheathless focusing of particles.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (109), e53861 (2016).</li><li>Belling, J. N., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Acoustofluidic+sonoporation+for+gene+delivery+to+human+hematopoietic+stem+and+progenitor+cells.">Acoustofluidic sonoporation for gene delivery to human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 117 (20), 10976-10982 (2020).</li><li>Centner, C. S., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound-induced+molecular+delivery+to+erythrocytes+using+a+microfluidic+system.">Ultrasound-induced molecular delivery to erythrocytes using a microfluidic system.</a> Biomicrofluidics. 14 (2), 024114 (2020).</li><li>Qi, J., Ding, C., Jiang, X., Gao, Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Advances+in+developing+CAR+T-cell+therapy+for+HIV+cure.">Advances in developing CAR T-cell therapy for HIV cure.</a> Frontiers in Immunology. 11, 361 (2020).</li><li>Annesley, C. E., Summers, C., Ceppi, F., Gardner, R. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+evolution+and+future+of+CAR+T+cells+for+B-Cell+Acute+lymphoblastic+leukemia.">The evolution and future of CAR T cells for B-Cell Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.</a> Clinical Pharmacology &amp; Therapeutics. 103 (4), 591-598 (2018).</li><li>Hand, S. C., Menze, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Molecular+approaches+for+improving+desiccation+tolerance:+insights+from+the+brine+shrimp+Artemia+franciscana.">Molecular approaches for improving desiccation tolerance: insights from the brine shrimp Artemia franciscana.</a> Planta. 242 (2), 379-388 (2015).</li><li>Zhang, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Freeze-drying+of+mammalian+cells+using+trehalose:+preservation+of+DNA+integrity.">Freeze-drying of mammalian cells using trehalose: preservation of DNA integrity.</a> Scientific Reports. 7 (1), 6198 (2017).</li><li>Grievink, H. W., Luisman, T., Kluft, C., Moerland, M., Malone, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+three+isolation+techniques+for+human+peripheral+blood+mononuclear+cells:+Cell+recovery+and+viability,+population+composition,+and+cell+functionality.">Comparison of three isolation techniques for human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: Cell recovery and viability, population composition, and cell functionality.</a> Biopreserv Biobank. 14 (5), 410-415 (2016).</li><li>Jaatinen, T., Laine, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+of+mononuclear+cells+from+human+cord+blood+by+Ficoll-Paque+density+gradient.">Isolation of mononuclear cells from human cord blood by Ficoll-Paque density gradient.</a> Current Protocol in Stem Cell Biology. , (2007).</li><li>Ulmer, A. J., Scholz, W., Ernst, M., Brandt, E., Flad, H. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isolation+and+subfractionation+of+human+peripheral+blood+mononuclear+cells+(PBMC)+by+density+gradient+centrifugation+on+Percoll.">Isolation and subfractionation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by density gradient centrifugation on Percoll.</a> Immunobiology. 166 (3), 238-250 (1984).</li><li>Halldorsson, S., Lucumi, E., Gomez-Sjoberg, R., Fleming, R. M. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Advantages+and+challenges+of+microfluidic+cell+culture+in+polydimethylsiloxane+devices.">Advantages and challenges of microfluidic cell culture in polydimethylsiloxane devices.</a> Biosensors and Bioelectronics. 63, 218-231 (2015).</li><li>Helfield, B., Chen, X., Watkins, S. C., Villanueva, F. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biophysical+insight+into+mechanisms+of+sonoporation.">Biophysical insight into mechanisms of sonoporation.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 113 (36), 9983-9988 (2016).</li><li>Hu, Y., Wan, J. M., Yu, A. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Membrane+perforation+and+recovery+dynamics+in+microbubble-mediated+sonoporation.">Membrane perforation and recovery dynamics in microbubble-mediated sonoporation.</a> Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology. 39 (12), 2393-2405 (2013).</li><li>Kopechek, J. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ultrasound+targeted+microbubble+destruction-mediated+delivery+of+a+transcription+factor+decoy+inhibits+STAT3+signaling+and+tumor+growth.">Ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction-mediated delivery of a transcription factor decoy inhibits STAT3 signaling and tumor growth.</a> Theranostics. 5 (12), 1378-1387 (2015).</li><li>Bhutto, D. F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effect+of+molecular+weight+on+sonoporation-mediated+uptake+in+human+cells.">Effect of molecular weight on sonoporation-mediated uptake in human cells.</a> Ultrasound in Medical Biology. 44 (12), 2662-2672 (2018).</li><li>Forbes, M. M., Steinberg, R. L., O'Brien, W. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Frequency-dependent+evaluation+of+the+role+of+definity+in+producing+sonoporation+of+Chinese+hamster+ovary+cells.">Frequency-dependent evaluation of the role of definity in producing sonoporation of Chinese hamster ovary cells.</a> Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine. 30 (1), 61-69 (2011).</li><li>Helfield, B., Chen, X., Watkins, S. C., Villanueva, F. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biophysical+insight+into+mechanisms+of+sonoporation.">Biophysical insight into mechanisms of sonoporation.</a> Proceedings of National Academy of Science U. S. A. 113 (36), 9983-9988 (2016).</li><li>Miller, D. L., Bao, S., Morris, J. 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This protocol describes the assembly and operation of a low-cost acoustofluidic system which enhances intracellular delivery of biomolecules for research applications. There are several important factors to consider when assembling and operating this system. The acoustofluidic device is fabricated in PDMS, which is a biocompatible material that can easily be molded with consistent channel dimensions27.The device channels can be rinsed with 15 mL of 70% ethanol solution prior to acoustofluidic proc...

Viral and non-viral platforms have been utilized to enhance molecular delivery to cells. Viral delivery (transduction) is a common technique utilized in cell-based therapies requiring genomic modification. Limitations with viral delivery include potential insertional mutagenesis, limited transgenic capacity, and undesired multiplicity of infection1,2. Therefore, non-viral molecular delivery techniques are in development for a broad range of biomedical and research applications. Common techniques include mechanical, electrical, hydrodynamic, or the use of laser-based energy to enhance uptake of biomolecules into cells&#160;3. Electroporation is a commonly used non-viral molecular delivery platform which has the ability to induce transient perforation in the plasma membrane for intracellular delivery of molecular compounds4,5,6,7,8,9. However, the transient perforation of the plasma membrane is a stochastic process and molecular uptake via electroporation is generally dependent on passive diffusion across the transient membrane pores4,7,8.
An alternative method is the utilization of ultrasound for enhanced intracellular molecular delivery via cavitation of ultrasound contrast agents (i.e., gas-filled microbubbles). Microbubble cavitation induces microstreaming effects in the surrounding media which can cause transient perforation of nearby plasma membranes (&#34;sonoporation&#34;) allowing rapid intracellular uptake of biomolecules via passive or active transport mechanisms10,11,12. Sonoporation is an effective technique for the rapid molecular delivery to cells, but this approach often requires expensive equipment and bulk treatment methods which are limited by lower throughput and higher variability in ultrasound exposure conditions13. To address these limitations, acoustofluidic devices, which enable consistent sonoporation of cells in suspension, are currently in development.
Acoustofluidics is an expanding field that integrates ultrasound and microfluidic technologies for a wide variety of applications. This approach has previously been used for particle separation by applying continuous ultrasound energy to induce standing acoustic waves within the fluidic channels14,15,16,17. Particles are sorted toward different parts of the device based on a variety of properties such as particle size, density, and compressibility relative to the medium16. Acoustofluidic technologies are also in development to enable rapid molecular delivery to a variety of cell types for research applications and manufacturing of cell therapies18. Recently, we demonstrated enhanced molecular delivery to erythrocytes using a PDMS-based acoustofluidic device19. In the acoustofluidic platform, cell and microbubble dynamics can be manipulated to induce physical interactions that enable enhanced delivery of biomolecules. The efficiency and consistency of intracellular molecular delivery can potentially be increased by optimizing the distance between cells and microbubbles.
One important application for acoustofluidic-mediated sonoporation involves transport of biomolecules into primary human T cells. Immunotherapies based on adoptive T cell transfer, such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CAR T) therapy, are rapidly emerging for treatment of various diseases, including cancer and viruses such as HIV20. CAR T therapy has been particularly effective in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients, with complete remission rates of 70-90%21. However, T cell manufacturing for these therapies generally depends on viral transduction which is limited by potential insertional mutagenesis, long processing times, and challenges of delivering non-genetic biomolecules such as proteins or small molecules1. Acoustofluidic-mediated molecular delivery methods can potentially overcome these limitations and improve manufacturing of T cell therapies.
Another important application for acoustofluidic-mediated sonoporation involves intracellular delivery of preservative compounds, such as trehalose, which protect cells during freezing and desiccation. Trehalose is produced by some organisms in nature and helps them tolerate freezing and desiccation by protecting their cellular membranes22,23. However, trehalose is not produced by mammalian cells and is impermeable to mammalian cell membranes. Therefore, effective molecular delivery techniques, such as sonoporation, are necessary in order to achieve sufficient intracellular trehalose levels required to protect internal cellular membranes. This approach is currently in development for dry preservation of various cell types.
This protocol provides a detailed description of the assembly and operation of a relatively low-cost acoustofluidic system driven by a microcontroller. Ultrasound contrast agents are utilized to induce sonoporation within the fluidic channels and enable rapid molecular delivery to various cell types, including T cells and cancer cells. This acoustofluidic system can be used for a variety of research applications and may also be useful as a prototype system to evaluate sonoporation methods for improved cell therapy manufacturing processes.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Fabrication of Acoustofluidic Device</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DOW SYLGARD 184 SILICONE ENCAPSULANT CLEAR 0.5 KG KIT</td>
			<td>Ellsworth Adhesives</td>
			<td>4019862 (SKU)</td>
			<td>https://www.ellsworth.com/products/by-market/consumer-products/encapsulants/silicone/dow-sylgard-184-silicone-encapsulant-clear-0.5-kg-kit/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Harris Uni-Core (2.5 mm)</td>
			<td>Electron Microscopy Sciences</td>
			<td>69039-25</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microfluidic Reservoir for 15 mL Falcon Tube - S (2/4 port)</td>
			<td>Darwin Microfluidics</td>
			<td>LVF-KPT-S-2 (SKU)</td>
			<td>https://darwin-microfluidics.com/products/15-ml-falcon-tube-microfluidic-reservoir-s-2-4-port</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microscope Slide</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>16004-430</td>
			<td>https://us.vwr.com/store/product/4646174/vwr-vistavisiontm-microscope-slides-plain-and-frosted-premium</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>trichlorosilane</td>
			<td>Gelest</td>
			<td>105732-02-3 (Cas. No.)</td>
			<td>Chlorosilane is very hazaradous and flammable. Exposure causes severe burns and eye damage.&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tygon PVC soft plastic tubing (1/16&#34; ID, 1/8&#34; OD)</td>
			<td>McMaster-Carr</td>
			<td>5233K51 (Part #)</td>
			<td>https://www.mcmaster.com/pvc-tubing/soft-tubing-for-air-and-water/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Assembly of Acoustofluidic System</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Arduino Uno</td>
			<td>Arduino</td>
			<td>7630049200050 (Barcode)</td>
			<td>https://store.arduino.cc/usa/arduino-uno-rev3</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Preparation of Ultrasound Contrast Agents</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (DSEPC)</td>
			<td>Avanti Lipids</td>
			<td>890703P-25mg (SKU)</td>
			<td>https://avantilipids.com/product/890703</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC)</td>
			<td>Avanti Lipids</td>
			<td>850365P-25mg (SKU)</td>
			<td>https://avantilipids.com/product/850365</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DSPG)</td>
			<td>Avanti Lipids</td>
			<td>840465P-25mg (SKU)</td>
			<td>https://avantilipids.com/product/840465</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>APF-140HP (decafluorobutate gas)</td>
			<td>FlouroMed</td>
			<td>355-25-9 (Cas No.)</td>
			<td>http://www.fluoromed.com/products/perfluorodecalin/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DB-338 Amalgamators&#160;</td>
			<td>COXO</td>
			<td></td>
			<td>https://www.coxotec.com/coxo/db-338-amalgamators/</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>polyoxyethylene 40 stearate&#160;</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich</td>
			<td>P3440-250G (SKU)</td>
			<td>https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/product/sigma/p3440?lang=en&#38;region=US&#38;gclid= Cj0KCQjwy8f6BRC7ARIsAPIXOjjj Jh_151mYVEUyLZRavt4re9YQMLS vID64X-1KbO3LUKGjVUwb PDAaAqvOEALw_wcB</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Q125 Sonicator</td>
			<td>Qsonica</td>
			<td>Q125-110 (Ref.)</td>
			<td>https://www.sonicator.com/products/q125-sonicator?_pos=1&#38;_sid=406df3776&#38;_ss=r</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Preparation of Primarty T Cells</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>autoMACs running buffer</td>
			<td>Miltenyi Biotec</td>
			<td>130-091-221 (Order No.)</td>
			<td>https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/US-en/products/automacs-running-buffer-macs-separation-buffer.html#gref</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pan T Cell Isolation Kit, human (Pan T-Cell Biotin Antibody Cocktail &#38; Pan T-Cell MicroBead Cocktail)&#160;</td>
			<td>Miltenyi Biotec</td>
			<td>130-096-535 (Order No.)</td>
			<td>https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/US-en/products/pan-t-cell-isolation-kit-human.html#130-096-535</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>magnetic cell sorter (autoMACS Pro Separator)</td>
			<td>Miltenyi Biotec</td>
			<td>130-092-545 (Order No.)</td>
			<td>https://www.miltenyibiotec.com/US-en/products/automacs-pro-separator-starter-kit.html#130-092-545</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Preparation of A549 Lung Cancer Cells</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trehalose Assay Kit&#160;</td>
			<td>Megazyme</td>
			<td>K-TREH (Cat. No.)</td>
			<td>https://www.megazyme.com/trehalose-assay-kit</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Trypan blue (0.4% in aqueous solution Ready-to-Use, sterile)</td>
			<td>VWR</td>
			<td>97063-702 (Cat. No.)</td>
			<td>https://us.vwr.com/store/product/7437427/trypan-blue-0-4-in-aqueous-solution-ready-to-use-sterile</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

assembly and operation of an acoustofluidic device for enhanced delivery of molecular compounds to cells

Efficient intracellular delivery of biomolecules is required for a broad range of biomedical research and cell-based therapeutic applications. Ultrasound-mediated sonoporation is an emerging technique for rapid intracellular delivery of biomolecules. Sonoporation occurs when cavitation of gas-filled microbubbles forms transient pores in nearby cell membranes, which enables rapid uptake of biomolecules from the surrounding fluid. Current techniques for in vitro sonoporation of cells in suspension are limited by slow throughput, variability in the ultrasound exposure conditions for each cell, and high cost. To address these limitations, a low-cost acoustofluidic device has been developed which integrates an ultrasound transducer in a PDMS-based fluidic device to induce consistent sonoporation of cells as they flow through the channels in combination with ultrasound contrast agents. The device is fabricated using standard photolithography techniques to produce the PDMS-based fluidic chip. An ultrasound piezo disk transducer is attached to the device and driven by a microcontroller. The assembly can be integrated inside a 3D-printed case for added protection. Cells and microbubbles are pushed through the device using a syringe pump or a peristaltic pump connected to PVC tubing. Enhanced delivery of biomolecules to human T cells and lung cancer cells is demonstrated with this acoustofluidic system. Compared to bulk treatment approaches, this acoustofluidic system increases throughput and reduces variability, which can improve cell processing methods for biomedical research applications and manufacturing of cell-based therapeutics.

An image of the acoustofluidic system assembled inside a 3D-printed case is shown in&#160;Figure 1. This protocol produces an acoustofluidic system that can be used to enhance intracellular molecular delivery in multiple cell lines using ultrasound contrast agents.&#160;
Figure 2&#160;demonstrates enhanced intracellular delivery of a fluorescent compound, fluorescein, to primary human T cells with acoustofluidic treat...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Assembly and Operation of an Acoustofluidic Device for Enhanced Delivery of Molecular Compounds to Cells at JoVE.com

Assembly and Operation of an Acoustofluidic Device for Enhanced Delivery of Molecular Compounds to Cells

This protocol describes the assembly and operation of a low-cost acoustofluidic device for rapid molecular delivery to cells via sonoporation induced by ultrasound contrast agents.

Efficient intracellular delivery of biomolecules is required for a broad range of biomedical research and cell-based therapeutic applications. ...

This protocol describes the assembly and operation of an acoustofluidic system that can efficiently deliver biomolecules for a variety of research and cell-based therapeutic applications. The main advantage of this system is that it allows rapid delivery of biomolecules to cells while maintaining their viability. It is a platform technology that allows cells to be transformed for a variety of cellular therapeutic applications, such as cancer treatment.Begin by combining 54 grams of PDMS base and six grams of curing agent in a cup. Mix vigorously and thoroughly with a spatula for at least one minute, then placed the cup with the PDMS solution into a desiccator for approximately 30 minutes or until remnant air bubbles are removed. Place a photoresist coated wafer with the patterns facing upward in a 150 millimeter Petri dish, then pour the PDMS solution over the mold.If needed, place the Petri dish inside a desiccator and apply vacuum until remnant air bubbles disappear. Transfer the Petri dish into a lab oven and bake for two hours at 60 degrees Celsius to cure the PDMS. After curing, carefully remove the PDMS from the Petri dish by cutting around the edges of the wafer with a razor blade.Cut out each individual device using a knife or razor blade, then punch holes through the inlet and outlet ports using a 2.5 millimeter biopsy punch. After treating the PDMS device with oxygen plasma, immediately place each device onto a clean soda lime glass microscope slide with channels facing the glass surface. Allow the devices to bond overnight at room temperature.Gently apply silicone to the surface of the one centimeter diameter piezo transducer at a thickness of one to two millimeters, then carefully aligned the transducer with a concentric spiral and gently press it onto the bottom of the glass microscope slide. Connect a microcontroller to a computer using a USB A to B cable. A green power LED indicators should illuminate.Use the associated software on the computer to upload a program that generates an eight megahertz signal. Solder a one inch 22 gauge wire to the end of each wire on the PZT transducer. Then use it to connect the negative terminal wire of the PZT transducer to a GND pin.Connect the positive terminal wire of the PZT transducer to the output pin via the soldered wire. Cut three to six inch sections of tygon PVC soft plastic tubing and push the tubing into the inlet and outlet ports. It may be necessary to rotate the tubing while applying pressure until it fits in the opening.Optionally, glue can be applied at the junction to bond the PDMS and tubing together. Optionally, mount the acoustofluidic device and the microcontroller in a 3D printed case. Assemble the microfluidic reservoir according to manufacturer's instructions.Cut a three to six inch section of 1/16 inch inner diameter tygon PVC soft plastic tubing and push it over the 1/32 inch inner diameter tubing from the microfluidic reservoir output. Optionally, wrap the junction with paraffin film to prevent leakage. Fill a 60 milliliter syringe with ambient air on the side of the microfluidic reservoir.Set the syringe pump to a rate of 200 milliliters per hour to push the contrast agent solutions through the acoustofluidic device at a volumetric flow rate of 50 milliliters per hour and collect the samples from the output of the device into a 50 milliliter centrifuge tube. Prepare a phopholipid solution in a 20 milliliters scintillation vial by adding 25 milligrams of DSPC, 11.6 milligrams of DSEPC, 0.26 milligrams of DSPG, and 0.88 milligrams of polyoxyethylene40 stearate. Add chloroform until all phospholipids are dissolved.Evaporate chloroform in a desiccator for 48 hours to form a dry lipid film. Rehydrate the foam with 10 milliliters of sterile PBS, then sonicate the lipid solution for three minutes at 40%amplitude to form a cationic micellar solution. After sonication, the phopholipid solution can be stored at two to six degrees Celsius for up to one month.To prepare ultrasound contrast agents, add 200 microliters of cationic micellar solution in 600 microliters of sterile PBS to a two milliliter glass septum vial. Seal the vial by crimping the cap. Use a 1.5 inch 20 gauge needle to fill the vial head space with decafluorobutane gas for 30 seconds.Amalgamate the vial to form perfluorobutane gas-filled ultrasound contrast agents. Add 25 microliters of ultrasound contrast agent solution per one milliliter of cell solution. Then immediately pump the combined contrast agent and cell mixture through the acoustofluidic device.This protocol produces an acoustofluidic system that can be used to enhance intracellular molecular delivery in multiple cell lines. Intracellular delivery of a fluorescent compound, fluorescein, to primary human T cells was improved with acoustofluidic treatment compared to an untreated control group. The fluorescence intensity of T cells increased by five fold after treatment, indicating enhanced delivery of fluorescein.Cell viability decreased slightly after a acoustofluidic treatment, but remained above 80%Acoustofluidic treatment enhanced intracellular delivery of a preservative compound trehalose to human A549 lung carcinoma cells compared to flow alone and to cells in the untreated control group. Adding the cationic microbubbles to the cell solution is critical. Intracellular delivery of biomolecules will be limited without cationic microbubbles in solution.This platform enables intracellular delivery of various biomolecules, which can alter cellular function for research or therapeutic purposes. After completing this procedure, additional cellular characterization can be performed to evaluate the impact of delivering various biomolecules.

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