In vitro transfection of human bladder cancer cells by acoustic energy.

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.