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Near-infrared laser delivery of nanoparticles to developing embryos: A study of efficacy and viability

  1. Jose Umanzor-Alvarez1,
  2. Emily C. Wade1,
  3. Aliya Gifford1,
  4. Kankowan Nontapot1,
  5. Ariana Cruz-Reese2,
  6. Tetsuya Gotoh3,
  7. Jill C. Sible3,
  8. Dr. Giti A. Khodaparast1,*

Article first published online: 7 MAR 2011

DOI: 10.1002/biot.201000205

Issue

Biotechnology Journal

Biotechnology Journal

Special Issue: Cellular & Molecular Bioengineering

Volume 6, Issue 5, pages 519–524, May 2011

Additional Information

How to Cite

Umanzor-Alvarez, J., Wade, E. C., Gifford, A., Nontapot, K., Cruz-Reese, A., Gotoh, T., Sible, J. C. and Khodaparast, G. A. (2011), Near-infrared laser delivery of nanoparticles to developing embryos: A study of efficacy and viability. Biotechnology Journal, 6: 519–524. doi: 10.1002/biot.201000205

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Physics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA

  2. 2

    Department of Physics, Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA, USA

  3. 3

    Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA

*Department of Physics, Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA, Fax: +1-540-231-7511

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 2 MAY 2011
  2. Article first published online: 7 MAR 2011
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 19 JAN 2011
  4. Manuscript Revised: 13 DEC 2010
  5. Manuscript Received: 14 JUN 2010

Funded by

  • Funded Access
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)
  • Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS)
  • ICTAS Nanoscale Characterization and Fabrication Laboratory (NCFL)

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Keywords:

  • Development;
  • Methods;
  • Quantum dots;
  • Two photon optical process;
  • Xenopus laevis

Abstract

Targeted delivery of materials to individual cells remains a challenge in nanoscience and nanomedicine. Near infrared (NIR) laser injection may be a promising alternative to manual injection (where the micropipet diameter limits targeting to small cells) or other laser techniques (such as picosecond green and UV lasers, which can be damaging to cells). However, the efficiency with which NIR pulses can deliver nanoparticles and any adverse effects on living cells needs thorough testing. Toward this end, we have determined the efficacy and toxicity of delivering quantum dots (QDs) into cells of Xenopus laevis embryos by NIR laser injection. Because this model system provides not only living cells but also a developing organism, we were able to assess relatively long-term effects of NIR pulses on embryonic development (through the tadpole stage). We developed parameters for NIR pulses that did not affect embryonic viability or morphology and delivered QDs as effectively as manual injection. Higher intensities of NIR pulses caused permanent damage to the targeted cells, and thus NIR pulses may also prove useful for ablation of specific cells within tissues.

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