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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Urology, University Hospital Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68135 Mannheim, Germany.
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Schaaf
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Langbein
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Knoll
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Alken
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Michel
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D016923:Cell Death / Q000528:radiation effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000528:radiation effects; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D019220:High-Energy Shock Waves; D006801:Humans; D014162:Transfection / Q000379:methods*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D001749:Urinary Bladder Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*