Femtosecond laser treatment enhances DNA transfection efficiency in vivo

Shaw Wei D. Tsen, Chao Yi Wu, Avedis Meneshian, Sara I. Pai, Chien Fu Hung, T. C. Wu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Gene therapy with plasmid DNA is emerging as a promising strategy for the treatment of many diseases. One of the major obstacles to such therapy is the poor transfection efficiency of DNA in vivo. Methods. In this report, we employed a very low power, near-infrared femtosecond laser technique to enhance the transfection efficiency of intradermally and intratumorally administered DNA plasmid. Results. We found that femtosecond laser treatment can significantly enhance the delivery of DNA into the skin and into established tumors in mice. In addition, we found that both laser power density as well as duration of laser treatment are critical parameters for augmenting DNA transfection efficiency. The femtosecond laser technique employs a relatively unfocused laser beam that maximizes the transfected area, minimizes damage to tissue and simplifies its implementation. Conclusion. This femtosecond new laser technology represents a safe and innovative technology for enhancing DNA gene transfer in vivo.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number36
JournalJournal of biomedical science
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry, medical
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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