Low-frequency sonoporation in vitro: Experimental system evaluation

Abstract

Sonoporation is a phenomenon where ultrasound increases cell membrane permeability. As the result, molecules that are otherwise deprived of transport mechanisms can be transported across the cell membrane. Several different experimental exposure systems are described in the literature. Low-frequency ultrasound (<500 kHz) exposure systems can be divided into two groups: systems with the transducer directly immersed in the cell suspension and systems with the transducer in a water bath. We developed an experimental system based on progressive ultrasound wave in a water bath. It consists of a transducer operating at 29.6 kHz submerged in a water bath, and bath walls lined by ultrasound absorbing lining. Using a hydrophone, we evaluated ultrasound reflections inside the bath, both with and without acoustic lining on the bath's boundaries. We also built a finite element model of the system in order to calculate ultrasound parameters that are inaccessible by conventional hydrophone measurement due to equipment limitations. The experimental system will enable exposure of cells to pre-measured and pre-calculated ultrasound conditions. © 2012 Journal of Mechanical Engineering.