Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
nanoemulsions, non-toxic fluorocardon liquids, transfect genes, ultrasound
College
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology
Department
Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Gene delivery has been an important topic of medical and scientific research today, due to its potential in aiding the fight against cancer, heart disease and many genetic disorders. By transfecting appropriate genes into diseased cells, specific proteins can be produced that will alleviate problems at the cellular level. In addition, if the gene delivery is done by a targeted non-viral approach, such as ultrasound combined with contrast agent bubbles, the efficiency of transfection always increases. The targeted non-viral approach consists of applying focused ultrasound to a specific tissue in the presence of microbubbles. The application of ultrasound will cause cavitation, the oscillatory expansion and contraction of bubbles. As the ultrasonic intensity is increased, the bubbles will collapse, and the resulting shock wave and fluid motion will perturb the membranes of nearby cells, actually creating transient holes and allowing direct uptake of the genetic material into the cells. Therefore, the gene delivery is non-invasive; the transducer is set on the skin and there are no incisions. Also, the gene delivery is targeted—cavitation and the collapse of the bubbles will only occur where the ultrasound is directed.
Recommended Citation
Martin, Cody L. and Pitt, Dr. William
(2013)
"Nanoemulsions of Non-Toxic Fluorocarbon Liquids Used to Transfect Genes with Applied Ultrasound,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1767.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1767