Nanovilli based reverse uptake plarform for highly efficient intracellular delivery and transfection

Abstract

Intracellular delivery of macromolecules is a significant technique in research and therapeutic applications. However, conventional vector-based and physical methods, which rely on exogenous material, high energy particle, or electrical field, can cause toxicity or off-target effects. To overcome this issue, we have targeted mechanical deformation of cellular membrane, which can lead to higher cellular uptake rate. Here, we demonstrated nano-villi platform that can mechanically stimulate cells and enhance intracellular delivery rate. By testing transfection efficiency with GFP expressing HeLa cells, it was found out that the transfection efficiency was significantly increased when nano-scale structures existed on the surface.