Photodynamic perforation of cell membrane on Micro Channel Array toward intracellular technology

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and experimental results for a micro channel array (MCA)-based photodynamic cell perforator toward intracellular technology. The perforator will be developed to improve whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The perforator consists of planar micro channels and electrodes of the MCA. The perforator utilizes the micro channel for both cell suction and chemical supply. The diameter of the micro channel is Phi2 mum. The photosensitizer (PS) is introduced to the cell membrane through the micro channel, and then the cell membrane is perforated photodynamically by activated PS. Photodynamic perforation of the cell membrane performed successfully in the experiment using PC12 cells with diameters as small as tens of mum.