Introduction: The delivery of nucleic acids into host cells has emerged as a promising approach to treat many diseases. Despite advances in the development of transfection protocols, cellular barriers hinder the application of most existing technologies [1,2]. We designed a cell-stretching device to boost the efficiency of the goldstandard polymeric vector branched polyethyleneimine. Novelty of this study: application of a controlled cyclic stretching cell stimulation to the genedelivery process to improve the intracellular trafficking of polyplexes by controlling cell behavior and mechanobiology pathways.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants will know
Development of a cyclic stretching-based culture system
Modulation of cellular uptake processes by mechanical cues
Assessment of a novel in vitro non-viral gene delivery strategies
