Tech Session V: Nanomedicine and Nanoscale Delivery (Focus: Nano)
Overcoming Fungal Cell Barriers: Nanoparticle-Mediated Photoporation for Effective RNA Delivery
Thursday, July 17, 2025
10:29 AM – 10:54 AM EDT
Introduction: The delivery of molecules into fungal cells is challenging due to the rigid fungal cell wall. Current methods, such as electroporation, often suffer from low efficiency and compromised cell viability, highlighting the need for improved strategies. Nanoparticles activated by ultrafast infrared laser pulses (LANPPs) can create transient pores in cellular membranes. These pores, formed by photophysical effects like cavitation and laser-induced breakdown (LIB), are temporary and preserve cell viability, making photoporation a promising solution for efficient molecular delivery.
Learning Objectives:
At the completion of this activity, participants will know
Describe the importance of developing new antifungal strategies to combat drug resistance.
Understand the principles of nanoparticle-mediated photoporation and it can be used in fungal cells.
Evaluate the effectiveness of photoporation compared to traditional delivery methods.
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