Bubble Forming Films for Spatial Selective Cell Killing. Issue 27 (29th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hua, Dawei; Harizaj, Aranit; Wels, Mike; Brans, Toon; Stremersch, Stephan; De Keersmaecker, Herlinde; Bolea‐Fernandez, Eduardo; Vanhaecke, Frank; Roels, Dimitri; Braeckmans, Kevin; Xiong, Ranhua; Huang, Chaobo; De Smedt, Stefaan C.; Sauvage, Félix
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 33:Issue 27(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-05-29
• Subjects: cornea -- nanosurgery -- photoablation -- photodynamic therapy -- single cell killing; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202008379
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract: Photodynamic and photothermal cell killing at the surface of tissues finds applications in medicine. However, a lack of control over heat dissipation following a treatment with light might damage surrounding tissues. A new strategy to kill cells at the surface of tissues is reported. Polymeric films are designed in which iron oxide nanoparticles are embedded as photosensitizers. Irradiation of the films with pulsed laser light generates water vapor bubbles at the surface of the films. It is found that "bubble‐films" can kill cells in close proximity to the films due to mechanical forces which arise when the bubbles collapse. Local irradiation of bubble‐films allows for spatial selective single cell killing. As nanosurgery becomes attractive in ophthalmology to remove superficial tumors, bubble‐films are applied on the cornea and it is found that irradiation of the bubble‐films allows spatial and selective killing of corneal cells. As i) the photosensitizer is embedded in the films, which reduces its uptake by cells and spreading into tissues and ii) the bubble‐films can be removed from the tissue after laser treatment, while iii) a low laser fluence is sufficient to generate vapor bubbles, it is foreseen that bubble‐films might become promising for safe resection of superficial tumors. Abstract : Polymeric films embedding iron oxide nanoparticles as photosensitizers are designed. Irradiation of the films with pulsed‐laser light generates water vapor bubbles at their surface. Cells located close to the films can be killed due to mechanical forces which arise when the bubbles collapse. Local irradiation of bubble‐films allows for spatial and selective single cell killing at the surface of the eye.