Interferometric and fluorescence analysis of shock wave effects on cell membrane

Abstract

Shock waves generated by laser pulses have been gaining attention for biological and medical applications in which shock-induced cell membrane deformation influences cell permeation. However, the mechanisms through which the deformation of cell membranes affects permeability remain mostly unknown because of the difficulty of observing in real time the transient and dynamic behaviors of the shock waves and the cells. Here we present an all-optical measurement method that can quantitatively capture the pressure distribution of the propagating shock wave and simultaneously monitor the dynamic behavior of cell membranes. Using this method, we find that the profile of the shock wave dictates the cell membrane permeation. The results suggest a possible mechanism of membrane permeation where sharp pressure gradients create pores on the membrane. Our measurement will foster further understanding of the interaction of shock waves with cells, while the proposed mechanism advances biological and medical applications of shock waves.