New sonotransfer evaluation method using fluorescent dye ethidium bromide and image processing program ImageJ

Abstract

Ultrasound (US) application to cells in the presence of microbubbles can induce cell sonoporation. During this process exogenous molecules can enter (be sonotransfered) into permeabilised cells. Molecule sonotransfer experiments require considerable amounts of fluorescent dye that greatly increases experiment cost. This shows that new and more practical methods for evaluation of sonoporation efficiency are needed. In this study we adapted low cost fluorescent dye ethidium bromide and an open source ImageJ software to quantify sonoporation efficiency ImageJ properties allowed enhancing fluorescent microscopy images enabling to visualise cells with low fluorescence intensity. Therefore, accuracy of evaluated ethidium bromide sonotransfer effectiveness can be greatly increased.