Laser-generated stress waves and their effects on the cell membrane

摘要

High-power lasers can generate well characterized stressn(pressure) waves. The characteristics of the stress waves can bencontrolled by the appropriate choice of the laser parameters and thenproperties of the target material. Laser-generated stress waves cannalter the structure and function of cells in vitro. Furthermore, theynrender the cell membrane permeable. Molecules present in thenextracellular medium diffuse into the cytoplasm under the concentrationngradient. Subsequently, the plasma membrane reseals, keeping thenexogenous molecules inside the cell. Laser-generated stress waves cannprovide a potentially powerful tool for drug delivery