Abstract
This article provides insight into the mechanism of femtosecond laser nanosurgical attachment of cells. We have demonstrated that during the attachment of two retinoblastoma cells using sub-10 femtosecond laser pulses, with 800 nm central wavelength, the phospholipid molecules of both cells hemifuse and form one shared phospholipid bilayer, at the attachment location. In order to verify the hypothesis that hemifusion takes place, transmission electron microscope images of the cell membranes of retinoblastoma cells were taken. It is shown that at the attachment interface, the two cell membranes coalesce and form one single membrane shared by both cells. Thus, further evidence is provided to support the hypothesis that laser-induced ionization process led to an ultrafast reversible destabilization of the phospholipid layer of the cellular membrane, which resulted in cross-linking of the phospholipid molecules in each membrane. This process of hemifusion occurs throughout the entire penetration depth of the femtosecond laser pulse train. Thus, the attachment between the cells takes place across a large surface area, which affirms our findings of strong physical attachment between the cells. The femtosecond laser pulse hemifusion technique can potentially provide a platform for precise molecular manipulation of cellular membranes. Manipulation of the cellular membrane is an important procedure that could aid in studying diseases such as cancer; where the expression level of plasma proteins on the cell membrane is altered.
Highlights
The ability to precisely manipulate the cellular membrane without interfering with the internal structures of the cell has important implications for cellular biology research, tissue engineering, and the creation of cell-based therapeutics
The cellular membrane is made of a phospholipid bilayer, which surrounds the cytoplasm of living cells, thereby holding the contents of the cell and physically separating the intracellular components from the extracellular environment [1]
We provide further evidence to support our hypothesis and we show, via transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the contact region between two attached retinoblastoma cells, that femtosecond laser induced surgical attachment of two cell membranes occurs via phospholipid layer hemifusion
Summary
The ability to precisely manipulate the cellular membrane without interfering with the internal structures of the cell has important implications for cellular biology research, tissue engineering, and the creation of cell-based therapeutics. The cellular membrane is selectively permeable to material and acts as a “gateway” into and out of the cell [1]. It regulates what material can enter and exit the cells, facilitating transport of substances essential for the cell’s survival. The cell membrane determines the shape of the cells by anchoring the cellular cytoskeleton [1]. It is responsible for attachment of the cell to neighboring cells and to the extracellular matrix, thereby forming groups of cells which, in turn, form tissue and organs [1]. The cell membrane binds cellular structures such as the plasma membrane proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and complex structures such as cilia [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
