In the drug delivery system, the cytosolic delivery of
biofunctional
molecules such as enzymes and genes must achieve sophisticated activities
in cells, and microinjection and electroporation systems are typically
used as experimental techniques. These methods are highly reliable,
and they have high intracellular transduction efficacy. However, a
high degree of proficiency is necessary, and induced cytotoxicity
is considered as a technical problem. In this research, a new intracellular
introduction technology was developed through the cell membrane using
an inkjet device and cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs). Using the inkjet
system, the droplet volume, droplet velocity, and dropping position
can be accurately controlled, and minute samples (up to 30 pL/shot)
can be carried out by direct administration. In addition, CPPs, which
have excellent cell membrane penetration functions, can deliver high-molecular-weight
drugs and nanoparticles that are difficult to penetrate through the
cell membrane. By using the inkjet system, the CPPs with biofunctional
cargo, including peptides, proteins such as antibodies, and exosomes,
could be accurately delivered to cells, and efficient cytosolic transduction
was confirmed.