Image patterned molecular delivery into live cells using gold particle coated substrates.

An image-patterned molecular delivery system for mammalian cells is demonstrated by pulsed laser irradiation of gold particles immobilized on a substrate below a cell monolayer. Patterned cavitation bubble nucleation was captured using a time-resolved imaging system and molecular delivery verified by observing the uptake of a membrane-impermeable fluorescent dye, calcein. Delivery efficiency as high as 90% was observed and multiplexed, patterned dye delivery was demonstrated.