Chemical annoblasts can be used to deliver molecules, proteins, and DNA into living cells, says new research from Georgia Tech.
Carbon nanoparticles are activated by bursts of laser light trigger the tiny blasts, which open holes in cell membranes just long enough to admit therapeutic agents contained in the surrounding fluid.  By adjusting laser exposure, the researchers administered a small-molecule marker compound to 90 percent of targeted cells – while keeping more than 90% of the cells alive.