Single Cell Ionization by Laser Trap for Accurate Radiotheraphy

Abstract

In this work, a high intensity gradient laser was used to study the ionization of BT20 breast cancer cells. With the laser trap serving as an infrared radiation source, the cells underwent dielectric breakdown of the membrane. When this process occurs, the cell is damaged irreparably. Thus there is a relationship between the amount of charge developed on the cell due to the polarization of the cell’s dielectric membrane and the energy of the radiation required to effectively kill the cell. The relation was found between the charge of the ionized cell and the energy of the absorbed radiation. Having a very precise measurement of the energy needed to ionize the cancerous cells determined at the cellular level will vastly improve the accuracy of radiation dosage. A more accurate therapeutic ratio could help eliminate radiation-induced tissue toxicity and improve the sterilization of the cancerous cells. It was demonstrated that using a laser trap for studying cancerous cells in this way is a promising prospect, however, the technique needs to be further studied before it can be fully understood and implemented.