23 Jul DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLED ELECTROPORATION AND MOLECULAR DELIVERY IN CELLS AND TISSUE
Abstract
An electroporative device and method for directing electrical current through biological cells is provided, the current flow substantially being required to traverse the cells, and not being able to bypass through a surrounding conductive medium. The invention provides a substantially controlled electric field imposed across the subject cell population at level that is optimal for the electroporative transfer of erogenous molecules into the cell and for survival of the cell population. Optimal levels are determined by monitoring of current flow as a function of voltage to determine the threshold voltage level, and feedback control of electrical parameters permits automation of protocols, tailored in real time to characteristics of the cells, that control the magnitude of the applied electric field. The invention thereby provides for high electroporative efficiency, a uniform level of electroporation throughout the subject cell population, and a high survival rate through the electroporation procedure even for large populations of cells processed simultaneously. The method and apparatus are suitable to a wide variety of cell types, including cultured cells as well as biopsy samples and primary cells derived therefrom, as well as tissue slices. The invention is scalable, compatible with standard cell culture materials and handling equipment, and appropriate both for small scale applications, as in diagnostic or individualized medical procedures, as well as high volume and high throughput industrial, cellular engineering processes.
Year: 2006
Country: WO
Doc No: 2006112870