Method for transporting substances into living cells and tissues and apparatus therefor

• US 5,478,744 A
• Filed: 08/12/1994
• Issued: 12/26/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/1984
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation Incorporated (Cornell University)
• Original Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation Incorporated (Cornell University)
• Inventors: Wolf, Edward D., Allen, Nelson K., Sanford, John C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Beisner, William H.
• Application Number:
  US08/289,206
• Time in Patent Office: 501 Days
• Field of Search: 435/287, 435/313, 935/85, 604/68, 604/70, 604/72, 604/140, 604/146, 604/147, 222/630, 222/399, 239/409
• US Class Current: 435/285.1
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 35/00 Means for application of stress for stimulating the growth of microorganisms or the generation of fermentation or metabolic products; Means for electroporation or cell fusion machines for extracting juice from animal or plant tissue by electroplasmolysis A23N1/006, processes employing electric or wave energy B01J19/08; treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy C12N13/00; methods for cell fusion C12N15/02; introduction of foreign genetic material C12N15/87
• CPC Class Codes: C12M 35/04 Mechanical means, e.g. sonic waves, stretching forces, pressure or shear stimuli
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 15/8207 by mechanical means, e.g. microinjection, particle bombardment, silicon whiskers
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 15/87 Introduction of foreign genetic material using processes not otherwise provided for, e.g. co-transformation

Abstract

Inert or biologically active particles are propelled at cell at a speed whereby the particles penetrate the surface of the cells and become incorporated into the interior of the cells. The process can be used to mark cells or tissue or to biochemically affect tissues or tissue in situ as well as single cells in vitro. Apparatus for propelling the particles toward target cells or tissues are also disclosed. A method for releasing particles adhered to a rotor device is also disclosed.

Claims

1. An apparatus for injecting particles into cells wherein said apparatus accelerates particles having a diameter sufficiently small to penetrate and to be retained in preselected target cells toward said target cells, to thereby cause said particles to penetrate said cells and become incorporated into the interior of said cells, said apparatus comprising tube means closed at one end and having an outlet at the other end, means for injecting a pressurized gas into said tube means adjacent the closed end thereof, a source of said particles, and delivery means communicating with the said tube means intermediate the ends thereof for supplying particles from said source into the pressurized gas passing through said tube means.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1, further comprising apertured deflector means adjacent the other end of said tube means for deflecting a portion of the pressurized gas to prevent undue damage to said cells, said deflector means being comprised of a substantially conical member having an aperture in the apex thereof adjacent said other end of said tube means and an oppositely directed truncated conical member secured to the larger diameter end of said first mentioned conical member for directing a portion of the pressurized gas in the opposite direction while allowing a portion of the pressurized gas with entrained particles to pass through said aperture.