Apparatus and method for efficient incorporation of molecules into cells
First Claim
1. A method for introducing molecules and macromolecules into a membrane vesicle, cell or tissue byapplying a train of unipolar or alternating voltage pulses having an amplitude of voltage in the range of 10V/cm to 150 V/cm at a frequency range of 1 Hz to 50 Mz, and at a pulse width of 20 ns to 20 ms to molecule/macromolecules and to at least one of said membrane vesicle, cell or tissue, anddelivering the train of unipolar or alternating voltage pulses to the membrane vesicle, cell or tissue wherein the molecule/macromolecules are introduced therein.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus (20) for introducing molecules and macromolecules into a membrane vesicle, a cell or a tissue by (a) applying a train of low unipolar or alternating voltage pulses to molecules/macromolecules and cells, (b) increase the concentration of the molecules/macromolecules at the surface of the cells, leading to an increased interaction of the molecules/macromolecules with the membrane of the cell while also causing electrophoretic movement of charged proteins and lipids in the cell membrane, and (c) causing the destabilization of the cell membrane whereby the molecules/macromolecules penetrate into the cytosol via an endocytic process and via diffusion through structural defects in the membrane lipid bilayer.
The apparatus (20) includes a support plate (36) having apertures (38) for allowing electrodes (22) to pass therethrough. Support tubes (34) located within the apertures (38) slideably surround the electrodes (22). An electric current supplying mechanism (32) connected to the electrodes (22) supplies sufficient electrical current to a cell for facilitating the introduction of molecules or macromolecules into the cell.
-
Citations
5 Claims
-
1. A method for introducing molecules and macromolecules into a membrane vesicle, cell or tissue by
applying a train of unipolar or alternating voltage pulses having an amplitude of voltage in the range of 10V/cm to 150 V/cm at a frequency range of 1 Hz to 50 Mz, and at a pulse width of 20 ns to 20 ms to molecule/macromolecules and to at least one of said membrane vesicle, cell or tissue, and delivering the train of unipolar or alternating voltage pulses to the membrane vesicle, cell or tissue wherein the molecule/macromolecules are introduced therein.
-
5. An electrode system (20) for use in introducing molecules and macromolecules into a membrane vesicle, cell or tissue, said electrode system (20) comprising:
- at least one independently movable needle electrode (22);
support plate means (36) having apertures (38) extending therethrough for supporting said electrodes (22) through said plate means (36); and electric current supply means (32) operatively connected to said electrodes (22) for supplying sufficient electrical current to a cell to facilitate the instruction of molecules or macromolecules into the cell, said electric current supply needs (32) further including a conductive plate filled with a conducted gel material, said conductive plate (42) conducting electric current through said electrodes (22) when said electrodes (22) contact said conductive plate (42).
- at least one independently movable needle electrode (22);
Specification