Method of and apparatus for cell poration and cell fusion using radiofrequency electrical pulses
US4822470A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 9, 1987 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12N15/87
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for the poration and fusion of cells using radiofrequency electrical pulses. The electrodes of the apparatus can be hand held or part of integrated equipment with special containers for cells. The electrodes, which are positioned equal distance from each other, are attached to a power function generator. The power function generator can apply a continuous AC electrical field and/or a pulsed radiofrequency electrical field across the electrodes. The alternating electrical field induces cell dielectrophoresis. The pulsed radiofrequency electrical field porates or fuses the cells. The method can be used to fuse or porate a variety of cells including erythrocyte ghosts, liposomes, vesicles, isolated cells and cultured cells. During the poration or fusions a variety of chemical agents including antibodies, proteins, drugs, molecular probes, hormones, growth factors, DNA, RNA, enzymes, organic chemicals and inorganic chemicals can be introduced into these cells. The method can also be used to produce new species and to make hybridoma cells which produce monoclonal antibodies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.