Method for inserting foreign genes into cells using pulsed radiofrequency
US4970154A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 30, 1988 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12N2510/00
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for the poration and fusion of cells using high-power 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 equidistant from each other, are attached to a high power function generator. The power function generator can apply a continuous AC electrical field and/or a high-power pulsed radiofrequency electrical field across the electrodes. The alternating electrical field induces cell congregation by the process of dielectrophoresis. The high-power pulsed radiofrequency electrical field porates or fuses the cells. The method has the ability to porate or fuse biological cells with a very high efficiency. The method can be used to fuse or porate a variety of cells including animal cells, human cells, plant cells, protoplasts, erythrocyte ghosts, liposomes, vesicles, bacteria and yeasts. The method has the unique ability to porate or fuse cells in very small or very large numbers. During the poration or fusions, a variety of chemical agents including DNA, RNA, antibodies, proteins, drugs, molecular probes, hormones, …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.