Apparatus for generating electrical pulses and methods of using same

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for delivering an agent into a cell through the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields (“nsPEF's”). The method includes circuitry for delivery of an agent into a cell via known methods followed by the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell in order to facilitate entry of the agent into the nucleus of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing gene expression in a cell comprising the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell. An apparatus for generating long and short pulses according to the present invention is also provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator capable of producing a first pulse having a long duration and low voltage amplitude and a second pulse having a short duration and high voltage amplitude.

主权项

1. A method for introducing an agent into a cell comprising:
providing a preparation comprising the cell and an agent; applying a first group of electric field pulses to said preparation, wherein each pulse of the first group comprises a nanosecond pulse electric field; and applying a second group of electric field pulse to said preparation, wherein each pulse of the second group comprises a long pulse electric field.