Apparatus and method for electrostatic endothelial cell seeding and DNA transfection

摘要

An apparatus and method are provided for in vitro seeding of endothelial cells onto a surface such as a luminal wall of a vascular prosthesis. The apparatus contains an internal conductor and an external conductor, and a support means which maintains a suspension of endothelial cells in contact with the surface and which maintains the surface between the internal and external conductors while altering the charge on the surface. The internal conductor is an insulated wire and the external conductor has a bore through which the internal conductor passes. A vascular prosthesis containing a suspension of endothelial cells sealed within its lumen fits within the bore of the external conductor and the internal conductor wire passes through the lumen. While the prosthesis is rotated, an electrical potential is applied between the internal and external conductors altering the surface charge of the luminal wall of the prosthesis to facilitate adhesion of endothelial cells to the luminal wall.