Apparatus and method for efficient incorporation of molecules into cells

摘要

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.