GAS DRIVEN MICROPROJECTILE ACCELERATOR AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

A foreign substance, such as DNA, is injected into plant cells or tissue by a biological ballistical insertion technique. High pressure propellant gas is employed to accelerate the macroprojectile containing microprojectiles coated with the foreign substance. A movable macroprojectile stop mechanism is provided between an upper injection chamber and a lower sample-holding chamber so that multiple shots of macroprojectiles can be made without disrupting the vacuum in the lower chamber. The stop mechanism includes removable stopper plugs for stopping the macroprojectile. A vacuum seal is provided between the stop mechanism and the lower chamber.