Abstract: This invention comprises an improved electroporation electrode system comprising a single needle and a ring or donut shaped electrode wherein the difference in surface area of the electrodes provide for a substantial reduction of current density near the surface of the treated tissue and a more concentrated current density sufficient for electroporation only in tissues adjacent to the terminal portion of the single needle electrode. Thus, this invention provides for targeting specific tissue for electroporation and also should provide for lessening the sensation of electric current in the treated tissue.

Abstract: Methods are provided for introducing a polynucleotide into healthy tissue and generating a pulsed electric field in the tissue via invasive electrodes, resulting in enhanced delivery of the polynucleotide into cells of the tissue, while minimizing local side effects to the electroporated tissue and systemic side effects to the electroporated organism due to metal contaminants released from said electrodes. In one embodiment, the invention methods Use electrodes of gold, gold alloys, or other metal that minimize the introduction of toxic amounts of the metal into electroporated tissue. In other embodiments, the invention methods are utilized for the gene therapy by administering DNA to cells of suitable target tissue, and for the induction of an immune response by administration of a DNA vaccine.

Abstract: A nucleic acid formulation for use in gene delivery comprising a nucleic acid and an anionic polymer is disclosed. Examples of the anionic polymer includes anionic amino acid polymer or poly-amino acid (such as poly-L-glutamic acid, poly-D-glutamic acid, poly-L-aspartic acid, poly-D-aspartic acid), poly-acrylic acid, polynucleotides, poly galacturonic acid, and poly vinyl sulfate.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a method for cosmetic delivery of L-ascorbic acid-containing compositions to the layer of the skin wherein collagen formation takes place to enhance production of collagen and thereby combat some of the effects of aging and oxy-radical damage on skin. Sufficient electric pulses applied to a region of skin surface temporarily create new pathways through the lipid skin barrier, thereby delivering an L-ascorbic acid-containing composition through the lipid skin barrier and enhancing production of collagen in the region of the skin so treated. A handheld electrical pulser apparatus, optionally table-top adaptable, and methods of use for cosmetic treatment of degenerative skin conditions are provided by the invention.

Abstract: A method for in vivo electrotherapy, or electroporation-mediated therapy, using a needle array apparatus is provided. Treatment of tumors with a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention, and a chemotherapeutic agent, caused regression of tumors in vivo.

Abstract: A method for delivery of an agent to a cell using electroporation is disclosed. The method includes positioning a first electrode and a second electrode such that an electrical signal passed between the first electrode and the second electrode passes through the cell. The method also includes passing an electrical signal between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical signal having a frequency greater than about 10 kHz. In one embodiment of the method, the electrical signal has a bipolar waveform. In another embodiment of the method, the electrodes are positioned at a treatment site, e.g., a tumor, for in vivo delivery of an agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inhibiting or preventing hyperplastic intimal growth by intravascular administration of a composition comprising heparin, or a derivative thereof in conjunction with at least one electric pulse having sufficient strength and duration to cause electroporation of the cells lining the blood vessel. Such treatment inhibits or prevents hyperplastic intimal growth in vessels, such as arteries, as compared with a non-electroporated vessel to which the heparin, or derivative thereof, is administered.

Abstract: A method is provided for introducing nucleic acid into a cell, by contacting the cell with a nucleic acid and applying a low electrical field impulse for a long pulse length. A method is provided for introducing a polypeptide into a cell, by contacting the cell with the polypeptide and applying a low electrical field impulse for a long pulse length.

Abstract: An electroporation method and apparatus generating and applying an electric field according to a user-specified pulsing and temperature profile scheme. The apparatus includes a cuvette holder with a Peltier device forming part of the electrode structures that form part of the holder. Advantageously, one such pulse includes a low voltage pulse of a first duration, immediately followed by a high voltage of a second duration, immediately followed by a low voltage of a third duration. The low voltage electroporation field accumulates molecules at the surface of a cell, the appropriately high voltage field creates an opening in the cell, and the final low voltage field moves the molecule into the cell. The molecules may be DNA, portions of DNA, chemical agents, the receiving cells may be eggs, platelets, human cells, red blood cells, mammalian cells, plant protoplasts, plant pollen, liposomes, bacteria, fungi, yeast, sperm, or other suitable cells.

Abstract: A method for sustained intravascular delivery via electroporation is provided. The method is useful for delivery of therapeutic compositions such as antithrombotic and anticoagulant agents. The invention also provides a catheter apparatus for introducing a composition into at least one cell in a vessel in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for the delivery of at least one chromosome into a cell. Invention methods and apparatus employ FACS or MACS technology for rapidly processing cells and for confirming the introduction of chromosome(s) into a cell. The introduction of the chromosome(s) into the cell is mediated by one or more of a laser, a linear accelerator or electrically induced fusion of a cell and encapsulated chromosome(s). Invention methods provide for the rapid and reliable processing associated with FACS and MACS technology to process thousands of cells a minute, thereby enabling large scale gene transfer.