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: Described is a device and method for administration of molecules to tissue in vivo for various medical applications, the device comprising a single hypodermic injection needle and at least two spaced elongate electrodes which provide for the ability, when the needle is inserted into tissue, such as skin or muscle, to pulse tissue with a non-uniform electric field sufficient to cause reversible poration of cells lying along or in close proximity to the track made by the needle upon its insertion into said tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the field of injections, for instance needle-free injections, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for spring-driven intramuscular and intradermal injections. Provided in some embodiments are needle-free injectors adapted to deliver intradermal injections, as well as vial adaptors that are adapted to function as spacers when used with a needle-free injection device.

Abstract: The invention concerns making and evaluating synthetic regulatory regions for controlling gene expression. The invention features a method for identifying transcription factor binding sites and a method for evaluating the regulatory functions of synthetic regulatory regions.

Abstract: In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic or immunizing treatment to a subject by applying non-invasive, user-friendly electrodes to the surface of the skin. Thus, therapeutic or immunizing agents can be delivered into cells of skin for local and systemic treatments or for immunization with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

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: Disclosed is a novel inducible expression system characterized by undetectable biological effect in the absence of an inducer, but which exhibits efficient inducibility in the presence of an inducer.

Abstract: In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic treatment to a subject while reducing inducement of histopathological change in the target muscle tissue, such as is associated with induction or amplification of an immune response caused by the pulsed electric field. Therapeutic agents can be delivered nto cells of muscle for local and systemic treatments with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.

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 device for in vivo electroporation therapy comprising an electrode applicator with at least two pairs of electrodes arranged relative to one another to form an array and a power supply. The device is used to generate an electric field in a biological sample and effect introduction of selected molecules into cells of the sample.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an apparatus for trans-surface molecular includes a non-conductive carrier having a proximal surface, a distal surface, and a plurality of through holes from the proximal surface to the distal surface, a plurality of first electrodes disposed on the proximal surface, a first conductor disposed on at least a first portion of the distal surface and extending through at least a first portion of the plurality of through holes and connected to the first electrodes on the proximal surface, a plurality of second electrodes disposed on the proximal surface, and a second conductor disposed on at least a second portion of the distal surface and extending through at least a second portion of the plurality of through holes and connected to the second electrodes on the proximal surface, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are configured and disposed in closely spaced relation on the proximal surface for engaging the tissue surface and applying an electric field.

Abstract: The invention comprises a modular electroporation device for use in clinical settings. The device includes components which may be varied or adapted for application of electroporation-based delivery of therapeutic agents to cells of a subject in a variety of electroporation formats such as intratissue electroporation or transsurface electroporation. The device components include a hand-manipulable handle with activation switch and a disposable head comprising electrodes, injection port, electrode directional and depth guide, and a slideably engaged electrode safety shield.

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: Disclosed is a chamber apparatus for electroporating in vitro relatively large volumes of a fluid medium carrying biological-cells-or-vesicles wherein-a reservoir for carrying said cells and vesicles is variable in its volume on demand and wherein the volume chosen is directly related to the volume of the sample to be electroporated. The apparatus has further embodiments wherein the chamber is disposable and can be operated either in isolation from a patient or connected thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery that electroporation of a photosensitive agent in a cell and subsequent activation of the agent provides more effective killing of the electroporated cell than cells exposed to a photosensitive agent alone. The invention provides a method and apparatus for inhibiting cell growth or enhancing cell death. The method includes providing a photosensitive agent to a cell; applying an electric pulse to the cell of a sufficient strength and duration to electroporate the cell with the photosensitive agent; and applying light of an activatable wavelength to the cell thereby activating the agent and inhibiting cell growth or enhancing cell death.

Abstract: Methods are proved for introducing a biologically active agent into cells of a subject by introducing the agent in a form suitable for electrotransport into a region of tissue of the subject using one or more needle-free injectors, and applying a pulsed electric field to the region of tissue, thereby causing electroporation of the region of tissue. The combination of needle-free injection and electroporation is sufficient to introduce the agent into cells in skin, muscle or mucosa. For example, the region of tissue can be contacted with two oppositely charged injectors, one acting as the donor electrode and one acting as the counter electrode, or a single injector and one or more electrodes can be used. In addition, needle-free injection may be used in combination with suitable non-invasive electrode configurations. The active agents delivered into cells using the invention method can be small molecules, polynucleotides, polypeptides, and the like.

Abstract: Improved devices and methods for performing electroporation-mediated delivery agents to cells is described. 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: Described are electroporation plates (2) that comprise a plurality of energizable electroporation wells (4) or chambers arrayed in a solid substrate, wherein at least two of the wells (4) in the plate (2) can be independently energized. Each well (4) contains at least two electroporation electrodes (12, 14) disposed therein, and serves as the vessel in which an individual electroporation reaction can be conducted. Also, described are electroporation systems that use electroporation plates (2) according to the invention, as well as methods of using such electroporation plates (2) and systems, for example, to optimize electroporation conditions.

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: In vivo methods are provided for using an electric field to delivery therapeutic or immunizing treatment to a subject by applying non-invasive, user-friendly electrodes to the surface of the skin. Thus, therapeutic or immunizing agents can be delivered into cells of skin for local and systemic treatments or for immunization with optimal gene expression and minimal tissue damage. In particular, therapeutic agents include naked or formulated nucleic acid, polypeptides and chemotherapeutic agents.