Abstract: In biology and biotechnology, electroporation is an important technique for introducing entities (DNA, RNAi, peptides, proteins, antibodies, genes, small molecules, nanoparticles, etc.) into cells. Applications range widely from genetic engineering to regenerative medicine to drug delivery. It has been demonstrated that the electrical currents flowing through cells can be used to monitor and control the process of electroporation for biological and artificial cells. In this application, a device and system are disclosed which allow precise monitoring and controlling electroporation of cells and cell layers, with examples shown using adherent cells grown on porous membranes.

Abstract: An electrical ground detection circuit 10 having a first capacitor 18 and a second capacitor 20 which selectively receives a certain amount of voltage. The certain amount of voltage decreases by a certain amount during a period of time, as the capacitor 18 charges. The circuit 10 further includes a controller 16 which measures this period of time and which utilizes this measured period of time to determine whether an electrical assembly 12 is coupled to an electrically grounded member 14.