Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices and methods for the preservation of cells using drying, freezing, and other related techniques. In one set of embodiments, the invention allows for the preservation of cells in a dried state. In another set of embodiments, the invention allows for the preservation of cells within a glass or other non-viscous, non-frozen media. In some embodiments, the invention allows for the preservation of cells at temperatures below the freezing point of water, and in some cases at cryogenic temperatures, without inducing ice formation. The cells, in certain embodiments, may be preserved in the presence of intracellular and/or extracellular carbohydrates (which may be the same or different), for example, trehalose and sucrose. Carbohydrates may be transported intracellularly by any suitable technique, for example, using microinjection, or through non-microinjected methods such as through pore-forming proteins, electroporation, heat shock, etc.

Abstract: A method of modifying epidermis for transport of a material by electroporation includes applying to epidermis an agent that, upon entry into the epidermis, will modify the epidermis to thereby cause and altered rate of transport of a material across the epidermis. Typically, the altered rate will be an increased rate of transport. The epidermis is electroporated, whereby at least a portion of the modifying agent enters the electroporated epidermis, thereby modifying the epidermis to cause an altered rate of transport of a material across the epidermis. In another embodiment, the modifying agent can modify the epidermis to enable measurement and/or monitoring of physiological conditions or change within or beneath the epidermis. The modifying agents can also be employed to facilitate discharge of fluids from within an organism, such as by providing pathways for discharge of fluids from a tumor.