Abstract: The invention concerns a method for treating an aqueous flow colonized by cells with a pulsed electric field applied to a flow, characterized in that the applied field is substantially parallel to the direction of flow and to its application to the transfer of nucleic acids (RNA, DNA, oligonucleotides) into cells, to the transfer of proteins to cells, to the extraction of cytoplasmic macromolecules and molecules contained in the cells, to cell fusion and the production of hybrids and/or to insertion of membrane proteins. It also concerns an electropulsing chamber, a method for destroying cells and a membrane permeabilization method.

Abstract: Primers and probes derived from the 5′ untranslated region of the HCV genome which facilitate detection and/or quantification of all presently known genotypes of HCV. Disclosed sequences may be used in a variety of primer and probe constructs for amplification and/or detection of HCV nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for the genetic modification and improvement of Porphyra species utilizing protoplast fusion is disclosed. The method of the invention features the use of conchoporangial branch conchocelis for at least one of the sources of protoplasts for protoplast fusion. Protoplasts produced from conchosporangial branch conchocelis of one species may be mixed with protoplasts produced from either blade material or conchocelis of a second species and fused using either a chemical fusing agent like polyethylene glycol (PEG) or electrofusion. Alternatively, an algal species other than a Porphyra species may be the second source of protoplasts. After fusion has occurred, fusion products are isolated and regenerated to whole plants or used as multicellular material.

Abstract: An electroporation and/or fusion treatment of microscopic objects occurs in a medium between at least two electrodes, with the electrodes being miniaturized electrodes in a microsystem with a channel structure which is set up for the flow-through of the medium with the objects.

Abstract: Among other things, the invention provides devices and methods for obtaining electric field-enhanced bioconjugation events. In particular, the invention provides for contactless electrodes for obtaining the electric field, such that transport and bioconjugation of charged molecules is obtained in the absence of current flow through the buffer, sample, and/or porous media.

Abstract: An polyampholyte is utilized in a condensed polynucleotide complex for purposes of nucleic acid delivery to a cell. The complex can be formed with an appropriate amount of positive and/or negative charge such that the resulting complex can be delivered to the extravascular space and may be further delivered to a cell.

Abstract: A new and useful apparatus for producing cell electrofusion is provided. The apparatus comprises: a. a chamber with a substrate disposed therein, b. means for directing the cells to be fused toward one side of the substrate; and c. a device for inducing fusion of the portion of the cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for delivering a virus vector to an animal. The compositions include compositions which comprise a hydrogel matrix (e.g. a collagen matrix which can comprise a poloxamer or an alginate) containing a virus vector therein in a transfectious form. The invention also includes methods of making such hydrogel precursor mixtures and hydrogel matrices, including particles, devices, bulk materials, and other objects which comprise, consist of, or are coated with such mixtures or matrices. The invention further relates to compositions comprising a hydrogel precursor mixture having a virus vector suspended therein, which, when administered to an animal, gel to form a hydrogel matrix containing a virus vector therein in a transfectious form. Methods of delivering a virus vector to an animal tissue are also described.

Abstract: A new and useful apparatus for producing cell electrofusion is provided. The apparatus comprises: a. a chamber with a substrate disposed therein, b. means for directing the cells to be fused toward one side of the substrate in so that the cells in the fluid medium are retained against the one side of the substrate with a significant portion of the cells in cell-to-cell contact with each other along said one side of the substrate, and c. a device for inducing fusion of the portion of the cells in cell-to-cell contact with each other along the predetermined portion of the one side of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for obtaining a live offspring having maternal chromosomes derived from a live first polar body of an oocyte that has completed the first meiotic division. It has been discovered herein that chromosomes in the first polar body are able to participate in normal embryonic development if they are allowed to complete the second meiotic division within an enucleated mature oocyte, and are then allowed to mingle with chromosomes of a spermatozoon. The invention further provides a method for producing up to four embyros or live offspring having the chromosomes of a single oocyte, by using both the first polar body chromosomes, and the second polar body chromosomes to reconstitute recipient enucleated (fertilized) oocytes.

Abstract: The use of totipotent embryonic stem cells to provide substantially identical cells for embryo cloning techniques is described. The method includes the culture of loose suspensions of inner cell mass cells of bovine animals to retrieve large populations of stem cells. The invention also describes the use of stem cells in various genetic manipulation techniques.

Abstract: A computer system for controlling the parameters used during molecule transfer operations. The computer system includes a processor coupled to a memory. The memory stores instructions that are executed by the processor. The computer system controls the value of parameters that affect the characteristics of pulses delivered by a pulse generating circuit to a solution. The pulse generating unit delivers individual pulses during cycles. The cumulative pulse delivered during a specified number of cycles is a pulse output. The magnitude of a pulse output is determined by the number of cycles corresponding to the pulse output and the characteristics of the individual pulses delivered during the cycles. A pulse group is a series of pulse outputs. The computer system controls a molecule transfer operation by causing the pulse generation circuit to deliver one or more pulse groups to the solution. A user selects the shape and number of pulse groups to be delivered for an operation.

Abstract: A method for controlling infections caused by Cryptosporidium parvum. The method comprises using protease inhibiting compounds, preferably serine protease inhibitors, to inhibit excystation, invasion, and parasite maturation and development. The method is directed to therapeutic treatment of mammals, such as humans, exposed to C. parvum, and additionally as a prophylactic treatment in immunocompromised subjects at high risk for contracting cryptosporidiosis.

Abstract: An immunochemical method is provided for the detection and determination of an analyte. The zeta potential of a latex-particle loaded with an immunologically active substance is measured before and after bringing the loaded latex-particle into contact with an analyte. The difference in zeta potential is correlated with changes of zeta potential for known concentrations of the analyte in order to determine the presence and amount of the analyte.