Feasibility of DNA Delivery with Microelectrodes

描述(申请人提供)：这项拟议的研究将确定使用微电极阵列应用电能将体内DNA转移到活细胞的可行性。这项研究将首先组装合适的微电极、基于计算机的硬件和定制软件，以创建一种用于在体内施加电场的设备。然后，该设备将通过将质粒DNA输送到大鼠模型的肌肉中并分析基因表达来进行测试。结果将与通常用于DNA输送的标准“宏观”电极进行比较。如果成功，这项研究将展示微电极将DNA输送到细胞/组织的效用，使用一种功率较低的设备，可以将DNA准确地输送到所需的位置。成功也将是未来研究的动力，因为这项研究中提出的微电极可以灵活地制作成与组织地形相一致的，小到足以应用于激光检查或导管类型的装置，并作为一种植入性装置用于多次剂量输送。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This proposed study will determine the feasibility of using an array of microelectrodes for applying electrical energy to transfer DNA in vivo to living cells. The study will first assemble appropriate microelectrodes, computer based hardware, and custom software to create a device for applying electric fields in vivo. The device will then be tested by delivering plasmid DNA to muscle in a rat model and analyzing gene expression. Results will be compared to standard "macro" electrodes that are commonly in use for DNA delivery. If successful, this study will demonstrate the utility of microelectrodes for DNA delivery to cells/tissue using a device with a lower power that can precisely deliver DNA to a desired location. Success will also be a motivator for future investigations as the microelectrodes proposed in this study can be made flexible to confirm to tissue topography, small enough to be applied laproscopically or on a catheter type device, and as an implantable device for multiple dose delivery uses.