Intracellular protein delivery and gene transfection by electroporation using a microneedle electrode array.

ABSTRACT: The impact of many biopharmaceuticals, including protein- and gene-based therapies, has been limited by the need for better methods of delivery into cells within tissues. Here, intracellular delivery of molecules and transfection with plasmid DNA by electroporation is presented using a novel microneedle electrode array designed for the targeted treatment of skin and other tissue surfaces. The microneedle array is molded out of polylactic acid. Electrodes and circuitry required for electroporation are applied to the microneedle array surface by a new metal-transfer micromolding method. The microneedle array maintains mechanical integrity after insertion into pig cadaver skin and is able to electroporate human prostate cancer cells in vitro. Quantitative measurements show that increasing ele

SUBMITTER: Choi SO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3516926 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature