Microelectroporation device for genomic screening
| DWPI Title: Microelectroporation device to map genes comprises transparent substrate, printed circuit board, biocompatible gasket disposed between and fluidically sealing bottom surface of the board to top of the substrate and low voltage power supply |
| Abstract: We have developed an microelectroporation device that combines microarrays of oligonucleotides, microfluidic channels, and electroporation for cell transfection and high-throughput screening applications (e.g. RNA interference screens). Microarrays allow the deposition of thousands of different oligonucleotides in microscopic spots. Microfluidic channels and microwells enable efficient loading of cells into the device and prevent cross-contamination between different oligonucleotides spots. Electroporation allows optimal transfection of nucleic acids into cells (especially hard-to-transfect cells such as primary cells) by minimizing cell death while maximizing transfection efficiency. This invention has the advantage of a higher throughput and lower cost, while preventing cross-contamination compared to conventional screening technologies. Moreover, this device does not require bulky robotic liquid handling equipment and is inherently safer given that it is a closed system. |
| Use: As a microelectroporation device (claimed) for genomic screening; use in the field of gene structure and more particularly in mapping genes and sequencing DNA. |
| Advantage: The electroporation device allows optimal transfection of nucleic acids into cells (especially hard-to-transfect cells such as primary cells) by minimizing cell death while maximizing transfection efficiency. This has the advantage of a higher throughput and lower cost, while preventing cross-contamination compared to conventional screening technologies. Moreover, this device does not require bulky robotic liquid handling equipment and is inherently safer given that it is a closed system. The device has density of cell collection sites of at least 30 sites per cm 2 . The device prevents or reduces the potential for cross-contamination between cell collection sites. The microelectroporation device (microelectroporator) is capable of high-throughput screening with thousands of host genes per slide, while minimizing reagent consumption. The density of microchambers (30 microchambers/cm 2 ) on this microelectroporator is an order of magnitude higher than that of conventional 384 well plates (≈ 3 microchambers/cm 2 ). This sealed miniaturized device can be used in biosafety level containment. The device limits the number of trapped cells to a statistically significant number thus minimizing the number of costly primary cells used. |
| Novelty: A microelectroporation device comprises optically transparent substrate (10); printed circuit board (PCB) (20) containing array of microelectrodes; biocompatible gasket (25) disposed between and fluidically sealing bottom surface of the PCB to top surface of the substrate; and low voltage power supply, where the substrate comprises networked microfluidic channels (12) and arrays of microchambers (14) formed into the top surface of the substrate, and conductive metal oxide layer deposited over the top surface to provide common electrode. |
| Filed: 6/30/2011 |
| Application Number: US13173180A |
| Tech ID: SD 11675.1 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
| Data from Derwent World Patents Index, provided by Clarivate All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Clarivate content, including by framing or similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of Clarivate. Clarivate and its logo, as well as all other trademarks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners and used under license. |