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Optimization of cutaneous electrically mediated plasmid DNA delivery using novel electrode

Abstract

The easy accessibility of skin makes it an excellent target for gene transfer protocols. To take advantage of skin as a target for gene transfer, it is important to establish an efficient and reproducible delivery system. Electroporation is an established technique for enhancing plasmid delivery to many tissues in vivo. A critical component of this technique is the electrode configuration. Electroporation parameters were optimized for transgene expression with minimal tissue damage with a novel electrode. The highest transgene expression and efficiency of individual cell transformation with minimal damage was produced with eight 150 ms pulses at field strength of 100 V/cm. This electrode design offers the potential for easier and more reproducible electrically mediated cutaneous plasmid delivery than the simple electrodes currently commercially available. This electrode can be a valuable tool in determining the applicability of electrically mediated cutaneous gene transfer.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by research grants from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R21 DK55588) and the University of South Florida Center for Molecular Delivery. The pulse generator and electrodes used in this work were supplied by Inovio Biomedical Corporation, San Diego, CA.

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Correspondence to L C Heller.

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Heller, L., Jaroszeski, M., Coppola, D. et al. Optimization of cutaneous electrically mediated plasmid DNA delivery using novel electrode. Gene Ther 14, 275–280 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gt.3302867

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