The technique of electroporation is utilized to permeate cell membranes to introduce drugs or foreign genetic materials into living cells. Electrofusion is used as a new approach to form hybrid cells for genetics studies and for monoclonal antibody production, as well as for drug infusion via liposomes. ElectroCell plans to develop protocols for electroporation and electrofusion of common cell types, based on the physical properties of cells. Prototypes of the electronic cell fuser and porator will be designed according to ElectroCell's protocols. Microscopic, macroscopic, and continuous-flow cell-fusion chambers will be made. The successful development of both hardware and software procedures and formulae will form the basis for commercialization. The biomedical community in Buffalo, New York, provides an excellent environment for biotechnology transfer and feedback, as well as a test market for future expansion.National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
