Monopolar gene electrotransfer enhances plasmid DNA delivery to skin

A novel monopolar electroporation system and methodologies were developed for in vivo intended potential clinical applications such as gene therapy. We hypothesized that an asymmetric anode/cathode electrode applicator geometry could produce favorable electric fields electroporation, without the typical drawback associated with traditional needle parallel plate geometries. Three prototypes built tested delivery of reporter genes to skin a guinea pig model. Gene expression was evaluated terms kinetics over time distribution within treatment site. Different pulsing parameters, including pulse amplitude, duration, number evaluated. Monopolar electrotransfer significantly enhanced compared controls course 21 days. observed throughout full thickness epidermis, well notable deeper layers skin, dermis, underlying striated muscle any damage at site, which is substantial improvement previously reported confined epidermis only. Expression consistent field model, indicating our results targeted transfer. This important, it may facilitate translation many electroporation-based therapies therapies, IRE, ECT.