Microneedle Array Electroporation for Cell Transfection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for bulk cell transfection face challenges such as low efficiency and safety concerns, particularly for larger molecules, due to limited understanding of cell membrane mechanics and interactions, leading to inefficient and potentially harmful transmembrane transport.

Innovation Solution

A microneedle array device with nanopores and electrodes for controlled nanoelectroporation, enabling efficient transdermal delivery of genetic materials into cells by creating localized electric fields to permeabilize cell membranes and facilitate electrophoretic insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional transfection methods are used for bulk cell transfection, then transfection can be achieved, but efficiency is low and cell viability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfection efficiencyVSAvoidcell viability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the transfection process into two distinct stages: (1) microneedle insertion to create physical access to cells, and (2) electroporation to deliver genetic material. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, achieving high transfection efficiency while maintaining cell viability through controlled electrical pulses rather than harsh chemical or mechanical methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microneedle array acts as an intermediary device that bridges the extracellular environment and intracellular space. The needles with nanopores provide a controlled interface for delivering genetic material directly to cells, while the electroporation process uses electrical fields as a mediator to facilitate membrane permeabilization and material uptake without causing excessive damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If membrane permeabilization is applied to facilitate transmembrane transport of larger molecules, then delivery capability is improved, but tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capability for larger moleculesVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electroporation process applies electrical fields locally at the microneedle-cell interface rather than throughout the entire tissue. This localized application creates temporary pores only in the cell membranes directly contacted by the microneedles, enabling delivery of larger molecules while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and maintaining overall tissue integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses controlled electrical pulse parameters (voltage, duration, frequency) to temporarily alter cell membrane properties for material delivery, then allows membranes to recover. This parameter-based control enables reversible permeabilization that facilitates delivery of larger molecules while preventing permanent tissue damage through optimized pulse conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If microneedle array with electrodes is used for nanoelectroporation, then transfection efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microneedle array is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical insertion into tissue, electrical contact for electroporation, and potential drug delivery through nanopores. By combining these functions into a single integrated device, the patent reduces the need for separate instruments and procedures, making the increased complexity worthwhile for achieving high transfection efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device structure features nested components where electrodes are integrated within or around the microneedle shafts, and nanopores are embedded within the needle walls. This nested arrangement maximizes functionality within a compact form factor, delivering complex capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure that can be manufactured and operated efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Achieves high efficiency and viability in cell transfection, with the ability to deliver larger molecules deep into 3D cell volumes, offering applications in vaccine delivery, cancer treatment, and cellular regeneration while minimizing tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

controlled nanoelectroporation and/or electrophoretic insertion of genetic materials into cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroporation:

Implementation Method 2

electrophoretic insertion of genetic materials into cells

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS11624050B2Microneedle array electroporation system for cell transfection

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 BOARD OF RGT THE UNIV OF TEXAS SYST

AI summary

Disclosed is the design, fabrication, and characterization of a novel system comprising a parallel set of nanopore microneedles (NPMs) for cell transfection through controlled nanoelectroporation (NEP) and electrophoretic insertion of genetic materials.