Researchers from Wake Forest University report on findings in gene therapy
March 2nd, 2009
2009 MAR 2 -- "In this study a novel method of simultaneous gene transfection and cell delivery based on inkjet printing technology is described. Plasmids encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) were coprinted with living cells (porcine aortic endothelial [PAE] cells) through the ink cartridge nozzles of modified commercial inkjet printers," investigators in the United States report.
"Agarose gel electrophoresis analysis showed there was no obvious structural alteration or damage to these plasmids after printing. Transfection efficiency of the printed cells, determined by GFP expression, was over 10%, and post-transfection cell viability was over 90%. We showed that printing conditions, such as plasmid concentration, cartridge model, and plasmid size, influenced gene transfection efficiency. Moreover, genetically modified PAE cells were accurately delivered to target sites within a three-dimensional fibrin gel scaffold and expressed GFP in vitro and in vivo when implanted into mice. These results demonstrate that inkjet printing technology is able to simultaneously transfect genes into cells as well as precisely deliver these cell populations to target sites," wrote T. Xu and colleagues, Wake Forest University.
The researchers concluded: "This technology may facilitate the development of effective cell-based therapies by combining gene therapy with living cells that can be delivered to target sites."
Xu and colleagues published their study in Tissue Engineering Part a (Inkjet-Mediated Gene Transfection into Living Cells Combined with Targeted Delivery. Tissue Engineering Part a, 2009;15(1):95-101).
For additional information, contact J.J. Yoo, Wake Forest University Health Science, Wake Forest Institute Regenerat Medical, Medical Center Blvd., Winston Salem, NC 27157, USA.
The publisher of the journal Tissue Engineering Part a can be contacted at: Mary Ann Liebert Inc., 140 Huguenot Street, 3RD FL, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA.
Keywords: United States, Winston-Salem, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedicine, Biotechnology, Gene Therapy, Genetics, Genomics, Medical Device, Tissue Engineering, Wake Forest University.
This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
