The BTX 2-Needle Array Electrode is an in vivo style electrode specifically designed for muscle gene delivery. The electrode consists of a reusable Delrin 2-Needle Array Handle and sterile disposable two-needle array assemblies. The needle array assemblies are conveniently packaged in "Six Packs," allowing for guaranteed sterility, and designed to fit conveniently in a sterile hood. The needles themselves are made of medical grade stainless steel. Grasping the Needle Array handle, simply position the handle over a needle array assembly and push to secure the needle array onto the handle. Attach the handle to a BTX pulse generator via the high voltage banana cables. Remove the needle safety shield, place into the tissue, and deliver the pulse. Discard the needle array and prepare for the next experiment. The 2-Needle Array is available in 5mm and 10mm electrode gap (distance between electrodes). The 45-0167 Handle is designed for the 45-0120 10mm needle tips and used for larger muscle masses, such as rat gastronemus. The 45-0168 Handle is designed for the 45-0121 5mm needle tips and is recommended for smaller muscle masses, such as mouse tibialis. Other species and tissues may be electroporated with the 2-Needle Array.

APPLICATIONS

• Intra Muscular
• Intra Dermal

Muscle in vivo Gene Delivery - Among the non-viral techniques for gene transfer in vivo, the direct injection of plasmid DNA into muscle is simple, inexpensive, and safe.  In vivo gene delivery by injection and electroporation of DNA into muscle tissue has been shown to enhanced gene expression by 100 fold compared to injection alone. DNA vaccination by direct in vivo administration of plasmid-based DNA vectors has proven to be very effective in animal models. It has been demonstrated in the literature that non-viral electroporation enhances gene expression in muscle greatly, making it possible to induce immune response in large animals. Therefore, in vivo electroporation is proven to be especially useful at increasing effectiveness of DNA vaccinations in large animals.⁴