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Alignment
See also Dielectrophoresis and Pearl Chain. A consequence of cells being
exposed to an inhomogeneous or divergent electric field, resulting in their
movement toward the electrodes, and subsequent alignment or pearl chain formation.
Alternating Current (AC)
During electro cell fusion, an alternating electrical current is utilized to
induce an inhomogeneous, or divergent electric field, allowing for dielectrophoresis
and pearl chain formation. The resulting physical contact between cells facilitates
the fusion process that may result following the application of a DC
electroporation pulse.
Capacitor
A device that stores energy in the form of an electric field. A capacitor
consists of two metal plates insulated from each other by a dielectric
(insulating, usually a plastic material such as Mylar) material. In an ideal
capacitor, no conduction current flows between the plates after the capacitor
is completely charged. Capacitors can be fixed, variable, or adjustable.
Chambers
Electroporation and Electrofusion Chambers are the devices used to contain
the cells/molecules to be fused/transfected. The chambers include the electrodes through which the pulse generators deliver the electric field to the cells.
These include cuvettes as well as various fusion chambers and specialty electrodes.
Cloning
In terms of applications for electro cell fusion, cloning refers to the
ability to generate identical, viable animals, through processes such as
nuclear transplantation.
Compression
See Alignment, Dielectrophoresis, and Pearl Chains.
The result of an AC alignment.
Dielectric Breakdown
The reversible breakdown of bi-lipid layer membranes as a result of
the application of a DC electroporation pulse. A sufficiently high field
strength may increase the membrane potential past a critical point leading
to the breakdown of the membrane.
Dielectric Constant
For a given dielectric (nonmetallic) material, the ratio of electrical
capacitance of a dielectric- filled capacitor to a vacuum capacitor of
identical dimensions.
Dielectrophoresis
See Alignment
Dimer Formation
The bringing together of 2 cells, through the process of dielectrophoresis,
so that they may be fused, resulting in a hybrid. Also refers to Pearl Chain
formation.
Direct Current (DC)
During electro cell fusion, a direct current is utilized to produce
a high intensity, short duration electric field, causing a reversible
physical breakdown of bi-lipid membranes and resulting in the formation
of temporary pores. When juxtaposed pores in the membranes of two or
more cells reseal following the DC pulse, cells may become fused.
Divergence
The deviation of field lines (e.g. electric field lines) from parallel,
homogeneous conditions. A highly divergent field is a very inhomogeneous
field where the value and direction of the field change drastically in
the area under consideration.
Electric Field
The potential difference between two points (electrodes) (in Volts)
divided by the distance between the electrodes (called gap, and expressed
in cm). Expressed as V/cm or kV/cm. This is true only if the electric field
is homogenous as it is in parallel plate electrodes.
Electric Field Force
The force acting on any charge in an electric field. The force is equal to the
product of the charge and the electric field.
Electric Field Strength
See Electric Field.
Electrofusion (EF) or Electro Cell Fusion (ECF)
Electric field induced cell fusion. A novel physical means to bond two cells
together by the application of an electric field pulse of high intensity.
Electrolytic
A fluid containing charged molecules is called an electrolyte. Electrolytic
properties are associated with such a fluid, such as the ability to conduct current.
Electroporation
The application of high electric field pulses of short duration to create
temporary pores (holes) in the membranes of cells.
Embryo Manipulation
The cloning of animals can be accomplished through embryo manipulation techniques,
such as nuclear transfer and electrofusion.
Frequency
The number of times an oscillation goes through a complete cycle in one second.
Unit is Hertz (1/sec).
Homogenous Electric Field
The direction and field strength are constant.
Hybrid
A viable daughter cell resulting from the fusion of two parent cells.
Hybridoma
The fusion of an antibody producing cell with an immortalized cell, resulting
in an immortalized hybrid cell capable of generating antibodies.
Hydrostatic Pressure
The pressure in liquids at rest.
Inhomogeneous Electric Field
Direction and strength of the electric field vary.
Microslide
An electrofusion chamber allowing for the observation of the alignment and
fusion processes under a microscope.
Osmotic Pressure
The applied pressure required to prevent the flow of solvents of different
concentration across a semi-permeable membrane.
Pearl Chains
See Alignment and Dielectrophoresis. Chains of cells or vesicles brought into
alignment during electro-cell fusion, prior to electroporation.
Pore
A small, mostly transient opening in a cell wall caused by the application of
a brief high electric field pulse.
Potential Difference
The difference (in Volts) between points in an area between electrodes.
Pressure Gradient
The difference in pressure between two points in a medium.
Pulse Length
The length of time an electric signal is applied.
Relaxation Time
The time of a system to reach equilibrium.
Rounding Off
The pheonomena of cells forming a sphere after being fused together.
Turgor Pressure
The pressure in capillaries.
Voltage
The difference of electric potential between two electrodes (expressed in volts (V)
or kilovolts (kV)).
Wave Forms
The shape of time-varying electric signals.
If have any questions, please E-mail BTX Technical Support at tech@genetronics.com.
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