EP0814855A4 - Chambre d'electroporation en flux et procede associe - Google Patents

Chambre d'electroporation en flux et procede associe

Info

Publication number
EP0814855A4
EP0814855A4 EP96909619A EP96909619A EP0814855A4 EP 0814855 A4 EP0814855 A4 EP 0814855A4 EP 96909619 A EP96909619 A EP 96909619A EP 96909619 A EP96909619 A EP 96909619A EP 0814855 A4 EP0814855 A4 EP 0814855A4
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flow path
fluid flow
electrodes
red blood
cell
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP96909619A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0814855A1 (fr
Inventor
Peter M Meserol
Rita C Prodell
Jesse L Acker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
THERAMED, INC.
Original Assignee
THERAMED Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/402,145 external-priority patent/US5720921A/en
Application filed by THERAMED Inc filed Critical THERAMED Inc
Publication of EP0814855A1 publication Critical patent/EP0814855A1/fr
Publication of EP0814855A4 publication Critical patent/EP0814855A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/36—Other treatment of blood in a by-pass of the natural circulatory system, e.g. temperature adaptation, irradiation ; Extra-corporeal blood circuits
    • A61M1/3687—Chemical treatment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/36—Other treatment of blood in a by-pass of the natural circulatory system, e.g. temperature adaptation, irradiation ; Extra-corporeal blood circuits
    • A61M1/3621—Extra-corporeal blood circuits
    • A61M1/3623—Means for actively controlling temperature of blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/36—Other treatment of blood in a by-pass of the natural circulatory system, e.g. temperature adaptation, irradiation ; Extra-corporeal blood circuits
    • A61M1/3692—Washing or rinsing blood or blood constituents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12M—APPARATUS FOR ENZYMOLOGY OR MICROBIOLOGY; APPARATUS FOR CULTURING MICROORGANISMS FOR PRODUCING BIOMASS, FOR GROWING CELLS OR FOR OBTAINING FERMENTATION OR METABOLIC PRODUCTS, i.e. BIOREACTORS OR FERMENTERS
    • C12M35/00—Means for application of stress for stimulating the growth of microorganisms or the generation of fermentation or metabolic products; Means for electroporation or cell fusion
    • C12M35/02—Electrical or electromagnetic means, e.g. for electroporation or for cell fusion
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N13/00—Treatment of microorganisms or enzymes with electrical or wave energy, e.g. magnetism, sonic waves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/36—Other treatment of blood in a by-pass of the natural circulatory system, e.g. temperature adaptation, irradiation ; Extra-corporeal blood circuits
    • A61M1/3616—Batch-type treatment
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M1/00—Suction or pumping devices for medical purposes; Devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body-liquids; Drainage systems
    • A61M1/36—Other treatment of blood in a by-pass of the natural circulatory system, e.g. temperature adaptation, irradiation ; Extra-corporeal blood circuits
    • A61M1/3693—Other treatment of blood in a by-pass of the natural circulatory system, e.g. temperature adaptation, irradiation ; Extra-corporeal blood circuits using separation based on different densities of components, e.g. centrifuging
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2202/00—Special media to be introduced, removed or treated
    • A61M2202/04—Liquids
    • A61M2202/0413—Blood
    • A61M2202/0429—Red blood cells; Erythrocytes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3306—Optical measuring means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/33—Controlling, regulating or measuring
    • A61M2205/3379—Masses, volumes, levels of fluids in reservoirs, flow rates
    • A61M2205/3382—Upper level detectors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/36—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling
    • A61M2205/3606—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling cooled
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
    • A61M2205/36—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling
    • A61M2205/3673—General characteristics of the apparatus related to heating or cooling thermo-electric, e.g. Peltier effect, thermocouples, semi-conductors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for the encapsulation of biologically- active substances in various cell populations. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the encapsulation of allosteric effectors of hemoglobin in erythrocytes by electroporation to achieve therapeutically desirable changes in the physical characteristics of the intracellular hemoglobin.
  • blood In the vascular system of an adult human being, blood has a volume of about 5 to 6 liters. Approximately one half of this volume is occupied by cells, including red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and blood platelets. Red blood cells comprise the majority of the cellular components of blood. Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, is approximately 90 percent water and 10 percent various solutes. These solutes include plasma proteins, organic metabolites and waste products, and inorganic compounds.
  • red blood cells The major function of red blood cells is to transport oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body, and transport carbon dioxide from the tissues to the lungs for removal. Very little oxygen is transported by the blood plasma because oxygen is only sparingly soluble in aqueous solutions. Most of the oxygen carried by the blood is transported by the hemoglobin of the erythrocytes. Erythrocytes in mammals do not contain nuclei, mitochondria or any other intracellular organelles, and they do not use oxygen in their own metabolism. Red blood cells contain about 35 percent by weight hemoglobin, which is responsible for binding and transporting oxygen. Hemoglobin is a protein having a molecular weight of approximately 64,500 daltons.
  • Normal globin the protein portion of the hemoglobin molecule, consists of two ⁇ chains and two ⁇ chains. Each of the four chains has a characteristic tertiary structure in which the chain is folded. The four polypeptide chains fit together in an approximately tetrahedral arrangement, to constitute the characteristic quaternary structure of hemoglobin.
  • oxygen to tissues depends upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, the volume of blood flow, the number of red blood cells, the concentration of hemoglobin in the red blood cells, the oxygen affinity of the hemoglobin and, in certain species, on the molar ratio of intraerythrocytic hemoglobins with high and low oxygen affinity.
  • the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin depends on four factors as well, namely: (1) the partial pressure of oxygen; (2) the pH; (3) the concentration of the allosteric effective 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) in the hemoglobin; and (4) the concentration of carbon dioxide.
  • DPG allosteric effective 2,3-diphosphoglycerate
  • An oxygen saturation curve plots the percentage of total oxygen-binding sites of a hemoglobin molecule that are occupied by oxygen molecules when solutions of the hemoglobin molecule are in equilibrium with different partial pressures of oxygen in the gas phase.
  • the oxygen saturation curve for hemoglobin is sigmoid.
  • binding the first molecule of oxygen increases the affinity of the remaining hemoglobin for binding additional oxygen molecules.
  • a plateau is approached at which each of the hemoglobin molecules is saturated and contains the upper limit of four molecules of oxygen.
  • the reversible binding of oxygen by hemoglobin is accompanied by the release of protons, according to the equation:
  • the partial pressure of oxygen in the air spaces is approximately 90 to 100 mm Hg and the pH is also high relative to normal blood pH (up to 7.6). Therefore, hemoglobin will tend to become almost maximally saturated with oxygen in the lungs. At that pressure and pH, hemoglobin is approximately 98 percent saturated with oxygen.
  • the partial pressure of oxygen is only about 25 to 40 mm Hg and the pH is also relatively low (about 7.2 to 7.3). Because muscle cells use oxygen at a high rate thereby lowering the local concentration of oxygen, the release of some of the bound oxygen to the tissue is favored.
  • hemoglobin As the blood passes through the capillaries in the muscles, oxygen will be released from the nearly saturated hemoglobin in the red blood cells into the blood plasma and thence into the muscle cells. Hemoglobin will release about a third of its bound oxygen as it passes through the muscle capillaries, so that when it leaves the muscle, it will be only about 64 percent saturated. In general, the hemoglobin in the venous blood leaving the tissue cycles between about 65 and 97 percent saturation with oxygen in its repeated circuits between the lungs and the peripheral tissues. Thus, oxygen partial pressure and pH function together to effect the release of oxygen by hemoglobin
  • DPG 2,3-diphosphoglycerate
  • the concentration of DPG in the erythrocytes is increased in normal individuals. For example, at high altitudes the partial pressure of oxygen is significantly less.
  • the partial pressure of oxygen in the tissues is less.
  • the DPG level in the red blood cells increases, causing more DPG to be bound and the oxygen affinity of the hemoglobin to decrease.
  • Increases in the DPG level of red cells also occur in patients suffering from hypoxia. This adjustment allows the hemoglobin to release its bound oxygen more readily to the tissues to compensate for the decreased oxygenation of hemoglobin in the lungs.
  • the reverse change occurs when people acclimated to high altitudes and descend to lower altitudes.
  • hemoglobin As normally isolated from blood, hemoglobin contains a considerable amount of DPG. When hemoglobin is "stripped" of its DPG, it shows a much higher affinity for oxygen. When DPG is increased, the oxygen binding affinity of hemoglobin decreases. A physiologic allosteric effector such as DPG is therefore essential for the normal release of oxygen from hemoglobin in the tissues.
  • DPG is the normal physiologic effector of hemoglobin in mammalian red blood cells
  • phosphorylated inositols are found to play a similar role in the erythrocytes of some birds and reptiles.
  • IHP is unable to pass through the mammahan erythrocyte membrane, it is capable of combining with hemoglobin of mammahan red blood cells at the binding site of DPG to modify the allosteric conformation of hemoglobin, the effect of which is to reduce the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen.
  • DPG can be replaced by inositol hexaphosphate (IHP), which is even more potent than DPG in reducing the oxygen affinity of hemoglobin.
  • IHP inositol hexaphosphate
  • IHP has a 1000-fold higher affinity to hemoglobin than DPG (R.E. Benesch et al., Biochemistry, Vol. 16, pages 2594-2597 (1977)) and increases the P50 of hemoglobin up to values of 96.4 mm Hg at pH 7.4 , and 37 degrees C (J. Biol. Chem., Vol. 250, pages 7093-7098 (1975)).
  • the oxygen release capacity of mammalian red blood cells can be enhanced by introducing certain allosteric effectors of hemoglobin into erythrocytes, thereby decreasing the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen and improving the oxygen economy of the blood. This phenomenon suggests various medical applications for treating individuals who are experiencing lowered oxygenation of their tissues due to the inadequate function of their lungs or circulatory system.
  • U.S. Patent Nos. 4,192,869, 4,321,259, and 4,473,563 to Nicolau et al. describe a method whereby fluid-charged lipid vesicles are fused with erythrocyte membranes, depositing their contents into the red blood cells. In this manner, it is possible to transport allosteric effectors such as inositol hexaphosphate into erythrocytes, where, due to its much higher binding constant IHP replaces DPG at its binding site in hemoglobin.
  • IHP is dissolved in a phosphate buffer until the solution is saturated and a mixture of lipid vesicles is suspended in the solution.
  • the suspension is then subjected to ultrasonic treatment or an injection process, and then centrifuged.
  • the upper suspension contains small lipid vesicles containing IHP, which are then collected. Erythrocytes are added to the collected suspension and incubated, during which time the lipid vesicles containing
  • the modified erythrocytes are then washed and added to plasma to complete the product.
  • the drawbacks associated with the liposomal technique include poor reproducibility of the IHP concentrations incorporated in the red blood cells and significant hemolysis of the red blood cells following treatment. Additionally, commercialization is not practical because the procedure is tedious and complicated.
  • the technique is best characterized as a continuous flow dialysis system which functions in a manner similar to the osmotic pulse technique.
  • the primary compartment of at least one dialysis element is continuously supplied with an aqueous suspension of erythrocytes while the secondary compartment of the dialysis element contains an aqueous solution which is hypotonic with respect to the erythrocyte suspension.
  • the hypotonic solution causes the erythrocytes to lyse.
  • the erythrocyte lysate is then contacted with the biologically active substance to be incorporated into the erythrocyte.
  • the osmotic and/or oncotic pressure of the erythrocyte lysate is increased and the suspension of resealed erythrocytes is recovered.
  • osmotic pulse technique In practicing the osmotic pulse technique, a supply of packed red blood cells is suspended and incubated in a solution containing a compound which readily diffuses into and out of the cells, the concentration of the compound being sufficient to cause diffusion thereof into the cells so that the contents of the cells become hypertonic. Next, a trans-membrane ionic gradient is created by diluting the solution containing the hypertonic cells with an essentially isotonic aqueous medium in the presence of at least on desired agent to be introduced, thereby causing diffusion of water into the cells with a consequent swelling and an increases in permeability of the outer membranes of the cells. This "osmotic pulse” causes the diffusion of water into the cells and a resultant swelling of the cells which increase the permeabihty of the outer cell membrane to the desired agent.
  • polyanions which may be used in practicing the osmotic pulse technique include pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate, phosphorylated inositols, 2,3-diphosphogly-cerate (DPG), adenosine triphosphate, heparin, and polycar-boxylic acids which are water-soluble, and non-disruptive to the lipid outer bilayer membranes of red blood cells.
  • the osmotic pulse technique has several shortcomings including low yield of encapsulation, incomplete resealing, lose of cell content and a corresponding decrease in the life span of the cells.
  • the technique is tedious, comphcated and unsuited to automation. For these reasons, the osmotic pulse technique has had little commercial success.
  • Electroporation has been used for encapsulation of foreign molecules in different cell types including IHP red blood cells as described in Mouneimne, et al, "Stable rightward shifts of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve induced by encapsulation of inositol hexaphosphate in red blood cells using electroporation," FEBS, Vol. 275, No. 1, 2, pp. 117-120 (1990).
  • the process of electroporation involves the formation of pores in the cell membranes, or in any vesicles, by the application of electric field pulses across a liquid cell suspension containing the cells or vesicles.
  • cells are suspended in a liquid media and then subjected to an electric field pulse.
  • the medium may be electrolyte, non-electrolyte, or a mixture of electrolytes and non-electrolytes.
  • Dielectric breakdown refers to the ability of a high electric field to create a small pore or hole in a cell membrane. Once a pore is created, a cell can be loaded with a biologically-active substances.
  • the second phenomenon is the dielectric bunching effect, which refers to the mutual self attraction produced by the placement of vesicles in a uniform electric field.
  • the third phenomenon is that of vesicle fusion.
  • Vesicle fusion refers to the tendency of membranes of biological vesicles, which have had pores formed by dielectric breakdowns, to couple together at their mutual dialectic breakdown sites when they are in close proximity.
  • the fourth phenomenon is the tendency of cells to hne up along one of their axis in the presence of high frequency electric fields.
  • electroporation relates to the use in vesicle rotational preahgnment, vesicle bunching and dielectric constant or vesicles for the purpose of loading and unloading the cell vesicle.
  • Electroporation has been used effectively to incorporate allosteric effectors of hemoglobin in erythrocytes.
  • Mouneimne, Y et al "Stable Rightward Shifts of Oxyhemoglobin Disassociation Constant Induced by Encapsulation of Inositol Hexaphosphate in Red Blood Cells Using Electroporation", FEBS, Vol. 275, No. 1, 2, pages 11- 120 (November 1990).
  • Mouneimne and his colleagues reported that right shifts of the hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation in treated erythrocytes having incorporated IHP can be achieved.
  • the electroporation methods disclosed in the prior art are not suitable for processing large volumes of sample, nor use of a high or repetitive electric charge. Furthermore, the methods .are not suitable for use in a continuous or "flow" electroporation chamber. Available electroporation chambers are designed for static use only. Namely, processing of samples by batch. Continuous use of a "static" chamber results in over heating of the chamber and increased cell lysis. Furthermore, the existing technology is unable to incorporate a sufficient quantity of IHP in a sufficient percentage of the cells being processed to dramatically change the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. In addition, the prior art methods require elaborate equipment and are not suited for loading red blood cells of a patient at the point of care. Thus, the procedure is time consuming and not suitable for use on a commercial scale.
  • Another condition which could benefit from an increase in the delivery of oxygen to the tissues is anemia.
  • a significant portion of hospital patients experience anemia or a low "crit" caused by an insufficient quantity of red blood cells or hemoglobin in their blood. This leads to inadequate oxygenation of their tissues and subsequent complications.
  • a physician can temporarily correct this condition by transfusing the patient with units of packed red blood cells.
  • Enhanced blood oxygenation may also reduce the number of heterologous transfusions and allow use of autologous transfusions in more case.
  • the current method for treatment of anemia or replacement of blood loss is transfusion of whole human blood. It is estimated that three to four million patients receive transfusions in the U.S. each year for surgical or medical needs.
  • IHP-treated red cells transport 2-3 times as much oxygen as untreated red cells, in many cases, a physician will need to transfuse fewer units of IHP-treaded red cells. This exposes the patient to less heterologous blood, decreases the extent of exposure to viral diseases from blood donors and minimizes immune function disturbances secondary to transfusions.
  • the ability to infuse more efficient red blood cells is also advantageous when the patients blood volume is excessive. In other more severe cases, where oxygen transport is failing, the ability to rapidly improve a patient's tissue oxygenation is hfe saving.
  • the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the encapsulation of biologically-active substances in various cell populations. More specifically, the present invention provides an electroporation chamber that may form part of an automated, self-contained, flow apparatus for encapsulating compounds or compositions, such as inositol hexaphosphate, in red blood cells, thereby reducing the affinity of the hemoglobin for oxygen and enhancing the delivery of oxygen by red blood cells to tissues. Encapsulation is preferably achieved by electroporation; however, it is contemplated that other methods of encapsulation may be used in practicing the present invention.
  • the method and apparatus, including the electroporation chamber, of the present invention is equally suited to the encapsulation of a variety of biologically-active substances in various cell populations.
  • the apparatus and method of the present invention is suited to the incorporation of a variety of biologically-active substances in cells and lipid vesicles.
  • the method, apparatus and chamber of the present invention may be used for introducing a compound or biologically-active substance into a vesicle whether that vesicle is engineered or naturally occurring.
  • the apparatus, method, and chamber of the present invention may be used to introduce IHP into erythrocytes.
  • the encapsulation of inositol hexaphosphate in red blood cells by electroporation results in a significant decrease in the hemoglobin affinity for oxygen without affecting the life span, ATP levels, K+ levels, or normal Theological competence of the cells.
  • the Bohr effect is not altered except to shift the O2 binding curve to the right.
  • Lowering the oxygen affinity of the erythrocytes increases the capacity of erythrocytes to dissociate the bound oxygen and thereby improves the oxygen supply to the tissues.
  • Enhancement of the oxygen-release capacity of erythrocytes brings about significant physiological effects such as a reduction in cardiac output, an increase in the .arteriovenous differences, and improved tissue oxygenation.
  • modified erythrocytes prepared in accordance with the present invention may find their use in situations such as those illustrated below: 1. Under conditions of low oxygen-partial pressure, such as at high altitudes;
  • hemoglobin such as hemoglobin mutations, chemical modifications of N-terminal amino acids in the hemoglobin- chains, or enzyme defects in erythrocytes; 7.
  • oxygen affinity of hemoglobin such as hemoglobin mutations, chemical modifications of N-terminal amino acids in the hemoglobin- chains, or enzyme defects in erythrocytes; 7.
  • modified erythrocytes which contribute to an improved oxygen economy of the blood.
  • modified erythrocytes are obtained by incorporation of allosteric effectors, such as IHP, by electroporation of the erythrocyte membranes.
  • the incorporation of the biologically-active substances into the cells in accordance with the method of the present invention is conducted extracorporally via an automated, flow electroporation apparatus. Briefly, a cell suspension is introduced into the separation and wash bowl chamber of the flow encapsulation apparatus. The cells are separated from the suspension, washed and resuspended in a solution of the biologically-active substance to be introduced into the cell. This suspension is introduced into the electroporation chamber and then incubated. Following electroporation and incubation, the cells are washed and separated. A contamination check is optionally conducted to confirm that all unencapsulated biologically-active substance has been removed. Then, the cells are prepared for storage or reinrroduction into a patient.
  • blood is drawn from a patient, the erythrocytes are separated from the drawn blood, the erythrocytes are modified by the incorporation of allosteric effectors and the modified erythrocytes and blood plasma is reconstituted. In this manner, it is possible to prepare and store blood containing IHP-modified erythrocytes.
  • the apparatus of the present invention provides an improved method for the encapsulation of biologically-active substances in cells including .an apparatus which is self- contained and therefore sterile, an apparatus which can process large volumes of cells within a shortened time period, an apparatus having improved contamination detection, cooling and incubation elements, an apparatus is entirely automated and which does not require the active control of a technician once a sample is introduced into the apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a continuous flow encapsulation apparatus.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a continuous flow encapsulation apparatus.
  • FIG. 3 is a top view of a first embodiment of the flow electroporation chamber with electrodes.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of a first embodiment of the flow electroporation chamber without electrodes.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of a first embodiment of the flow electroporation chamber.
  • FIG. 6 is an end view of a first embodiment of the flow electroporation chamber.
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of an electrode for use with the first embodiment of the flow electroporation chamber.
  • FIG. 8 is a front view of the electrode of FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of the flow electroporation chamber.
  • Fig 10 is a perspective view of the flow electroporation chamber of FIG. 9 with the chamber being assembled.
  • FIG. 11 is a graph comparing the effect of various field strengths, under static or flow conditions, on the % oxygenation of IHP-encapsulated red blood cells.
  • FIG. 12 is a table comparing the effects of various field strengths, under static or flow conditions, on the P 50 value of IHP-encapsulated red blood cells .
  • FIG. 13 is a table comparing the survival rates of red blood cells subjected to electroporation under static and flow conditions at various field strengths.
  • FIG. 14 is a front elevation view of a support member of an electroporation chamber according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the support member of FIG. 14 taken along hne 15-15 of FIG. 14.
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of the section indicated by the circle 16 of FIG. 15.
  • FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the electroporation chamber according to the third embodiment and support column to which the chamber is mounted.
  • FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing the electroporation chamber of FIG. 17 mounted to the support column.
  • FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of the electroporation chamber according to the third embodiment mounted to a support column.
  • FIG. 20 is a perspective cut-away view of the electroporation chamber and support column of FIG. 19.
  • FIG. 21 is a schematic view of a self-contained electroporation apparatus comprising the electroporation chamber of FIGS. 14-20.
  • FIG. 22 is a graph showing the resistance of several IHP solutions.
  • FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a continuous flow encapsulation apparatus.
  • FIG. 24 is a cutaway view of a cell washing apparatus.
  • FIG. 25 is a side view of the cell plate 526 showing the ridges defining the labyrinth and the tubing showing the recirculation of the cell suspension.
  • FIG. 26 is a cutaway view of a second embodiment of a cell washing apparatus.
  • FIG. 27 is a side cutaway view of the elastomeric chamber.
  • FIG. 28 is a graph showing representative electroporation voltage.
  • the present invention provides an automated, self- contained, flow apparatus for encapsulating allosteric compounds or compositions, such as inositol hexaphosphate, in cells, such as red blood cells.
  • the apparatus of the present invention combines the features of a plasmaphoresis apparatus with those of a flow electroporation apparatus to form an automated, self-contained flow electroporation device.
  • the present invention further comprises a new flow electroporation chamber that allows use of the chamber under flow rather than static conditions. It is contemplated that the method and apparatus, including the electroporation chamber of the present invention, may be used to encapsulate a variety of biologically-active substances in diverse cell populations.
  • the present invention provides a population of modified cells having physical characteristics that make the cells particularly useful for treating conditions which demand or benefit from an increase in the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.
  • a homogenous population of IHP loaded red blood cells can be obtained with reduced contamination and a reduced propensity to lyse following encapsulation.
  • the treated red blood cells exhibit normal life spans in circulation.
  • red blood cells of a patient in need of the treatment can be quickly loaded and returned to the patient's circulation.
  • Inositol hexaphosphate is the preferred allosteric effector to be used with the present invention.
  • Other sugar phosphates such as inositol pentaphosphate, inositol tetraphosphate, inositol triphosphate, inositol diphosphate and diphosphatidyl inositol diphosphate, can also be used.
  • Suitable allosteric effectors include polyphosphates such as nucleotide triphosphates, nucleotide diphosphates, nucleotide monophosphates, and alcohol phosphate esters.
  • polyphosphates such as nucleotide triphosphates, nucleotide diphosphates, nucleotide monophosphates, and alcohol phosphate esters.
  • organic anions such as polycarboxylic acids can be used as allosteric effectors.
  • inorganic anions such as hexacyano ferrate, phosphate or chloride as allosteric effectors.
  • Red blood cells that have been loaded with inositol hexaphosphate according to the present invention can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases and disease states.
  • the IHP loaded red blood cells made according to the present invention can be administered to a patient undergoing a heart attack thereby increasing the oxygen dehvery to the ischemic heart tissue and, at the same time, reducing the cardiac output.
  • IHP-loaded red blood cells made according to the present invention also can be used to treat any ischemic condition including, but not limited to, "bleeding" anemia, surgicial complications, stroke, diabetes, sickle cell disease, burns, intermittent claudication, emphysema, hypothermia, peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, angina, transient ischemic disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cystic fibrosis.
  • ARDS adult respiratory distress syndrome
  • the apparatus of the present invention is described below with reference to the preferred use of the apparatus, i.e., the encapsulation of allosteric effectors of hemoglobin in red blood cells by electroporation. It is to be understood that the apparatus may be adapted to accommodate other cell populations or vesicles, and other biologically active substances. Additionally, the apparatus maybe adapted to utilize methods of encapsulation other than electroporation.
  • a sample of blood is introduced into the continuous flow encapsulation apparatus.
  • the blood can either be drawn directly from a patient or can be previously drawn blood.
  • the blood is initially separated into red blood cells, plasma and white blood cells, and waste products.
  • the waste products include the diluent and various blood solutes remaining in the supernatant after centrifugation. They are stored in a waste reservoir within the apparatus.
  • the blood plasma and white blood cells are also retained in a reservoir within the system while the red blood cells are admixed with the substance to be encapsulated.
  • the suspension of red blood cells is then subjected to electroporation.
  • the red blood cells are incubated under conditions which allow the cells to reseal. They are then processed and washed to eliminate exogenous, non- encapsulated biologically-active substances.
  • the red blood cells containing the encapsulated substances can be optionally reconstituted with the blood plasma and white blood cells. The reconstituted blood may then be returned directly to the patient or can be stored for later use. Although described as discrete steps, the process is essentially continuous.
  • FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the structure of the continuous flow encapsulation apparatus of the present invention.
  • a volume of whole blood is admitted into the electroporation system 5 at input 11.
  • the blood sample may optionally be drawn directly from a patient into the electroporation system 5, or the blood may be drawn at an earlier time and stored prior to introduction into the system 5.
  • Valve 12 is opened to admit the sample into the system 5.
  • valve 25 is opened and pump 22 is engaged to admit an anti-coagulant from the anti-coagulant reservoir 27.
  • a suitable anticoagulant is heparin, although other anticoagulants can be used.
  • the preferred anticoagulant is ACD.
  • Valves 15 and 36 are also opened and pump 40 is engaged.
  • the admixture of anticoagulant and whole blood passes through a filter 18 and a pressure evaluation system 19 that monitors the flow through the apparatus, and is collected in a blood separation and wash bowl 44 which is activated when pump 40 is engaged.
  • a sensor indicates when the blood separation and wash bowl 44 has been filled with red blood cells. When it has been filled, the blood supply is stopped.
  • the steps involving separation of the blood components can be accomplished by a plasmaphoresis apparatus, such as the plasmaphoresis apparatus manufactured by Haemonetics Corporation (Haemonetics Corporation, Braintree, MA).
  • valve 87 is opened to admit the plasma and white blood cells into the plasma reservoir 89.
  • Valves 33, 15, and 36 are opened to admit saline buffer from the diluent reservoir 30 into the blood separation and wash bowl 44 which contains the red blood cells. Pump 40 is still engaged. The red blood cells are then washed and centrifuged.
  • the preferred saline buffer is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution, although other physiologically isotonic buffers can be used to dilute and wash the red blood cells.
  • Valve 54 is opened to admit the waste into the waste reservoir 57 during the washing process. Again, the waste is stored in the waste reservoir 57 and the red blood cells are retained in the blood separation and wash bowl 44. The wash process is repeated if necessary.
  • the cells traveling through the electroporation chamber of the present invention is exposed to a series of pulse trains.
  • the pulse train is between 80 and 512 pulses with the preferable number of pulses of 312 pulses.
  • the polarity is then changed and a second pulse train is then apphed to the cells.
  • the third set of pulses is apphed, the polarity is again changed.
  • three to five pulse trains are apphed reversing the polarity between each pulse train.
  • pump 40 is reversed, pump 22 is turned off, valves 12, 15, 33, 36, 25, 87, and 54 are closed, and valves 97 and 64 are opened.
  • the IHP solution is pumped out of the IHP reservoir 50 while, simultaneously, red blood cells are pumped out of the blood separation and wash bowl 44 towards the cooling coil 68.
  • the red blood cells and IHP solution are admixed in the tubing of the apparatus at junction 67 and then pumped through the cooling coil 68.
  • the IHP solution and red blood cells may be admixed in the separation and wash bowl 44 before being admitted into the cooling coil 68.
  • the preferred concentration of IHP in the solution is between approximately 10 mMol and 100 mMol with a more preferred concentration of approximately 22.5 to 50 mMol, and a most preferred concentration of 35 mMol.
  • the preferred concentration of KCl in the IHP wolution is between approximately 10 mM and 5 mM.
  • the preferred concentration of MgCl 2 is between approximately 2 mM and
  • the preferred concentration of sucrose in the IHP solution is between approximately 67.5 mM and 270 mM. It is to be understood that other sugars or polymers can be used as a substitute for sucrose.
  • the solutions that are used in the present invention are resistance enhancing fluids. It is important to note that the IHP solution should have a high resistivity and should have a minimum of electrolytes.
  • the IHP from Aldrich Chemical Company or from Matrea Chemical Company does not contain any sodium chloride and a minimum of other electrolytes and therefore does not significantly decrease the resistivity of the solution.
  • the milliosmolarity of the solution should be between approximately 300 and 500.
  • the resistivity should be between approximately 87 ⁇ *cm and 185 ⁇ » cm.
  • the conductivity should be between approximately 4 to 8 nS/cm.
  • the practical salinity should be between approximately 4 and 9 ppt and the NaCl equivalent should be between approximately 4.5 and 9.0 ppt.
  • the hematocrit of the suspension is preferably between approximately 30 and 80 with the most preferred hematocrit of approximately 40. It has been determined from red cell responses that the high voltage should not exceed 800 volts in the static cell (whose gap is 0.4cm), which corresponds to 2 kv/cm. For the flow cell, which has a 0.3cm gap, the voltage across the cell will be limited to 600 volts, (+/-300v). A number of different electroporation fluid compositions have been tested. Table A hsts six samples and their characteristics. The solution under E is the preferred electroporation solution. Pump 40 is designed to pump both red blood cells and IHP solution and can be adjusted so that the final hematocrit entering the cooling coil 68 can be predetermined.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension is then pumped through a cooling coil 68.
  • Coohng can be achieved with a water bath or with a thermo-electric based coohng system.
  • cooling coil 68 is immersed in a cooling bath in the coohng reservoir 69.
  • the suspension is cooled to a temperature of between approximately 1°C and 12°C, preferably approximately 4°C.
  • Coohng the red blood cells ensures the survival of the pore created in the cell membrane during the electroporation process.
  • the use of a coohng coil aids in the speed of coohng by increasing the surface area of the sample in contact with the cooling element.
  • the cooling coil can be surrounded by a thermo-electric heat pump.
  • a heating coil may replace the cooling coil 68.
  • the maximum temperature tolerated by red blood cells is approximately
  • thermoelectric heat pump works by extracting thermal energy from a particular region, thereby reducing its temperature, and then rejecting the thermal energy into a "heat sink" region of higher temperature.
  • energy is absorbed by electrons as they pass from a low energy level in the p-type semiconductor element, to a higher energy level in the n-type semiconductor element.
  • the power supply provides the energy to move the electrons through the system.
  • energy is expelled into a heat sink as electrons move from a high energy level element (n-type) to a lower energy level element (p-type).
  • thermoelectric heat pumps perform the same cooling functions as freon-based vapor compression or absorption refrigerators.
  • Thermoelectric heat pumps are highly rehable, small in size and capacity, low cost, low weight, intrinsically safer than many other cooling devices, and are capable of precise temperature control.
  • thermoelectric heat pumps for use in the present invention are manufactured by MELCOR Materials Electronic Products Corp. of Trenton, New Jersey.
  • the thermocouples are made of high performance crystalline semiconductor material.
  • the semiconductor material is bismuth telluride, a quaternary alloy of bismuth, tellurium, selenium, and antimony, doped and processed to yield oriented polycrystalline semiconductors with properties.
  • the couples, connected in series electrically and in parallel thermally, are integrated into modules.
  • the modules are packaged between metallized ceramic plates to afford optimum electrical insulation and thermal conduction with high mechanical strength in compression. Modules can be mounted in parallel to increase the heat transfer effect or can be stacked in multiple-stage cascades to achieve high differential temperatures. Passing a current through the heat pump generates a temperature differential across the thermocouples, with maximum ratings of 70° C and higher.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension enters the electroporation chamber 72 where an electric pulse is administered from a pulse generator 75 to the red blood cell- IHP suspension, causing openings to form within the cell membranes of the red blood cells.
  • an automatic detection system will turn the pulse generator 75 on when the chamber 72 is filled with red blood cell-IHP suspension.
  • An electrical pulse is applied to the suspension every time the chamber 72 is filled with unencapsulated cells.
  • a conventional electroporation chamber may be used when the operation of the apparatus is static, namely, when single discrete batches of cells are processed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a flow electroporation chamber is used.
  • a flow electroporation chamber 72 is constructed of clear polyvinyl chloride, and contains two opposing electrodes spaced a distance of 7 mm apart. The distance between the electrodes will vary depending on the flow volume and field strength.
  • the flow electroporation chamber 72 is disposable.
  • the electroporation chamber may also be constructed of polysolfone, which is preferably for use with certain sterilization procedures, such as autoclaving. A detailed description of the structure and construction of the flow electroporation chamber is provided below.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension passes between the two electrodes of the electroporation chamber 72.
  • an electrical field of 1 to 3 KV/cm is created and maintained for a period of 1 to 4 milliseconds, preferably for a period of 2 milliseconds with a 1.8 ml flow chamber.
  • the IHP-red blood cell suspension is subjected to three high voltage pulses per volume at a fieldstrength of approximately 2600 to 3200 V/cm per pulse. The pulse of current across the cell membranes causes an electrical breakdown of the cell membranes, which creates pores in the membranes. IHP then diffuses into the cell through these pores.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension enters an incubation chamber 78 where the suspension is incubated at room temperature for an incubation time of between approximately 15 minutes and 120 minutes with the preferred incubation time of 30 to 60 minutes.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension is incubated for approximately 5 minutes at a temperature of approximately 37° C, and at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  • the incubation chamber 78 may optionally be surrounded by a heating means 80.
  • the heating means 80 can be a water bath or can be a thermoelectric heat pump.
  • the incubator 78 contains a resealing buffer which aids in resealing and reconstitution of the red blood cells.
  • a resealing buffer which aids in resealing and reconstitution of the red blood cells.
  • the preferred composition of the resealing buffer is provided below in Table B: TABLE B RESEALING BUFFER
  • no resealing buffer is used.
  • valve 51 is opened and pump 40 is engaged and the red blood cell-IHP suspension is returned to the blood separation and wash bowl 44 from the incubation chamber 78.
  • the excess IHP solution is removed from the red blood cell suspension by centrifugation.
  • the waste IHP solution is directed to waste reservoir 57.
  • Valves 33, 15 and 36 are then opened to admit a volume of diluent into the blood separation and wash bowl 44.
  • a diluent that can be used in the present invention is shown in Table C. TABLE C
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension is then centrifuged and the supernatant is discarded in the waste reservoir 57 through valve 54 leaving the red blood cells in the blood separation and wash bowl 44.
  • a sahne buffer is added to the modified red blood cells from the diluent reservoir 30. The cells are washed and the supernatant is discarded following centrifugation. The wash process is repeated if needed.
  • the waste passes through a contamination detector 46 to detect any free IHP in the waste solution thereby confirming that exogenous non-encapsulated IHP has been removed from the modified red blood cells.
  • the contamination detection system relies on optical changes in the washing buffer. After the modified red blood cells have been washed and centrifuged, the supernatant passes through the contamination detector 64 before it is deposited in the waste reservoir 57. If exogenous, non-encapsulated IHP remains in the washing buffer, The discarded solution will be turbid. The turbidity is due to the reaction of IHP with calcium, which is a component of the wash buffer.
  • the contamination detector 46 uses an optical detection system.
  • the tight source is an LED and the detector is a photodiode.
  • the voltage difference of the photodiode will indicate the amount of IHP in the wash solution.
  • the contamination detector 46 is optional.
  • the IHP-red blood cell product is optionally reconstituted with the plasma and white blood cells which had been retained in reservoir 89.
  • the treated red blood cells may be collected in a reinjection bag, either in a preservation media or in the autologous plasma of the patient.
  • the IHP-loaded red blood cells obtained can be administered directly back into the patient or the cells can be stored for later use.
  • the IHP in the red blood cells is not released during the normal storage time.
  • FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the structure of the continuous flow encapsulation apparatus of the present invention. Again, the method of operation of the apparatus is described with reference to the preferred use of the apparatus, i.e., the encapsulation of allosteric effectors of hemoglobin in red blood cells by electroporation. It is to be understood that the apparatus may be adapted to accommodate other cell populations or vesicles, and other biologically active substances. Additionally, the apparatus maybe adapted to include other methods of encapsulation.
  • a sample of whole blood is admitted into the electroporation system 10 at input 11.
  • Valve 12 is opened to admit the sample into the system 10.
  • valve 25 is opened and pump 22 is engaged to admit an anti-coagulant from the anti-coagulant reservoir 27.
  • Valves 15 and 36 are also opened and pump 40 is engaged.
  • the admixture of anticoagulant and whole blood passes through a filter 18 and a pressure evaluation system 19, and is collected in a blood separation and wash bowl 44 which is activated when pump 40 is engaged.
  • a sensor indicates when the blood separation and wash bowl 44 has been filled with red blood cells.
  • the cells retained in the separation and wash bowl 44 are then washed and centrifuged.
  • Valves 33, 35, 15, and 36 are opened to admit sahne buffer from the diluent reservoir 30 into the blood separation and wash bowl 44 which contains the red blood cells.
  • Valve 12 is closed and pump 40 remains engaged.
  • valve 54 is opened to admit the waste into the waste reservoir 57 during the washing process. Again, the waste is stored in the waste reservoir 57 and the red blood cells are retained in the blood separation and wash bowl 44. The wash process is repeated if necessary.
  • a contamination detection system may optionally be installed between the separation and wash bowl 44 and the waste reservoir 57 to control the wash process.
  • pump 40 is reversed, pump 22 is turned off, valves 12, 15, 33, 35, 36, 25, 87, and 54 are closed, and valve 97 is opened. If the cells were washed, pump 22 was previously turned off and valves 12 and 25 had been closed.
  • the IHP solution is pumped out of the IHP reservoir 50 and into the separation and wash bowl 44 containing the red blood cells. There, the red blood cells and IHP are admixed to form a suspension.
  • the preferred concentration of IHP in the solution is between approximately 10 mMol and 100 mMol with a more preferred concentration of approximately 23 to 35 mMol, and with a most preferred concentration of 35 mMol.
  • the preferred IHP solution comprises the following compounds, in the following concentrations: 35mM IHP (Hexasodium salt) neutralized (Matreya).
  • the IHP from Aldrich Chemical Company does not contain any sodium chloride and a minimum of other electrolytes and therefore does not significantly decrease the resistivity of the solution. It is to be understood that other solutions with high impedance can be used in the present invention and that the components of the solution are not critical. As long as the osmotic properties of the solution are such that the cells, such as red blood cells are not damaged, and the resistivity of the solution is high, it is suitable for use in the present invention. Several compostions were tested for resistivity and are shown in FIG. 22. The "CBR Fluid" is shown in Table A.
  • the hematocrit of the suspension is preferably between approximately 30 and 60 with the most preferred hematocrit of approximately 40.
  • Pump 40 is designed to pump both red blood cells and IHP solution and can be adjusted so that the final hematocrit entering the cooling coil 68 can be predetermined. After combining the red blood cells with the IHP solution, pump 40 is again reversed, valve 97 is closed and valve 64 is opened. The red blood cell-IHP suspension is then pumped through a thermoelectric cooling coil 68.
  • a blood bag from a blood warming set such as the blood bag provided in the Fenwal® Blood Warming Set manufactured by Baxter
  • the cooling coil 68 can be used as the cooling coil 68.
  • the suspension is cooled to a temperature of between approximately 1°C and 12°C, preferably approximately 4°C.
  • a pump may be added to the apparatus between the coohng coil 68 and coohng reservoir 69, and the electroporation chamber 72, to ensure a constant flow rate and compensate for fluctuation in volume that occurs when the coohng coil 68 is filled.
  • the pre-cooling step may be eliminated and the red blood cell-IHP suspension may be directed to the electroporation chamber 72 immediately after admixing.
  • coohng coil 68 and coohng reservoir 69 would be eliminated from the continuous flow encapsulation apparatus 10.
  • Coohng prior to electroporation may not be required if the temperature of the electroporation chamber is sufficiently cool to maintain the cells suspension at 4°C.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension enters the electroporation chamber 72.
  • the chamber 72 is maintained at a temperature of approximately 4°C.
  • an electric pulse is administered from a pulse generator 75 to the suspension causing openings to form within the cell membranes of the red blood cells.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension passes between two electrodes of the electroporation chamber 72. Figs 3 to 10 describe the electroporation chamber.
  • the IHP-red blood cell suspension when a suspension of non-treated cells enters the chamber 72, the IHP-red blood cell suspension is subjected to approximately three high voltage pulses per volume or pulse trains per volume at a fieldstrength of approximately 2600 to 3200 V/cm per pulse. It has been determined that for introduction of IHP into blood, instead of a single pulse, a train of short pulses is more efficient in transporting IHP into the red blood cell.
  • the optimal number of pulses is between approximately 10 pulses to 512 pulses per train with the preferable number being approximately 312 pulses. It is also advantageous to change the polarity of the field between pulses or pulse trains. In Figure 28, a representative two pulse train is shown.
  • an electrical field of 1 to 3 KV/cm is created and maintained for a period of 1 to 4 milliseconds.
  • the preferred pulse length is 3 to 4 milliseconds, with a most preferred pulse length of 2 milliseconds.
  • Pulse length or pulse train length is defined as 1/e.
  • the preferred number of pulses is 3 to 5, at the preferred pulse rate of 0.29 Hz.
  • the fieldstrength is defined as the voltage over the distance between the electrodes. The distance between electrodes is measured in centimeters.
  • the preferred electrical parameters are as follows:
  • the electroporation chamber can optionally be a sensor in the sense that the resistivity of the cell solution that is travehng through the electroporation chamber is monitored. As the resistivity of the cell solution changes, there is a feedback circuit that will adjust the pulsing of the cells to maintain optimum electroporation efficiency. For example, when electroporating blood in an IHP solution, different samples of blood may have different resistivity. By monitoring the resistivity of the blood, optimal pulse strengths and pulse timing can applied based on the resistivity measurement. In addition, if a bubble should be introduced into the electroporation chamber, the feedback circuit will sense the presence of the bubble because of the change in resistivity, and will turn off the pulsing until the bubble exits the chamber.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension enters an incubation chamber 78 where the suspension is incubated at room temperature for an incubation time of between approximately 10 minutes and 120 minutes with a preferred incubation time of 30 minutes.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension is incubated for approximately 5 minutes at a temperature of approximately 37°C, and at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
  • the incubation chamber 78 may be surrounded by a heating means 80. Any heating means 80 can be used in practicing the present invention.
  • the preferred heating means 80 are a water bath or a thermoelectric heat pump.
  • the incubator 78 contains a resealing buffer which aids in resealing and reconstitution of the red blood cells. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, no reseating buffer is used.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension is returned to the blood separation and wash bowl 44 when valve 51 is opened and pump 40 is engaged.
  • the excess IHP solution is removed from the red blood cell suspension by centrifugation.
  • the waste IHP solution is directed to waste reservoir 57.
  • Valves 33, 37, 15 and 36 are then opened to admit a volume of post wash solution from reservoir 31 into the blood separation and wash bowl 44.
  • the post wash solution comprises a .9% NaCI solution, including 2.0 mM CaCl2 and 2.0 mM MgCb- . Any physiological sahne may be used.
  • the red blood cell-IHP suspension is then centrifuged and the supernatant is discarded in the waste reservoir 57 through valve 54 leaving the red blood cells in the blood separation and wash bowl 44.
  • the wash process is repeated until all unencapsulated IHP has been removed.
  • the waste is removed from the separation and wash bowl 44 it passes through a contamination detector 46 to detect any free IHP in the waste solution thereby confirming that exogenous non-encapsulated IHP has been removed from the modified red blood cells.
  • the contamination detector 46 is optional.
  • the red blood cells containing IHP may be reconstituted with the plasma and white blood cells retained in reservoir 89.
  • Pump 40 is engaged and valves 87, 36, and 92 are opened.
  • the modified red blood cells and plasma and white blood cells are pumped to reservoir 96.
  • a filter may be installed between reservoir 96 and valve 92 to remove any aggregates or other impurities from the reconstituted modified blood.
  • the IHP-loaded red blood cells obtained in accordance with the method of the present invention can be administered directly back into the patient or the cells can be stored for later use.
  • the IHP in the red blood cells is not released during the normal storage time. It is contemplated that continuous flow encapsulation apparatus of the present invention may be modified to utilize other encapsulation methods.
  • the continuous flow encapsulation apparatus may be adapted to process various diverse cell populations. Furthermore, the apparatus may be used to encapsulate biologically active substances in artificial vesicles.
  • continuous flow encapsulation apparatus of the present invention may be used to encapsulate a broad range of biologically active substances.
  • the insertion rate of IHP is linearly dependent on the voltage administered to the cells. Generally, the higher the voltage, the more IHP is encapsulated; however, cell lysis is also increased and cell survival is decreased. The efficiency of an electroporation system may be judged by cell survival after electroporation. Poor cell survival indicates very low efficiency.
  • the amplitude and duration of the electrical pulse is responsible for the electric breakdown of the cell membrane and creates pores in the pole caps parallel to the electric field. Thus, the factors to be considered in designing an electroporation system include the field strength, the pulse length and the number of pulses.
  • a perfect electroporation target is shaped like a sphere, so its orientation does not effect the efficiency of the apphed field.
  • a single pulse with a fieldstrength above the threshold can electroplate 100% of the target.
  • Red blood cells are disk shaped. Because of their shape and orientation in the electroporation chamber, only approximately 40% of the cells are electroplated during a single pulse. To also electroporate the other 60%, the fieldstrength can be increased. This increases the stress on the red blood cells in proper orientation to the electric field and leads to lower survival rates of the cells.
  • a flow electroporation chamber utilizing short duration multiple pulses was developed. With the flow-through rate steady and a steady field voltage, it was determined that plurality of pulses would insert maximal quantities of IHP with minimal 2 to 24 hour all lysis.
  • a multiple-pulse system allows an increase in the cell survival rate without increasing the field strength. When a multiple-pulse system is used, orientation of the cells is not as critical as it is when a system is a single pulse system is used. The lower fieldstrength is much more gentle to the red blood cells.
  • the flow multiple-pulse electroporation system also increases both the short term and the long term survival of red blood cells when compared to the single pulse method.
  • FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate the effects of various field strengths, under static or flow conditions, on the % oxygenation of IHP-encapsulated red blood cells over a range oxygen pressures; on the P 50 value of IHP-encapsulated red blood cells (two concentrations of IHP solutions were compared); and, on the survival rates of red blood cells subjected to electroporation. All readings were taken 24 hours after electroporation. The results indicated that multiple pulses at comparatively low fieldstrengths produce optimal encapsulation results .
  • a cooled electroporation chamber is preferred to keep the red blood cells at a constant temperature during the electroporation process, thereby enhancing their survival rates. This is accomplished by removing the excess heat created by the electrical pulse during the electroporation process. The excess heat may be removed either by coohng the electrodes or cooling the entire flow electroporation chamber. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electrodes themselves are cooled. During the electroporation process, blood is pumped through an inlet in the electroporation chamber and the red blood cells are subject to a series of electrical pulses as they travel through the chamber. They exit out the other end of the chamber.
  • the chamber can be made of any type of insulating material, including, but not limited to, ceramic, Teflon,
  • the chamber is comprised of glass or polysulfone.
  • the internal surface of the chamber should be smooth to reduce turbulents in the fluid passing through it.
  • the housing of the chamber should be non-conductive and biologically inert. In commercial use, it is anticipated that the chamber will be disposable.
  • the electrodes that comprise part of the electroporation apparatus can be constructed from .any type of electrically or thermally conductive hollow stock material, including, but not limited to, brass, stainless steel, gold plated stainless steel, gold plated glass, gold plated plastic, or metal containing plastic.
  • the surface of the electrode is gold plated. Gold plating serves to eliminate oxidation and reduces the collection of hemoglobin and other cell particles at the electrodes.
  • the surface of the electrodes should be smooth.
  • the electrodes can be hollow, to allow cooling by liquid or gas, or the electrodes can be solid, to allow for thermoelectric or any other type of conductive coohng. Cooling could also be accomplished by cooling the electroporation chamber itself, apart from cooling the electrodes.
  • the flow electroporation chamber is disposable. A detailed description of three embodiments of the electroporation chamber of the present invention is provided below.
  • the flow electroporation chamber is constructed of clear polyvinyl chloride, and contains two opposing electrodes spaced a distance of approximately 7 mm apart.
  • the electroporation chamber is a modification of a chamber obtained from BTX Electronic Company of San Diego, California. However, when this electroporation chamber is used continuously, it overheats and the survival rate of the cells processed by the apparatus decreases over time. To correct the overheating problem that occurred when the apparatus was used in a continuous flow manner, a continuous flow electroporation chamber was designed. A detailed description of the structure of the continuous flow electroporation chamber is provided below.
  • FIGS. 3 through 8 show one embodiment of the flow electroporation chamber 72 of the present invention.
  • the flow electroporation chamber 72 includes a housing 100 having two electrodes 102 inset on opposing sides of the housing 100 of the electroporation chamber 72.
  • the housing 100 includes an inlet channel 104 at one end and an outlet channel 106 at the other.
  • the inlet 104 and outlet 106 channels include connectors 108 and 109 respectively, preferably of the male Luer variety.
  • the connectors 108 and 109 are hollow and form the inlet 104 and outlet 106 channels into the interior of the electroporation chamber 72.
  • an internal chamber 110 extends most of the length of the housing 100 and is sized to receive the two electrodes 102.
  • the internal chamber 110 includes beveled surfaces 111 for receiving the internal edges of the electrodes 102.
  • the internal chamber 110 is thus formed by the internal surfaces of the electrodes 102 and the internal surfaces of the housing 100.
  • the internal chamber 110 is connected to the inlet 104 and outlet 106 channels.
  • the electrodes 102 of the electroporation chamber 72 of FIGS. 3 to 6 are comprised of flat, elongated, hollow shells.
  • the electrodes 102 include cooling inlets 112 and coohng outlets 114 at their ends.
  • the rear surfaces of the electrodes 102, or the surface to the left in FIG. 7 fits flush against the beveled surface 111 of the housing 100.
  • the electroporation chamber 72 is designed such that the cell suspension to be subjected to electroporation enters the electroporation chamber 72 through the inlet 104 and expands to fill the internal chamber 110. As the red blood cell suspension flows through the internal chamber 110 a pulse or charge is administered across the width of the internal chamber 110.
  • cooling fluid or cooling gas is pumped in the coohng inlet 112 and out the coohng outlet
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 display a second embodiment of the flow electroporation chamber 172.
  • the flow electroporation chamber 172 includes a hollow housing 200 substantially rectangular in shape. Two electrodes 202 are inserted into the interior of the housing 200 directly opposite one another, flush against the housing 200 walls.
  • the flow electroporation chamber 172 further comprises an inlet channel 204 at one end and an outlet channel 206 at the other end of the housing 200.
  • the inlet 204 and outlet 206 channels include connectors 208 and 209 which are attached by tubing 216 to a cell suspension supply that supphes the cell suspension, i.e. the IHP-red blood cell suspension, to the electroporation chamber 172.
  • the connectors 208 and 209 and inlet 204 and outlet 206 channels serve to direct the cell suspension into and out of the housing 200.
  • one end of the inlet channel 204 and one end of the outlet channel 206 extends into the interior of the housing 200 forming an internal chamber 210.
  • the internal chamber 210 is thus formed by the internal surfaces of the electrodes 202, the internal surfaces of the housing 200 and the internal surfaces of the of the inlet 204 and outlet 206 channels.
  • the electrodes 202 of the flow electroporation chamber 172 comprise flat, elongated, hollow shells.
  • the electrodes 202 include coohng inlets 212 and cooling outlets 214 at their ends, through which a gas or fluid may be pumped through the electrodes 202 to maintain a constant temperature during electroporation.
  • the electrodes 202 are connected to a pulse generator by cables 220.
  • the electroporation chamber 172 of FIGS. 9 and 10 is designed such that the suspension to be subjected to electroporation enters the electroporation chamber 172 through the fluid inlet 204 and expands to fill the internal chamber 210.
  • a pulse or charge is administered across the width of the internal chamber 210 between the electrodes 202.
  • cooling fluid or cooling gas is pumped in the coohng inlet 212 and out the coohng outlet 214 of the electrodes 202 through the connectors 208 and
  • inlet channel 204, outlet channel 206 and connectors 208 and 209 can be made as a sohdly integrated glass part, rather than separate components.
  • the flow electroporation chamber 172 maybe constructed from drawn glass or any other highly pohshed material. It is preferable that the interior surface of the electroporation chamber 172 be as smooth as possible to reduce the generation of surface turbulence. Drawn glass components are highly consistent with perfect surface finishes. Furthermore, they are stable and inert to blood components. They are also relatively inexpensive, which is desirable for a disposable electroporation chamber.
  • the electrodes may also be comprised of drawn glass, electroplated with colloidal gold. Again, the surfaces of the electrodes should be highly finished, highly conductive, yet biologically inert. Gold electroplate is durable and inexpensive. Fluidic connection can be accomplished using commonly available parts.
  • the flow electroporation chamber may be constructed either as a part of the entire flow encapsulation apparatus, or as an individual apparatus.
  • the flow electroporation apparatus may then be connected to a commercially available plasmaphoresis machine for encapsulation of particular cell populations.
  • the flow electroporation chamber may be connected to commercially available plasmaphoresis equipment by electronic or translational hardware or software.
  • a pinch-valve array and controller driven by a PC program can also be used to control the flow electroporation apparatus.
  • current power supphes are capable of establishing the power levels needed to run the flow electroporation chamber or flow encapsulation apparatus.
  • a support member 300 is comprised of flexible silicone rubber.
  • the support structure 300 is essentially diamond shaped and comprises an upper end 301 and a lower end 302.
  • a major portion of the support structure 300 has a grid-like "waffle" pattern formed on it, comprised of thicker rib sections 303 and thinner sections 304 intermediate the ribs 303. .Along the marginal edges of the support structure 300, a plurality of tabs 305 are provided, each having a hole 306 formed therethrough.
  • a channel 308 extends between the upper end 301 and the lower end 302 of the support structure and lies along the major axis of the support structure 300.
  • the channel 308 comprises opposed channel walls 310, 312 connected by a base 314.
  • At the upper end 301 of the support structure 300 the channel 308 opens into a circular cavity 318.
  • a hole 320 is formed in the center of the circular cavity 318.
  • An outlet aperture 322 is provided at the upper end of the circular cavity 318.
  • the lower end of the channel 308 opens into a circular cavity 324 formed in the lower end 302 of the support structure 300.
  • a hole 326 is formed through the support structure in the center of the cavity 324, and an inlet aperture 328 is provided at the lower end of the circular cavity 324.
  • a pair of continuous band electrodes 330 A, 33 OB comprised of conductive metallic tape or foil are located on the support structure 300.
  • Each of the electrodes 330 A, 330B has a portion which is disposed within the channel 308 and which runs substantially the entire length of the channel 308. As can perhaps best be seen in FIG. 16, electrodes
  • each of the continuous band electrodes 330A, 330B are received in opposing recesses 332 formed in the side walls 310, 312 of the channel 308. Adjacent the upper and lower ends of the channel 308, each of the continuous band electrodes 330A, 330B exits the channel 308 through a close fitting sht formed in the channel walls.
  • the continuous band electrodes 330A, 330B then curve outward and extend substantially parallel to the periphery of the support member 300 and spaced inward therefrom.
  • a slack portion 334 is provided in each of the continuous band electrodes 330A, 330B, for the purposes to be described below.
  • a plurality of generally rectangular holes 340 are formed on either side of the channel 308 and immediately adjacent thereto. As will be more fully explained below, the holes
  • 340 are located to optionally accommodate Peltier thermo ⁇ electric elements for coohng purposes.
  • circular holes 342 are provided which, as will be shown, are adapted to receive capstans for tensioning the continuous band electrodes
  • the support member 300 is mounted to a transparent polycarbonate frame 350.
  • the frame 350 comprises a planar front wall 352.
  • Interior side walls 354 extend rearward from the lateral edges of the planar front wall 352.
  • a rearward opening channel 356 is formed between the two interior side walls 354.
  • a pair of exterior side walls 360 extend forward from the outer edges of the back walls 358.
  • Forward opening channels 362 are formed between the exterior side walls 360 and the interior side walls 354. Rods 363 removably mounted in each of the forward opening channels 362 provide a convenient means for hanging fluid storage bags within the channels.
  • the support structure 300 is mounted to the back surface of the front wall 352 of the polycarbonate frame 350.
  • the support structure 300 is adhesively bonded to the frame 350 such that the front wall 352 of the frame 350 seals the open upper end of the channel 308 formed in the face of the support structure 300.
  • the channel 308 defines a fluid passage or "flow cell" 364.
  • the support structure 300 and associated portion of the frame 350 define an electroporation chamber 366.
  • a support column 370 has a generally rectangular cross section.
  • a cavity 372 is formed which conforms to the shape and depth of the support structure 300.
  • a plurality of bismuth telluride Peltier thermo-electric elements 374 are fixedly mounted in the cavity and project forward from the base of the cavity 372.
  • the Peltier thermo ⁇ electric elements 374 are in thermal communication with a heat sink 375 mounted inside the support column 370.
  • An electric fan 376 mounted in an adjacent portion of the support column 370 creates a flow of air through the column to dissipate heat away from the heat sink 375.
  • Adjacent the upper and lower ends of the cavity 372 and spaced to either side of the center hne are capstans 377. Adjacent the outer edges of the cavity 372 and located along the minor axis of the cavity are a pair of electrode contacts 378. Located just inside the perimeter of the cavity 372 are eight locator pins 379, two of the locator pins 379 being situated along each of the four walls of the diamond- shaped cavity. At the upper and lower ends of the cavity 372 and located on the major axis of the cavity are a pair of hollow, porous, polymeric cylinders 380.
  • the cyhnders 380 are preferably formed of inert foamed polyethylene (such as Porex) with a pore size permitting passage of gas but not liquid. As will be more fully explained hereinbelow, these gas-permeable, liquid impermeable cylinders function as a means for removing bubbles from fluid passing thereover.
  • the dimensions of the polycarbonate frame 350 are such that the support column 370 is snugly received within the rearward opening channel 356 of the frame.
  • the support structure 300 mounted to the back surface of the front wall 352 of the frame 350 fits within the cavity 372 formed in the front face 371 of the support column 370.
  • a shelf 381 is located on the front face 371 of the support column 370 immediately below the cavity 372 to support the lower edge of the polycarbonate frame 350.
  • thermo ⁇ electric coohng elements 374 project through the holes 340 in the support structure 300 and contact the walls of the channel 308.
  • the capstans 377 extend through the holes 342 in the upper and lower ends of the support structure 300.
  • the electrode contacts 378 project through the holes 344 in the support structure 300.
  • the locator pins 379 are received within the corresponding holes 306 in the tabs 305 of the support member 300.
  • the gas-permeable, liquid impermeable cylinders 380 extend through the holes 320,
  • each electrode contact 378 has a slot 383 formed in its face, and the slack section 334 of the associated continuous band electrode 330A or 330B is threaded through this slot.
  • a motor 384 in driving engagement with each electrode contact 378 can be operated to rotate the electrode contact, thereby winding the electrode 330A or 330B around a portion of the contact and taking up the slack. This winding action serves the additional function of increasing surface contact between the electrode contact 378 and its associated electrode 330 A or 330B, thereby enhancing the electrical connection to the electrodes.
  • the gas permeable, hquid impermeable cyhnders 380 at the upper and lower ends of the flow cell 364 are in fluid communication with a vacuum source by way of a couphng 388 and tubing 390. Also shown in FIG. 20, the heat sinks 375 dissipate the heat collected by the thermo-electric coohng elements 374.
  • peristaltic pumping means 392 and solenoid-activated pinch valves 394 mounted in the support column 350.
  • the pumping means 392 and pinch valves 394 operate under control of appropriate algorithms in computer means (not shown) operably connected thereto.
  • a cooled plate 396 is mounted on the side of the support column 370.
  • a coohng bag 398 retained in the channel 362 of the frame 350 is held in intimate contact with this plate 396 to cool treated fluids following electroporation.
  • the plate 396 may optionally be heated to maintain the contents of the bag 398 at a predetermined temperature above that of the ambient.
  • FIG. 21 illustrates a self-contained electroporation apparatus 400.
  • the apparatus 400 comprises a cart 402 which serves as a housing and support structure.
  • the support column 370 with electroporation chamber 366 is mounted to the cart and extends upward therefrom.
  • the cart 402 has a chassis structure 404, which is provided with wheels 406 to facilitate transport of the cart 402 from one location to another.
  • Mounted to the chassis structure 404 are power supply capacitors 408.
  • a power supply heatsink 410 is in thermal communication with the power supply capacitors 408 to dissipate the heat generated by the power supply capacitors.
  • a circuitboard computation means 412 is also mounted within the chassis structure 404.
  • the circuitboard computation means 412 is powered by a power supply circuit board 414 mounted within the chassis structure 404 adjacent the circuitboard computation means.
  • a power supply heatsink 416 in thermal communication with the power supply circuit board 414 dissipates the heat generated by the power supply circuit board.
  • a system status display 422 operatively associated with the circuitboard computation means 412 is mounted to the front panel 420 of the cart 402.
  • Control switches 424 for setting various parameters of the circuitboard computation means 412 are mounted to the front panel 420 of the cart 402 below the system status display 422.
  • centrifuge bowl 430 Mounted within the top panel 428 of the cart 402 is a centrifuge bowl 430.
  • a centrifuge drive motor 432 mounted within the chassis structure 404 is in driving engagement with the centrifuge bowl 430.
  • the centrifuge bowl 430 includes a rotary connector 434 through which blood is input into the centrifuge bowl.
  • a blood supply bag 450 is hung on a rod 363 within one of the channels 362 of the frame 350.
  • a tubing 452 transports the blood to the centrifuge bowl 430, where it is introduced into the centrifuge bowl through a rotary connector 434.
  • the blood is centrifuged to separate the red blood cells from the plasma, white blood cells, and waste.
  • the red blood cells are then admixed with the substance to be encapsulated.
  • the admixture is transported via a tubing 454 and introduced into the inlet aperture 328 at the lower end of the cell 364.
  • the admixture is caused to flow upward through the flow cell 364 between the electrodes 330A, 330B.
  • the electrodes are charged in a pulsed manner, as hereinabove described with respect to the second embodiment.
  • Gases in the admixture resulting from electrolysis are removed by the gas-permeable, liquid impermeable cylinders 380 at the upper and lower ends of the cell.
  • the treated admixture exits the outlet aperture 324 at the upper end of the cell, and an outlet tubing 456 transports the treated admixture to a coohng bag 460 suspended on a rod
  • the processing rate of the centrifuge bowl 430 is matched to the flow rate of the flow cell 364.
  • a reservoir may optionally be provided between the centrifuge bowl 430 and the flow cell 364.
  • the reservoir will hold any excess admixture until the flow cell can "catch up.”
  • the circuitboard computation means 412 can initially accumulate admixture in the reservoir. Then when the centrifuge bowl 430 has processed a sufficient volume of blood, admixture can be transported from the reservoir to the flow cell 364. By the time the volume of admixture in the reservoir has been depleted, the centrifuge bowl will have completed processing the desired quantity of blood.
  • thermo-electric coohng elements 374 can be individually controllable, such that coohng elements 374 at one location along the flow cell 364 can provide a greater or lesser degree of coohng than other coohng elements 374 at other locations along the flow cell 364. Since the biological particles are being heated as they move along the flow cell 364, more coohng may be necessary closer to the discharge end of the flow cell 364 than is necessary adjacent the input end. Providing individual control over the various thermo-electric coohng elements 374 permits accommodation of these variations.
  • thermo-electric coohng elements 374 can be controlled either by placing thermal sensors at various locations along the flow cell, inputting the sensed temperatures into the circuitboard computation means 412, and controlling the various thermo ⁇ electric cooling elements in response to the sensed temperatures. Or, the various thermo-electric cooling elements 374 can be controlled according to a predetermined "average" temperature variance of the biological particles along the flow cell. Other methods for controlling various thermo-electric cooling elements 374 will occur to those skilled in the art.
  • a feature of this third disclosed embodiment provides a means for ensuring that the cell is not re-used.
  • the motors 384 in driving engagement with the electrode contacts 378 are automatically actuated to over-rotate, tensioning the electrodes 330 A, 330B beyond their tensile strength and breaking them.
  • the present invention employs a flow cell 364 defined on three sides by soft sihcone rubber. In the event of transient overpressures, the elasticity of the support structure 300 will accommodate expansion of the flow cell 364 and thereby reduce the possibility of explosion. In addition, the flow cell 364 is sandwiched tightly between the support column 370 and the polycarbonate frame 350, providing further protection against any possible explosive expression.
  • FIG 24 is a cutaway schematic view of a cell washing apparatus 500 utihzing filtration dialysis, preferably, counter current filtration dialysis.
  • the intact apparatus has a top and sides which completely contain the internal elements of the apparatus.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is a cell washing apparatus that utilizes counter- current dialysis through a porous membrane to remove the IHP solution and substitute therefore a solution that is compatible with red blood cells including, but not limited to, normal sahne.
  • the cell washing apparatus 500 comprises a first reservoir 505 which contains cells that have been electroporated.
  • the electroporation chamber 72 In the case of cells that have been electroporated in the presence of IHP, these cells will have been passed through the electroporation chamber 72 and will be in a solution containing excess IHP.
  • the electroporated cells are then pumped through tubing 515 by pump 510 in the direction of the arrow.
  • the cell suspension are introduced into the cell washing apparatus 500 at tubing entrance 520 which is located in housing cell washing apparatus housing 523.
  • the cell path within the apparatus 500 is defined by a cell plate 526 which has an ridges 525 which define a labyrinth through which the cell suspension will travel.
  • FIG. 25 shows a side view of the cell plate 526 showing the ridges on the plate that define the labyrinth.
  • the cell plate 526 is forced against the first side 577 of a semi-permeable membrane 575 at a force great enough so that the cells are forced along the labyrinth defined by the ridges 525.
  • the labyrinth defined by the ridges 525 can be any shape so long as the cell suspension is in contact with the semi- permeable membrane 575. The cell suspension is therefore in intimate contact with the semi-permeable membrane 575 while it is passing through the cell washing apparatus 500.
  • the semi-permeable membrane 575 has pores that are large enough to allow the solution and any dissolved constituents of the solution to pass through the membrane but will not allow the cells in the solution to pass through the membrane.
  • the semipermeable membrane can be any material that is compatible with the cells that are in the cell suspension.
  • Semipermeable membranes that can be used in the cell washing apparatus of the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (Travenol Laboratories) cellulose diacetate (Asahi Medical), polyvinyl alcohol (Kuraray, polymethylmethacrylate (Toray), and polyvinyl chloride (Cobe Laboratories).
  • the pores in the semipermeable membrane should be no larger than 1 micron in diameter but may be much smaller in diameter.
  • the cells travel along the labyrinth defined by ridges 525 until the cell suspension exits the apparatus 500 at the exit tube 530. With regard to a cell suspension with IHP therein, the cell suspension is then pumped back to reservoir 505 and is recirculated through the apparatus 500 until the level of IHP in the bathing solution has dropped to an acceptable level.
  • sahne plate 536 On the other side of semi-permeable membrane 575, is an identical sahne plate 536 which has identical ridges 555 to those ridges on cell plate 526.
  • the saline plate is pushed against the second side 578 of the semi-permeable membrane 575 thereby defining a labyrinth that is the mirror image of the labyrinth defined by ridges 525.
  • a wash solution that is biocompatible with the cells, for example, sahne is pumped from the reservoir 540 containing the biocompatible fluid by pump 565 through tube 567 to cell washing apparatus 500 at wash solution entrance 550.
  • the wash solution can be any solution that is biocompatible with the cells that are being washed. This includes, but is not limited to, isotonic sahne, hypertonic saline, hypotonic sahne, Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer, Earle's balanced salts, Hanks' balanced salts, BES, BES-Tris, HEPES, MOPS, TES, and Tricine.
  • Cell culture media can be used as a wash solution, including, but not limited to, medium 199, Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium,
  • CMRL-1066 minimum essential medium (MEM), and RPMI- 1640.
  • MEM minimum essential medium
  • RPMI- 1640 resealing solutions as defined herein can be used as a wash solution.
  • any combination of the aforementioned solutions can be used as a wash solution.
  • the biocompatible solution is pumped through the apparatus by pump 565 following the labyrinth defined by the ridges 555 until the biocompatible solution exits the cell washing apparatus 500 at exit 560.
  • the biocompatible solution is then discarded through drain 570. It is important to note that the apparatus 500 will be most efficient if the biocompatible solution is pumped in an opposite direction to that of the solution containing the cells. However, it is contemplated in this invention that biocompatible solution can be pumped in the same direction as the solution containing the cells.
  • the cell washing apparatus 500 can optionally have a thermal electric element 580 attached to the outside of the cell plate 526 and the outside of wash solution plate 536. It is to be understood that the thermal electric element 580 can be attached to either one or both of the outside of plates 526 and
  • the thermal electric element 580 can be used to cool the solutions or can be used to warm the solutions during the wash cycle.
  • the biocompatible wash solution can be the resealing buffer. It is to be understood that temperature can be controlled by other methods such as a water bath.
  • the shape of the cell washing apparatus 500 can be any shape including a round container wherein the inner portion of the round container contains the cell suspension and is separated from the outer portion of the round container by the semipermeable membrane 575.
  • the round container 500 could be rotated slowly to help force the solution containing the cells through the semipermeable membrane 575 thereby removing the contaminating material.
  • the cell washing apparatus can be comprised of any material that is biocompatible with the cells that are to be washed in the apparatus.
  • the cell plate 526 and the wash plate 536 can be manufactured from flexible silicone rubber.
  • FIG. 26 Another embodiment of a cell washing apparatus that can be used to substitute for the centrifuge for washing the electroporated cells is shown in Figure 26.
  • the central feature of the cell washing apparatus is an elastomeric cell 605 which is made from elastomeric material such as silicone rubber.
  • the elastomeric cell 605 is a molded piece with a semi-permeable membrane 610 in the center of the elastomeric cell 605.
  • On either side of the semi ⁇ permeable membrane 610 are horizontal indentations 615 which form a labyrinth and run the entire length of the elastomeric cell.
  • the elastomeric cell 605 has inlet port 625 for introducing a wash solution and an outlet port 630 for removing the wash solution and an inlet port 635 for introducing the cells with the electroporation fluid and an outlet port 640 for removing the cells with the electroporation fluid.
  • the wash solution is introduced on one side of the semipermeable membrane 610 in the elastomeric cell 605, is circulated through the labyrinth and exits at outlet port 640.
  • the electroporation solution containing the electroporated cells is introduced on the other side of the semipermeable membrane 610, is circulated through the labyrinth and exits at outlet port 640.
  • the semi-permeable membrane 610 completely separates the two sides and that any communication between the two sides is through the semi- permeable membrane 610.
  • the semi-permeable membrane has pores that allow the solutions to pass through the membrane 610, but does not allow particles, such as cells to pass through the semipermeable membrane 610.
  • the semipermeable membrane can be any material that is compatible with the cells that are in the cell suspension.
  • Semipermeable membranes that can be used in the cell washing apparatus of the present invention include, but are not limited to, polypropylene (Travenol Laboratories) cellulose diacetate (Asahi Medical), polyvinyl alcohol (Kuraray, polymethylmethacrylate (Toray), and polyvinyl chloride
  • the pores in the semipermeable membrane should be no larger than 1 micron in diameter but may be much smaller in diameter.
  • the elastomeric cell can be placed into a frame 655 and side 660 can be rotated on hinges 665 and 666 so that the side 660 holds the elastomeric cell 605 against side 665 thereby wedging the elastomeric cell tightly between side 660 and side 665.
  • Side 660 is a thermal electric element which is capable of heating or cooling the elastomeric cell 610.
  • Side 665 is a pulsatile mechanism with a roller 670 which travels on belt
  • the elastomeric cell is placed into the frame 655 and the side 660 (the thermal electric element) is closed onto the elastomeric cell 605.
  • the side 660 can be a plate without the thermal electric element.
  • the inlet is attached to the wash solution tube which is attached to a wash solution reservoir (not shown).
  • Outlet 630 is connected to a drain tube (not shown). On the other side of the elastomeric cell, inlet 635 is connected to the reservoir containing the cells and electroporation fluid (not shown). Outlet 640 is connected to a tube which returns the cells and electroporation fluid to the cell reservoir.
  • the peristaltic activator 670 gently pumps on the wash solution side thereby forcing the fluids from the inlet side to the outlet side.
  • the two solutions can be pumped through the two labyrinths by external pumps in a manner similar to that shown in cell washing apparatus 500.
  • the transfer of fluid across the semipermeable membrane 650 is enhanced by mass transfer action. This action is continued until the electroporation fluid is essentially replaced by the wash fluid.
  • the present invention provides a novel method for increasing the oxygen-carrying capacity of erythrocytes.
  • the IHP combines with hemoglobin in a stable way, and shifts its oxygen releasing capacity.
  • Erythrocytes with IHP-hemoglobin can release more oxygen per molecule than hemoglobin alone, and thus more oxygen is available to diffuse into tissues for each unit of blood that circulates.
  • IHP is toxic and cannot be tolerated as an ordinary drug. Attachment of IHP to hemoglobin in this novel procedure, however, neutralizes its toxicity. In the absence of severe chronic blood loss, treatment with a composition prepared in accordance with the present method could result in beneficial effects that persist for approximately ninety days.
  • IHP-treated red blood cells do not lose the Bohr effect when stored.
  • Normal red blood cells that have been stored by conventional means do not regain their maximum oxygen carrying capacity for approximately 24 hours. This is because the DGP in normal red blood cells diffuses away from the hemoglobin molecule during storage and must be replaced by the body after transfusion.
  • red blood cells treated according to the present invention are retain their maximum oxygen carrying capacity during storage and therefore can dehver maximum oxygen to the tissues immediately after transfusion into a human or animal.
  • IHP-treated RBC's is quite extensive including the treatment of numerous acute and chronic conditions including, but not limited to, hospitalized patients, cardiovascular operations, chronic anemia, anemia following major surgery, coronary infarction and associated problems, chronic pulmonary disease, cardiovascular patients, autologous transfusions, as an enhancement to packed red blood cells transfusion (hemorrhage, traumatic injury, or surgery), congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke, peripheral vascular disease, intermittent claudication, circulatory shock, hemorrhagic shock, anemia and chronic hypoxmia, respiratory alkalemia, metabohc alkalosis, sickle cell anemia, reduced lung capacity caused by pneumonia, surgery, pneumonia, trauma, chest puncture, gangrene, anaerobic infections, blood vessel diseases such as diabetes, substitute or complement to treatment with hyperbaric pressure chambers, intra-operative red cell salvage, cardiac inadequacy, anoxia - secondary to chronic indication, organ transplant, carbon monoxide, nitric oxide,
  • the volume of IHP-treated red blood cells that is administered to the human or animal will depend upon the indication being treated. In addition, the volume of IHP-treated red blood cells will also depend upon concentration of IHP-treated red blood cells in the red blood cell suspension. It is to be understood that the quantity of IHP red blood cells that is administered to the patient is not critical and can vary widely and still be effective.
  • IHP-treated packed RBC's are similar to normal red blood cells in except that the IHP-treated packed red blood cells can deliver 2 to 3 times as much oxygen to tissue per unit. A physician would therefore chose to administer a single unit of IHP-treated packed red blood cells rather than 2 units of the normal red blood cells.
  • IHP-treated packed red blood cells could be prepared in blood processing centers analogously to the present blood processing methods, except for the inclusion of a processing step where the IHP is encapsulated in the cells.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Anesthesiology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biotechnology (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Cell Biology (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
  • Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
  • External Artificial Organs (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
  • Apparatuses And Processes For Manufacturing Resistors (AREA)
  • Glass Compositions (AREA)
  • Physical Deposition Of Substances That Are Components Of Semiconductor Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à un procédé et à un appareil qui permettent d'encapsuler des substances biologiquement actives dans des globules rouges du sang et qui se caractérisent par un système d'électroporation autonome à flux continu éventuellement automatisé (5), qui permet de prélever du sang d'un patient, de séparer les globules rouges et, éventuellement, de recombiner le plasma et les globules rouges modifiés, afin de produire du sang ayant des caractéristiques biologiques modifiées. Cette invention est particulièrement adaptée pour encapsuler des effecteurs allostériques d'hémoglobine, afin de réduire l'affinité des hérythrocytes pour l'oxygène et afin d'améliorer la libération de l'oxygène contenue dans les hérythrocytes de tissus. Le sang est introduit dans le système (5) par une entrée (11) et mélangé à un anticoagulant (27). Le mélange de sang et d'anticoagulant est ensuite amené à passer à travers un filtre (18), jusqu'à atteindre un bol (44) de séparation et de lavage du sang. Le plasma et les globules blancs sont introduits dans le réservoir de plasma (89), tandis que les globules rouges sont retenus dans le bol de lavage (44). Les globules rouges séparés sont ensuite extraits par pompage et mélangés au niveau d'une jonction (67) avec une solution d'hexaphosphate d'inositol (HPI) provenant d'un réservoir (50). Ce mélange est refroidi par un serpentin de refroidissement (68) et ensuite pompé dans une chambre d'électroporation (72) pour y être traité.
EP96909619A 1995-03-10 1996-03-11 Chambre d'electroporation en flux et procede associe Withdrawn EP0814855A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US402145 1995-03-10
US08/402,145 US5720921A (en) 1995-03-10 1995-03-10 Flow electroporation chamber and method
US490695P 1995-10-06 1995-10-06
US490 1995-10-06
PCT/US1996/003211 WO1996028199A1 (fr) 1995-03-10 1996-03-11 Chambre d'electroporation en flux et procede associe

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0814855A1 EP0814855A1 (fr) 1998-01-07
EP0814855A4 true EP0814855A4 (fr) 2002-07-17

Family

ID=26673634

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96909619A Withdrawn EP0814855A4 (fr) 1995-03-10 1996-03-11 Chambre d'electroporation en flux et procede associe

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0814855A4 (fr)
JP (2) JP3859709B2 (fr)
KR (1) KR19980702848A (fr)
CN (1) CN1195997A (fr)
AU (1) AU5305096A (fr)
CA (1) CA2214800C (fr)

Families Citing this family (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6773669B1 (en) 1995-03-10 2004-08-10 Maxcyte, Inc. Flow electroporation chamber and method
WO2000054824A1 (fr) * 1999-03-17 2000-09-21 Transfusion Technologies Corp. Systeme et technique de traitement du sang
US7029916B2 (en) 2001-02-21 2006-04-18 Maxcyte, Inc. Apparatus and method for flow electroporation of biological samples
DK1456345T3 (en) 2001-08-22 2016-09-26 Maxcyte Inc Apparatus and method for electroporation of biological samples
US7601268B2 (en) * 2003-05-27 2009-10-13 Haemonetics Corporation Continuous blood filtration and method of use
AU2005245871A1 (en) 2004-05-12 2005-12-01 Maxcyte, Inc. Methods and devices related to a regulated flow electroporation chamber
ZA200610508B (en) * 2004-06-12 2009-01-28 Digital Bio Technology Co Ltd Electroporator having an elongated hollow member
CA2570557C (fr) * 2004-06-12 2011-01-25 Digital Bio Technology Co., Ltd. Dispositif a electroporation a element creux allonge
KR101084528B1 (ko) * 2008-04-15 2011-11-18 인비트로겐 싱가포르 피티이. 엘티디. 전기천공 장치용 파이펫 팁
CN101857836B (zh) * 2009-11-10 2013-06-12 昆山文曲生物微系统有限公司 一种流式电穿孔装置及系统
EP2338356A1 (fr) * 2009-12-23 2011-06-29 Südzucker Aktiengesellschaft Mannheim/Ochsenfurt Système de réacteur pour électroporation
GB201012521D0 (en) 2010-07-27 2010-09-08 Univ Strathclyde Integrated perfusion system
CN101928666B (zh) * 2010-07-30 2013-04-03 北京大学 一种流式电穿孔装置及系统
US10368937B2 (en) * 2013-03-13 2019-08-06 Nuvaira, Inc. Fluid delivery system and method for treatment
CN105378071B (zh) 2013-03-15 2021-04-20 美克斯细胞有限公司 用于产生稳定转染细胞的方法和组合物
CA2981474A1 (fr) 2015-03-31 2016-10-06 Oncosec Medical Incorporated Systemes et procedes pour electroporation basee sur la detection de tissu
ES2926467T3 (es) 2015-04-13 2022-10-26 Maxcyte Inc Métodos y composiciones para la modificación del ADN genómico
EP3998335A3 (fr) * 2015-05-08 2022-07-27 Biomagnetic Solutions LLC Appareil et procédé de séparation de cellules immunomagnétique
JP6840770B2 (ja) * 2016-04-05 2021-03-10 ゼネラル・エレクトリック・カンパニイ 成長因子レベルを調節可能な活性化血小板組成物
EP3634516A1 (fr) 2017-05-14 2020-04-15 Paragate Medical Ltd. Système implantable d'extraction de fluide
AU2018338990B2 (en) * 2017-09-30 2022-06-23 Inscripta, Inc. Flow through electroporation instrumentation
CN108795750A (zh) * 2018-05-28 2018-11-13 深圳先进技术研究院 一种带冷却功能的电穿孔装置
CN113166706A (zh) * 2018-08-31 2021-07-23 查尔斯·斯塔克·德雷珀实验室有限公司 高通量高效细胞转染的方法及装置
CN113260697B (zh) * 2018-12-20 2024-07-09 国立大学法人丰桥技术科学大学 电穿孔装置以及外来物质导入细胞的制造方法
US11071860B2 (en) 2019-02-06 2021-07-27 Oncosec Medical Incorporated Systems and methods for detecting fault conditions in electroporation therapy
JP7248721B2 (ja) * 2021-02-17 2023-03-29 ゼネラル・エレクトリック・カンパニイ 成長因子レベルを調節可能な活性化血小板組成物
EP4310173A1 (fr) 2021-04-22 2024-01-24 FUJIFILM Corporation Dispositif de perforation électrique, procédé d'introduction de matériau bioactif, procédé de production de biomatériau issu de tissu, et biomatériau issu de tissu
WO2023157673A1 (fr) 2022-02-21 2023-08-24 富士フイルム株式会社 Dispositif d'électroporation
WO2023223931A1 (fr) * 2022-05-16 2023-11-23 富士フイルム株式会社 Dispositif d'électroporation et procédé d'électroporation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
No further relevant documents disclosed *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0814855A1 (fr) 1998-01-07
JP3859709B2 (ja) 2006-12-20
JPH11502133A (ja) 1999-02-23
CN1195997A (zh) 1998-10-14
CA2214800A1 (fr) 1996-09-19
KR19980702848A (ko) 1998-08-05
CA2214800C (fr) 2002-01-22
AU5305096A (en) 1996-10-02
JP4171755B2 (ja) 2008-10-29
JP2007007430A (ja) 2007-01-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6074605A (en) Flow electroporation chamber and method
US5720921A (en) Flow electroporation chamber and method
US6090617A (en) Flow electroporation chamber with electrodes having a crystalline metal nitride coating
CA2214800C (fr) Chambre d'electroporation en flux et procede associe
US5612207A (en) Method and apparatus for encapsulation of biologically-active substances in cells
US6773669B1 (en) Flow electroporation chamber and method
US20010001064A1 (en) Flow electroporation chamber and methods of use thereof
US4652449A (en) Encapsulating biological active substances into erythrocytes
US10273444B2 (en) Lysis/resealing process and device for incorporating an active ingredient, in particular asparaginase or inositol hexaphosphate, in erythrocytes
CA2902061C (fr) Dispositifs d'appauvrissement de gaz et d'addition de gaz pour traitement sanguin
JP2005511209A (ja) 病原体不活性化のために調整された血液成分を提供するための、手動の処理システムおよび方法
WO2003018751A2 (fr) Appareil et procede d'electroporation d'echantillons biologiques
CA2855065A1 (fr) Preservation et stockage electromagnetiques du sang
CA2159005C (fr) Methode et appareillage pour l'encapsulation de substances biologiquement actives dans les cellules
AU754218B2 (en) Flow electroporation chamber and method
CA2363548A1 (fr) Chambre d'electroporation en flux et procede associe
Högman et al. Half‐strength citrate CPD and new additive solutions for improved blood preservation. I. Studies of six experimental solutions
CA1221653A (fr) Procede et dispositif pour l'encapsulation dans les erythrocytes d'au moins une substance a activite biologique, notamment des effecteurs allosteriques de l'hemoglobine et erythrocytes ainsi obtenus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19971002

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: THERAMED, INC.

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20020605

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A4

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Free format text: 7A 61M 1/36 A, 7G 05D 23/00 B, 7C 12N 13/00 B, 7C 12M 3/00 B

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20050119

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20050119

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20080901