Electrofusion microelectrode

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an electrofusion microelectrode used in the alignment, manipulation, fusion, or electroporation of cells. This device is particularly useful for transplantation of cells and cellular components.

1 . An electrofusion microelectrode which comprises a tube having walls painted with a liquid electric conductor and wherein the painted electric conductor extends continually from a first (medial) end of the tube to a second (distal) end of the tube, wherein the distal end of the tube is connectable to a direct current power source.  
   
   
       2 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  wherein the tube is shaped as a holding pipette.  
   
   
       3 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  wherein the first (medial) end of the tube is sealed.  
   
   
       4 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  wherein the first (medial) end of the tube is open.  
   
   
       5 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  wherein the tube is made of plastic, PVC, ceramic, or metal.  
   
   
       6 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  wherein the tube is made of glass.  
   
   
       7 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  wherein the tube is bent.  
   
   
       8 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  wherein the second (distal) end of the tube is connectable to a vacuum or hand held aspirator.  
   
   
       9 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 8  wherein the hand held aspirator is a pipette holder.  
   
   
       10 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a tool holder on which the electrofusion microelectrode is mounted.    
   
   
       11 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 10  further comprising: 
 a micromanipulator which controls the tool holder.    
   
   
       12 . The electrofusion microelectrode of  claim 1  wherein the liquid electrical conductor is selected from the group consisting of liquid aluminum, copper, silver, gold, titanium, platinum, tungsten, alloys, and mixtures thereof.