NeuroPorator: An open-source, current-limited electroporator for safe in utero gene transfer

0586450 - FGÚ 2025 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Procházková, N. - Nguyenova, M.-T. - Řehořová, M. - Kudláček, J. - Chvojka, J. - Žiak, Jakub - Balaštík, Martin - Otáhal, J. - Jiruška, P. - Novák, O.
NeuroPorator: An open-source, current-limited electroporator for safe in utero gene transfer.
Journal of Neuroscience Methods. Roč. 406, June (2024), č. článku 110126. ISSN 0165-0270. E-ISSN 1872-678X
R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA21-24571S; GA ČR(CZ) GA22-28265S; GA MZd(CZ) NU21-08-00533; GA MŠMT(CZ) LX22NPO5107
Institutional support: RVO:67985823
Keywords : electroporator * in utero electroporation * gene transfer * current-limited * pulse generator * focal cortical dysplasia * NeuroPorator
OECD category: Neurosciences (including psychophysiology
Impact factor: 3, year: 2022
Method of publishing: Open access
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneumeth.2024.110126

Background: Electroporation is an effective technique for genetic manipulation of cells, both in vitro and in vivo. In utero electroporation (IUE) is a special case, which represents a fine application of this technique to genetically modify specific tissues of embryos during prenatal development. Commercially available electroporators are expensive and not fully customizable. We have designed and produced an inexpensive, opendesign, and customizable electroporator optimized for safe IUE. We introduce NeuroPorator. Method: We used offtheshelf electrical parts, a singleboard microcontroller, and a cheap data logger to build an opendesign electroporator. We included a safety circuit to limit the applied electrical current to protect the embryos. We added full documentation, design files, and assembly instructions. Result: NeuroPorator output is on par with commercially available devices. Furthermore, the adjustable current limiter protects both the embryos and the uterus from overcurrent damage. A built-in data acquisition module provides real-time visualization and recordings of the actual voltage/current pulses applied to each embryo. Function of NeuroPorator has been demonstrated by inducing focal cortical dysplasia in mice. Significance and conclusion: The simple and fully open design enables quick and cheap construction of the device and facilitates further customization. The features of NeuroPorator can accelerate the IUE technique implementation in any laboratory and speed up its learning curve.
Permanent Link: https://hdl.handle.net/11104/0354083