Design, construction, and use of an electroporator for plant protoplasts and animal cells

We have designed and constructed an electroporation device capable of efficient transfer of DNA into both plant cell protoplasts and cultured murine lymphocytes. The electroporator design allows various combinations of voltage and capacitance to be used to optimize the electric pulse. Switching of large voltages and currents is accomplished with a silicon-controlled rectifier, yielding excellent reproducibility and long component life. A safety switch is provided to permit complete discharge of the device. Conditions suitable for high levels of transient expression and high frequencies of stable transformation for both plant and animal cell systems have been found.