A PARTICLE ACCELERATING DEVICE FOR DELIVERING DNA MATERIAL INTO PLANT-CELLS

A particle acceleration device for implanting DNA material into plant cells using a timed burst of pressurized helium gas was developed. The device did not require the use of consumable materials (other than he lium and microparticles), as used in some similar systems, and was thu s easier and less expensive to operate. The system was designed to pro vide more precise control of the duration of the helium burst and of p ressure differentials to ensure more reproducible results. Safety inte rlock circuitry was incorporated. The device was found to be efficient for delivery of DNA into alfalfa and soybean cell cultures.