Figure 5-3.1.3(b): Working system of particle bombardment gun.


The apparatus is placed in laminar flow while working to maintain sterile conditions. The target cells/tissue is placed in the apparatus and a stopping screen is placed between the target cells and micro carrier assembly. The passage of high pressure helium ruptures the plastic rupture disk propelling the macro carrier and micro carriers. The stopping screen prevents the passage of macro projectiles but allows the DNA coated micro pellets to pass through it thereby, delivering DNA into the target cells.

5-3.1.3(c). Advantages

• Simple and convenient method involving coating DNA or RNA on to gold microcarrier, loading sample cartridges, pointing the nozzle and firing the device.
  
  
• No need to obtain protoplast as the intact cell wall can be penetrated.
  
  
• Manipulation of genome of sub-cellular organelles can be done.
  
  
• Eliminates the use of potentially harmful viruses or toxic chemical treatment as gene delivery vehicle.
  
  
• This device offers to place DNA or RNA exactly where it is needed into any organism