Abstract
A narrowing-slit device has been developed that enables one-to-one cell fusion and the transfer of cytoplasm including epigenetic factors without gene mixing. Fused with ES cells, somatic cells can be reprogrammed and gain pluripotency. In order to produce safe pluripotent cells, it is necessary to prevent gene mixing. The structure of the narrowing-slit deffers between the top and the bottom, defined with respect to the channel wall. Top side of slit is wide and the channel wall is thin, enabling cell fusion to occur by voltage application. Contrarily, bottom side is narrow and the wall is thick, preventing fused cells on either side of the wall from penetrating across the slit when cells adhere on the channel bottom. In this experiment, cell fusion was conducted and 80% fusion success achieved. and cell penetration did not occur in adhering condition.
