Apparatus and method for flow electroporation of biological samples

A flow electroporation device, comprising:

• walls defining a flow channel configured to receive and to transiently contain a continuous flow of a suspension comprising particles;
• an inlet flow portal in fluid communication with the flow channel, whereby the suspension can be introduced into the flow channel through the inlet flow portal;
• an outlet flow portal in fluid communication with the flow channel, whereby the suspension can be withdrawn from the flow channel through the outlet flow portal;
• the walls defining the flow channel comprising a first electrode plate forming a first wall of the flow channel and a second electrode plate forming a second wall of the flow channel opposite the first wall;
• wherein the area of the electrodes contact with the suspension, and the distance between the electrodes is chosen so that the thermal resistance of the flow channel is less than approximately 4° C. per Watt;
• the paired electrodes placed in electrical communication with a source of electrical energy, whereby an electrical field is formed between the electrodes;
• whereby the suspension of the particles flowing through the flow channel can be subjected to an electrical field formed between the electrodes.