ELECTROPORATION: BIO-ELECTROCHEMICAL MASS TRANSFER AT THE NANO SCALE

Abstract

This article provides a brief review of the field of electroporation and introduces a new microdevice that facilitates studies to test theories, gain understanding, and control this important biomedical technology. Electroporation, a bio-electrochemical process whose fundamentals are not yet understood, is a means of permeating the cell membrane by applying a voltage across the cell and forming nano-scale pores in the membrane. It has become an important field in biotechnology and medicine for the controlled introduction of macromolecules, such as gene constructs and drugs, into various cells. It is viewed as an engineering alternative to biological techniques for the genetic engineering of cells. To study and control electroporation, we have created a low-cost microelectroporation chip that incorporates a live biological cell with an electric circuit. The device revealed an important behavior of cells in electrical fields. They produce measurable electrical information about the electroporation state of the cell that may enable precise control of the process. The device can be used to facilitate fundamental studies of electroporation and can become useful in providing precise control over biotechnological processes.