Single-cell electroporation
Journal article, 2010
Single-cell electroporation (SCEP) is a relatively new technique that has emerged in the last decade or so for single-cell studies. When a large enough electric field is applied to a single cell, transient nano-pores form in the cell membrane allowing molecules to be transported into and out of the cell. Unlike bulk electroporation, in which a homogenous electric field is applied to a suspension of cells, in SCEP an electric field is created locally near a single cell. Today, single-cell-level studies are at the frontier of biochemical research, and SCEP is a promising tool in such studies. In this review, we discuss pore formation based on theoretical and experimental approaches. Current SCEP techniques using microelectrodes, micropipettes, electrolyte-filled capillaries, and microfabricated devices are all thoroughly discussed for adherent and suspended cells. SCEP has been applied in in-vivo and in-vitro studies for delivery of cell-impermeant molecules such as drugs, DNA, and siRNA, and for morphological observations.
Transfection
patch-clamp
filled capillary
Cell membrane
Electric field
modeling electroporation
electric-field
Microelectrodes
genetic manipulation
mammalian-cells
Microfluidics
neurons in-vivo
membrane electropermeabilization
ellipsoidal cells
micro-electroporation
Author
M. Y. Wang
University of Pittsburgh
Owe Orwar
Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Physical Chemistry
Jessica Olofsson
Chalmers, Chemical and Biological Engineering, Physical Chemistry
S. G. Weber
University of Pittsburgh
Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
1618-2642 (ISSN) 1618-2650 (eISSN)
Vol. 397 8 3235-3248Subject Categories
Chemical Sciences
DOI
10.1007/s00216-010-3744-2