Beyond electroporation pulse parameters: From application to evaluation

Abstract

Electroporation is a phenomenon that occurs in the membranes of biological cells exposed to strong electric fields. The exposure of cells to strong electric fields leads to temporary permeabilization of biological cells, thus allowing easier transport of ions and molecules across the cell membrane. Electroporation is already widely used in several biomedical and biotechnological applications. The efficacy of electroporation strongly depends on the electric field parameters and also other biophysical parameters. Strong electric fields are generated between the electrodes by the delivery of high-voltage electric pulses to the electrodes close to each other. Results obtained in different electroporation studies may vary significantly. This may be because the determination and description of the electric fields to which cells are exposed during experimental work were not adequately addressed or at least were not reported in sufficient details. To enable the reproduction of electroporation experiments, researchers should adequately measure the electroporation pulses, evaluate the generated electric field, and provide adequate description of experimental methods. In this chapter, parametrization and parameters of electroporation pulses are described, techniques of controlling the generation sequence of electroporation pulses are specified, and recommendations for electroporation pulse measurement and reporting in electroporation studies are suggested.