Parameters affecting cell viability following electroporation in vitro

Abstract

Cell membrane permeabilization to nonpermeant molecules can be obtained by applying electric field pulses, which parameters have to be adapted to each cell type according to the purpose of the experiments. Electropermeabilization is associated with an uptake or release of molecules between external medium and cell interior and may cause cell death. Roughly speaking, any parameters that will increase either the size of membrane defects, leading to the permeable state of the cell membrane, or their lifetime, regulating the amount of exchanged molecules, will have severe effect on cell viability. However, other parameters, not directly correlated to the electric pulses conditions, can also have dramatic effect and jeopardize cell viability. Indeed, the ways experiments are conducted (temperature, pulsing buffer, electrode material) and the characteristics of the cells (size, shape, orientation, ATP content, normal primary cell or cancer cells, sensitivity) have direct consequences on membrane permeabilization and cell viability. Shortterm direct effects, usually associated with strong electric pulses, and long-term effects, linked to the ability of the cells to repair or not the damages, can be present, which all have consequences not only on cell survival but to cell responses to electric pulses. Optimization of the protocols of electroporation, according to the objectives of the experiments, is therefore a necessity.