Mechanistic description of membrane electropermeabilization

Abstract

Classical cell membrane electropermeabilization of cell membrane is the result of the delivery of electric field pulses on cells. The electric field pulse lasts from submicro- to several milliseconds. The electric field intensity is large enough to induce a dramatic structural local alteration of the cell membrane organization. This results in an enhanced permeabilization of the target cell membrane for molecules otherwise poorly transportable. This structural alteration is indeed a complex process, and its molecular characterization remains an intense field of investigations. The new transient organization of the cell membrane supports a massive transport due to electrophoretic forces and diffusion-driven gradients. This chapter describes the fast events inducing electropermeabilization or the immediate consequences of the field-induced alteration of the membrane and cellular organization. The methods suited to monitor these fast events are critically described as they are key factors in the accuracy of the informations. Three steps are present in cell membrane electropermeabilization: trigger, expansion, and stabilization. The experimental results are discussed in terms of structural information on the new transient membrane organization. Most informations are related to the massive enhanced molecular transport across the membrane and its modulation by the electric field pulse delivery.