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Electroporation

Electroporation, also called electropermeabilization, uses an externally applied electrical field to increase the permeability of the cell plasma membrane, making it easier in molecular biology to introduce a new substance to the cell. This may be a new drug, a molecular probe, or a snippet of DNA.

Through a variety of processes, electroporation causes a number of very small pores to open in the plasma membrane. With careful control of the strength of the electrical field and the duration of the cell's exposure to it, the pores will reseal themselves after a short period of time. Cells that are exposed too often to electrical fields or which are exposed to over-strong fields for too long can start the process of apoptosis or necrosis, resulting in cell death. This may be used to kill tumor cells.

Electroporation may be used to transform bacteria or plant protoplasts. It's also very efficient to introduce foreign genes into mammalian cells or other animal cells in this way. Knockout gene therapy is often effected throug electroporation.

Web Resources On Electroporation

Characterization of Cell Membrane Electroporation
Molecular Tool: Electroporation

Book Resources On Electroporation

Electroporation Protocols for Microorganisms by Jac A. Nickoloff, Editor
Plant Cell Electroporation and Electrofusion Protocols by Jac A. Nickoloff, Editor

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