Model of Cell Membrane Electroporation and Transmembrane Molecular Transport

Electroporation is a technique in which, under the influence of electric field, the permeability of the cell membrane increases due to the formation of pores in the cell membrane, providing pathways for molecular transport (Abidor et al. 1979, Neumann et al. 1998, Tsong 1991, Weaver and Chizmadzhev 1989, Zimmermann 1982). As electroporation is usually evaluated by indirect indications (Gehl and Mir 1999, He et al. 2008, Hibino et al. 1991, Kotnik et al. 2000, Neumann and Rosenheck 1972, Pavlin et al. 2007, Pliquett and Weaver 2007, Pucihar et al. 2007, Rols and Teissié 1998, Saulis 1997, Saulis et al. 2007, Schwister and Deuticke 1985), some experimental observations have not yet been fully explained. For instance, in a number of experiments using single-pulse electroporation protocol, increased conductivity and reduced transmembrane voltage were observed (Hibino et al. 1991, 1993), depending on the amplitude and duration of electric field (Kotnik et al. 2003, Rols and Teissié 1998). In multiple-pulse electroporation protocols, however, significant increase in cell molecular uptake is observed due to pulse fractionation, which, however, also depends on pulse repetition frequency. To explain these observations, knowing the exact mechanism of electroporation is crucial. 10