Electroporation of cell membranes: a review

Abstract

The study of the electroporation on biomembranes has become one of the most exciting topics in the biophysical and biotechnological areas. Researchers all over the world have been focused on four major areas: measurements of transmembrane potential (TMP); dynamics of electroporation such as time sequence, properties of electropores such as size, structure, and population; membrane permeabilization and breakdown theory; and the effects of secondary factors such as ions type and cell growth stage on electroporation. This article reviews some of the recent discoveries and theories on this subject. Studies on TMP and pore dynamics remain a difficult task. Since the area of electroporation on a biomembrane is small (less than 0.1% of total surface area) and the time sequence of electropores is in the submicrosecond range measuring devices with subtle detection and time resolution are required. While more and more studies have shown the formation sequence of electropore(s) at specific locations on various biomembranes, the pore(s) widening process and the subsequent membrane breakdown mechanisms remain controversial. The influence of electromechanical stress or transmembrane potential on membrane discharge and rupture seems to be a function of various factors such as membrane properties, external medium, and the protocols of electroporators.