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Mechanisms of transfer of bioactive molecules through the cell membrane by electroporation

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Abstract

A short review of biophysical mechanisms for electrotransfer of biaoctive molecules through the cell membrane by using electroporation is presented. The concept of transient hydrophilic aqueous pores and membrane electroporation mechanisms of single cells and cells in suspension models are analyzed. Alongside the theoretical approach, some peculiarities of drug and gene electrotransfer into cells and applications in clinical trials are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the grants (TAP-03/2011) and (MIP-034/2013) from the Research Council of Lithuania. The authors would also like to acknowledge networking support by the COST Action TD1104.

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The authors of this review article explicitly state that there are no declarations of interest.

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  1. Biophysical Research Group, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, 44404, Kaunas, Lithuania

    Mindaugas S. Venslauskas & Saulius Šatkauskas

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  1. Mindaugas S. Venslauskas
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  2. Saulius Šatkauskas
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Correspondence to Mindaugas S. Venslauskas.

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Venslauskas, M.S., Šatkauskas, S. Mechanisms of transfer of bioactive molecules through the cell membrane by electroporation. Eur Biophys J 44, 277–289 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00249-015-1025-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00249-015-1025-x

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