Wang M, Orwar O, Olofsson J, Weber SG. Single-cell electroporation.
Anal Bioanal Chem 2010;
397:3235-48. [PMID:
20496058 DOI:
10.1007/s00216-010-3744-2]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2010] [Revised: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell electroporation (SCEP) is a relatively new technique that has emerged in the last decade or so for single-cell studies. When a large enough electric field is applied to a single cell, transient nano-pores form in the cell membrane allowing molecules to be transported into and out of the cell. Unlike bulk electroporation, in which a homogenous electric field is applied to a suspension of cells, in SCEP an electric field is created locally near a single cell. Today, single-cell-level studies are at the frontier of biochemical research, and SCEP is a promising tool in such studies. In this review, we discuss pore formation based on theoretical and experimental approaches. Current SCEP techniques using microelectrodes, micropipettes, electrolyte-filled capillaries, and microfabricated devices are all thoroughly discussed for adherent and suspended cells. SCEP has been applied in in-vivo and in-vitro studies for delivery of cell-impermeant molecules such as drugs, DNA, and siRNA, and for morphological observations.
Collapse