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Zamuner A, Dettin M, Dall'Olmo L, Campana LG, Mognaschi ME, Conconi MT, Sieni E. Development of 3D melanoma cultures on a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold with synthetic self-assembling peptides: Electroporation enhancement. Bioelectrochemistry 2024; 156:108624. [PMID: 38104458 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) with bleomycin is an effective antitumor treatment. Still, researchers are investigating new drugs and electroporation conditions to improve its efficacy. To this aim, in vivo assays are accurate but expensive and ethically questionable. Conversely, in vitro assays, although cheaper and straightforward, do not reflect the architecture of the biological tissue because they lack a tridimensional (3D) structure (as in the case of two-dimensional [2D] in vitro assays) or do not include all the extracellular matrix components (as in the case of 3D in vitro scaffolds). To address this issue, 3D in vitro models have been proposed, including spheroids and hydrogel-based cultures, which require a suitable low-conductive medium to allow cell membrane electroporation. In this study, a synthetic scaffold based on hyaluronic acid (HA) and self-assembling peptides (SAPs; EAbuK), condensed with a Laminin-derived adhesive sequence (IKVAV), is proposed as a reliable alternative. We compare SKMEL28 cells cultured in the HA-EAbuK-IKVAV scaffold to the control (HA only scaffold). Three days after seeding, the culture on the HA-EAbuK-IKVAV scaffold showed collagen production. SKMEL28 cells cultured on the HA-EAbuK-IKVAV scaffold started to be electroporated at 400 V/cm, whereas, at the same electric field intensity, those cultured on HA were not. As a reference, 2D experiments showed that electroporation of SKMEL28 cells starts at 600 V/cm using an electroporation buffer and at 800 V/cm in a culture medium, but with very low efficiency (<50 % of cells electroporated). 3D cultures on HA-EAbuK-IKVAV allowed the simulation of a more reliable microenvironment and may represent a valuable tool for studying electroporation conditions. Using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to compute the transmembrane potential, we detected the influence of inhomogeneity of the extracellular matrix on electroporation effect. Our 3D cell culture electroporation simulations showed that the transmembrane potential increased when collagen surrounded the cells. Of note, in the collagen-enriched HA-EAbuK-IKVAV scaffold, EP was already improved at lower electric field intensities. This study shows the influence of the extracellular matrix on electric conductivity and electric field distribution on cell membrane electroporation and supports the adoption of more reliable 3D scaffolds in experimental electroporation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annj Zamuner
- Padova University, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, via Marzolo, 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; Padova University, Department of Industrial Engineering, via Marzolo, 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Dettin
- Padova University, Department of Industrial Engineering, via Marzolo, 9, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Luigi Dall'Olmo
- Padova University, Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, DISCOG. Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; Surgical Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV-IRCCS), via Gattamelata 64, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Giovanni Campana
- Department of Surgery, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Rd, M13 9WL, Manchester, UK
| | - Maria Evelina Mognaschi
- Pavia University, Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, via Ferrata, 5, 21100 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Conconi
- Padova University, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, via Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sieni
- University of Insubria, Department of theoretical and applied sciences, via Dunant, 3, 21100 Varese, Italy.
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Komel T, Bosnjak M, Sersa G, Cemazar M. Expression of GFP and DsRed fluorescent proteins after gene electrotransfer of tumour cells in vitro. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 153:108490. [PMID: 37356264 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent reporter genes are widely used to study the transfection of various types of primary cells and cell lines. The aim of our research was to investigate the expression dynamics of GFP and DsRed reporter genes individually and combined after gene electrotransfer of plasmids with two different electroporation protocols in B16F10 and CT26 cells in vitro. The cytotoxicity after gene electrotransfer of both plasmids was first determined. Second, the intensity of fluorescence and the percentage of cells transfected with both plasmids individually and in combination were monitored in real time. The results show that the percentage of viability after gene electrotransfer of plasmids using the EP2 pulses was significantly higher compared to the EP1 pulses. In contrast, the percentage of transfected cells and fluorescence intensity were higher after gene electrotransfer with the EP1 pulse protocol. Moreover, the percentage of transfected cells was higher and started earlier in the B16F10 cell line than in the CT26 cell line. However, fluorescence intensity was higher in CT26 cells. Co-expression of fluorescent proteins was achieved only in a small number of cells. In conclusion, this study elucidated some of the dynamics of reporter gene expression in cancer cell lines after gene electrotransfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Komel
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masa Bosnjak
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Primorska, Faculty of Health Sciences, Polje 42, SI - 6310 Izola, Slovenia.
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Sieni E, Dettin M, Zamuner A, Conconi MT, Bazzolo B, Balducci C, Di Barba P, Forzan M, Lamberti P, Mognaschi ME. Finite Element Evaluation of the Electric Field Distribution in a Non-Homogeneous Environment. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1062. [PMID: 37760163 PMCID: PMC10525744 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10091062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Finite element analysis is used in this study to investigate the effect of media inhomogeneity on the electric field distribution in a sample composed of cells and their extracellular matrix. The sample is supposed to be subjected to very high pulsed electric field. Numerically computed electric field distribution and transmembrane potential at the cell membrane in electroporation conditions are considered in order to study cell behavior at different degrees of inhomogeneity. The different inhomogeneity grade is locally obtained using a representative model of fixed volume with cell-cell distance varying in the range of 1-283 um. The conductivity of the extracellular medium was varied between plain collagen and a gel-like myxoid matrix through combinations of the two, i.e., collagen and myxoid. An increase in the transmembrane potential was shown in the case of higher aggregate. The results obtained in this study show the effect of the presence of the cell aggregates and collagen on the transmembrane potential. In particular, by increasing the cell aggregation in the two cases, the transmembrane potential increased. Finally, the simulation results were compared to experimental data obtained by culturing HCC1954 cells in a hyaluronic acid-based scaffold. The experimental validation confirmed the behavior of the transmembrane potential in presence of the collagen: an increase in electroporation at a lower electric field intensity was found for the cells cultured in the scaffolds where there is the formation of collagen areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Sieni
- Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Italian Interuniversity Center ICEMB (Interaction between Electromagnetic Fields and Biosystems), DIET University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.); (M.E.M.)
| | - Monica Dettin
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padua, Italy; (M.D.); (C.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Annj Zamuner
- Department of Civil Environmental and Architectural Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padua, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Conconi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (M.T.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Bianca Bazzolo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy; (M.T.C.); (B.B.)
| | - Cristian Balducci
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padua, Italy; (M.D.); (C.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Paolo Di Barba
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Pavia University, Via Ferrata 5, 21100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Michele Forzan
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padua, Italy; (M.D.); (C.B.); (M.F.)
| | - Patrizia Lamberti
- Italian Interuniversity Center ICEMB (Interaction between Electromagnetic Fields and Biosystems), DIET University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.); (M.E.M.)
- Department of Information and Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
| | - Maria Evelina Mognaschi
- Italian Interuniversity Center ICEMB (Interaction between Electromagnetic Fields and Biosystems), DIET University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy; (P.L.); (M.E.M.)
- Department of Electrical, Computer and Biomedical Engineering, Pavia University, Via Ferrata 5, 21100 Pavia, Italy;
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Dielectric Dispersion Modulated Sensing of Yeast Suspension Electroporation. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22051811. [PMID: 35270958 PMCID: PMC8914882 DOI: 10.3390/s22051811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
A specific pulsed electric field protocol can be used to induce electroporation. This is used in the food industry for yeast pasteurization, in laboratories for generic transfer and the medical field for cancer treatment. The sensing of electroporation can be done with simple ‘instantaneous’ voltage-current analysis. However, there are some intrinsic low-frequency phenomena superposing the electroporation current, such as electrode polarization. The biological media are non-homogeneous, giving them specific characterization in the broad frequency spectrum. For example, the cell barrier, i.e., cell membrane, causes so called β-dispersion in the frequency range of tens to thousands of kHz. Electroporation is a dynamic phenomenon characterized by altering the cell membrane permeability. In this work, we show that the impedance measurement at certain frequencies could be used to detect the occurrence of electroporation, i.e., dielectric dispersion modulated sensing. This approach may be used for the design and implementation of electroporation systems. Yeast suspension electroporation is simulated to show changes in the frequency spectrum. Moreover, the alteration depends on characteristics of the system. Three types of external buffers and their characteristics are evaluated.
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Microscopic histological characteristics of soft tissue sarcomas: analysis of tissue features and electrical resistance. Med Biol Eng Comput 2016; 55:1097-1108. [DOI: 10.1007/s11517-016-1573-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Novickij V, Grainys A, Novickij J, Markovskaja S. Irreversible magnetoporation of micro‐organisms in high pulsed magnetic fields. IET Nanobiotechnol 2014; 8:157-62. [DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2013.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Vitalij Novickij
- High Magnetic Field LaboratoryVilnius Gediminas Technical UniversityNaugarduko g. 41Vilnius 03227Lithuania
| | - Audrius Grainys
- High Magnetic Field LaboratoryVilnius Gediminas Technical UniversityNaugarduko g. 41Vilnius 03227Lithuania
| | - Jurij Novickij
- High Magnetic Field LaboratoryVilnius Gediminas Technical UniversityNaugarduko g. 41Vilnius 03227Lithuania
| | - Svetlana Markovskaja
- Laboratory of MycologyInstitute of Botany of Nature Research CentreZaliuju ezeru g. 49Vilnius 08406Lithuania
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Ramos A, Schneider ALS, Suzuki DOH, Marques LB. Sinusoidal Signal Analysis of Electroporation in Biological Cells. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2012; 59:2965-73. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2012.2212896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Suzuki DOH, Ramos A, Ribeiro MCM, Cazarolli LH, Silva FRMB, Leite LD, Marques JLB. Theoretical and experimental analysis of electroporated membrane conductance in cell suspension. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2010; 58:3310-8. [PMID: 21193368 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2010.2103074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
An intense electric field can be applied to increase the membrane conductance G(m) and consequently, the conductivity of cell suspension. This phenomenon is called electroporation. This mechanism is used in a wide range of medical applications, genetic engineering, and therapies. Conductivity measurements of cell suspensions were carried out during application of electric fields from 40 to 165 kV/m. Experimental results were analyzed with two electroporation models: the asymptotic electroporation model was used to estimate G(m) at the beginning and at the end of electric field pulse, and the extended Kinosita electroporation model to increase G(m) linearly in time. The maximum G(m) was 1-7 × 10(4) S/m(2), and the critical angle (when the G(m) is insignificant) was 50°-65°. In addition, the sensitivity of electroporated membrane conductance to extracellular and cytoplasmatic conductivity and cell radius has been studied. This study showed that external conductivity and cell radius are important parameters affecting the pore-opening phenomenon. However, if the cell radius is larger than 7 μm in low conductivity medium, the cell dimensions are not so important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela O H Suzuki
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina 88040-900, Brazil.
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Raffa V, Ciofani G, Vittorio O, Pensabene V, Cuschieri A. Carbon nanotube-enhanced cell electropermeabilisation. Bioelectrochemistry 2010; 79:136-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2009.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2009] [Revised: 10/20/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Improved numerical approach for electrical modeling of biological cell clusters. Med Biol Eng Comput 2010; 48:311-9. [PMID: 20213488 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-010-0591-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2009] [Accepted: 02/03/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This article presents an efficient numerical approach to simulate the process of polarization and ion conduction in membranes of biological cells subjected to intense electric fields. The proposed method uses Coulomb's law to calculate the electric field on the surface of the cell membrane and the continuity equation for calculating the difference in electric potential between the faces of the membrane. The behavior of the membrane conductance is described by a model of electroporation proposed in literature. This method provides results that agree well with the analytical model of polarization of an isolated cell suspended in electrolytic solution and also provides results for the conductance of the membrane during electroporation of cells in concentrated suspensions that agree with experimental results already published.
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