Elektroporáció

Elektroporáció, also known as electropermeabilization, is a physical method used to increase the permeability of cell membranes by applying a brief electric pulse. This technique creates transient pores in the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, allowing molecules that normally cannot cross the membrane to enter the cell. The magnitude and duration of the electric pulse are critical parameters that determine the extent and reversibility of membrane permeabilization.

The process typically involves placing cells in a suspension containing the substance to be introduced, such as DNA, RNA, proteins, or drugs. This suspension is then subjected to an electric field. The electric pulse causes an uneven distribution of charge across the cell membrane, leading to a transmembrane potential that can exceed the cell's normal resting potential. When this threshold is reached, the membrane structure destabilizes, forming temporary pores.

Once the electric pulse is removed, the cell membrane reseals, trapping the introduced molecules inside. The effectiveness and survival rate of the cells depend heavily on optimizing the electric pulse parameters, the composition of the buffer solution, and the cell type.

Elektroporáció has found widespread applications in various fields. In molecular biology and biotechnology, it is a common method for gene transfection and transformation, enabling the introduction of genetic material into cells for research and therapeutic purposes. It is also used in drug delivery, where it can enhance the uptake of chemotherapeutic agents into cancer cells, potentially increasing their efficacy and reducing systemic toxicity. Furthermore, elektroporáció is employed in the food industry for processes like sterilization and in medical applications for tissue ablation.