electroporator

An electroporator is a laboratory instrument that delivers short, high-intensity electric pulses to cells or tissues to transiently permeabilize their membranes. This permeabilization allows uptake of large molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, dyes, or drugs, enabling genetic modification, labeling, or functional studies. Electroporation is widely used for bacteria, yeast, plant cells, and mammalian cells, and it is also applied in some in vivo tissue applications.

Principle and operation: the electric field induces temporary nanopores in the lipid bilayer. During and after the pulse, charged and uncharged molecules can cross the membrane and enter the cytoplasm; the membrane reseals after a short time. Efficiency depends on cell type and state, medium conductivity and temperature, and the specifics of the pulse, including shape, duration, and amplitude.

Devices and configurations: electroporators comprise a pulse generator, control interface, and a chamber with electrodes. They may produce square-wave or exponential-decay pulses. Electrode geometry varies, including cuvettes with fixed gaps, flat-plate chambers, or microfluidic channels, which influence field distribution. Operators adjust parameters such as field strength, pulse duration, number of pulses, and pause between pulses to optimize transfection or uptake while maintaining viability.

Applications and types: common uses include introducing plasmid DNA, RNA, or CRISPR components into various cell types; bacterial, yeast, fungal, and plant cell transfection; and in vivo electroporation of tissues such as muscle or tumors in research and, in some cases, clinical settings. Modern systems may offer automation and high-throughput capabilities.

Safety and limitations: the procedure involves high voltages and can cause heating, potentially harming cells or posing electrical hazards if not properly managed. Optimization is essential, and sterility and appropriate handling are required to ensure reliable results.