elektroporator

An elektroporator, also known as an electroporator, is a specialized device used in molecular biology and biotechnology to increase the permeability of cell membranes through the application of controlled electric pulses. This process, termed electroporation, facilitates the introduction of foreign substances such as nucleic acids, proteins, or drugs into cells, which are otherwise challenging to deliver due to the barrier posed by the lipid bilayer of cell membranes.

Electroporators typically consist of a power supply capable of delivering precisely controlled voltage, pulse duration, and number of pulses, along with electrodes that contact the biological sample. The equipment may vary from small laboratory benchtop units to large industrial systems, depending on scale and application.

The mechanism involves generating an electric field that transiently destabilizes the lipid bilayer, creating pores through which molecules can pass. The parameters of the electrical pulses—such as intensity, duration, and wave form—are optimized based on cell type and experimental requirements to maximize efficiency while minimizing cell damage.

Electroporation has applications across various fields, including genetic modification, cancer treatment (electrochemotherapy), preservation of tissues, and sterilization processes. It is widely used in research laboratories for gene transfection, plasmid delivery, and cell line development, as well as in clinical contexts for cancer therapies.

Overall, the elektroporator is a vital tool enabling advanced techniques in cellular engineering and molecular medicine, with ongoing innovations aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and applicability across diverse biological systems.