title: Enhancement of biomolecule transport by electroporation: a review of theory and practical application to transformation of Corynebacterium glutamicum.
abstract: Selective and reversible permeabilization of the cell wall permeability barrier is the focus for many biotechnological applications. In this article, the basic principles for reversible membrane permeabilization, based on biological, chemical, and physical methods are reviewed. Emphasis is given to electroporation (electropermeabilization) which tends to be the most popular method for membrane permeabilization and for introduction of foreign molecules into the cells. The applications of this method in industrial processes as well as the critical factors and parameters which affect the success of this approach are discussed. The different strategies developed throughout the years for increased transformation efficiencies of the industrially important amino acid-overproducing bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum, are also summarized.
authors.affiliation: Chemical Engineering, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: Theodora
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Tryfona
authors.forename: Mark T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Bustard
mesh_terms: D001692:Biological Transport; D002463:Cell Membrane Permeability; D048230:Corynebacterium glutamicum / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D018274:Electroporation; D014169:Transformation, Bacterial
chemical_list: D004247:DNA