Single-cell electroporation.
Single-cell electroporation (SCEP) is a relatively new technique that has emerged in the last decade or so for single-cell studies. When a large enough electric field is applied to a single cell, transient nano-pores form in the cell membrane allowing molecules to be transported into and out of the cell. Unlike bulk electroporation, in which a homogenous electric field is applied to a suspension of cells, in SCEP an electric field is created locally near a single cell. Today, single-cell-level studies are at the frontier of biochemical research, and SCEP is a promising tool in such studies. In this review, we discuss pore formation based on theoretical and experimental approaches. Current SCEP techniques using microelectrodes, micropipettes, electrolyte-filled capillaries, and microfabricated devices are all thoroughly discussed for adherent and suspended cells. SCEP has been applied in in-vivo and in-vitro studies for delivery of cell-impermeant molecules such as drugs, DNA, and siRNA, and for morphological observations.
Wang
Manyan
M
Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, 219 Parkman Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
Orwar
Owe
O
Olofsson
Jessica
J
Weber
Stephen G
SG
D000818:Animals; D002477:Cells / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D018274:Electroporation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans