Compact electro-permeabilization system for controlled treatment of biological cells and cell medium conductivity change measurement

Abstract

Subjection of biological cells to high intensity pu lsed electric field results in the permeabilization of the cell membrane. Measurement of the electrical conductivity change a llows an analysis of the dynamics of the process, determination of the permeabilization thresholds, and ion efflux influence. In this work a compact electro-permeabilization system for controlled treatment of biological cells is presented. The system is capable of delivering 5 μs – 5 ms repetitive square wave electric field pulses with amplitude up to 1 kV. Evaluation of the cell medium conductivity change is implemented in the set up, allowing indirect measurement of the ion concentration changes occurring due to the cell membrane permeabilization. The simulation model using SPICE and the experimental data of the proposed system are presented in this work. Experimental data with biological cells is also overviewed.