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Cell membrane electropermeabilization by symmetrical bipolar rectangular pulses. Part II. Reduced electrolytic
T Kotnik1, D Miklavcic, L M Mir
1Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. tadej@svarun.fe.uni-lj.si
Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|August 17, 2001
Summary
Using bipolar electric pulses for cell electropermeabilization significantly reduces metal ion contamination compared to unipolar pulses, preserving cell viability without compromising efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cell membrane electropermeabilization is a crucial technique in cell biology.
- Metal ion contamination from electrodes and cuvettes can affect cell viability.
- Unipolar pulses are commonly used but may lead to significant ion release.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare ion release from aluminum and stainless steel during electropermeabilization using unipolar and bipolar pulses.
- To assess the impact of released ions (Al(3+) and Fe(2+)/Fe(3+)) on cell viability.
- To determine if bipolar pulses can reduce contamination without affecting electropermeabilization efficiency.
Main Methods:
- Comparative study of ion release during electropermeabilization with unipolar and bipolar rectangular electric pulses.
- Varying pulse parameters: single/train of eight pulses, 100-µs/1-ms duration, 0-400 V (unipolar), 0-280 V (bipolar).
- Cell viability assay (DC-3F cells) after incubation with measured ion concentrations (up to 2.5 mM).
Main Results:
- Bipolar pulses released over one order of magnitude less Al(3+) and Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) than unipolar pulses.
- Significant loss of cell viability observed for Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) above 1.5 mM.
- No significant effect on cell survival detected for Al(3+) within the tested range, though potential detrimental effects are noted.
Conclusions:
- Bipolar rectangular pulses significantly reduce electrolytic contamination during cell electropermeabilization compared to unipolar pulses.
- This reduction in contamination is achieved without compromising electropermeabilization efficiency.
- Bipolar pulses offer a safer alternative for cell membrane manipulation, minimizing detrimental effects of released metal ions.