Recent biotechnological developments of electropulsation. A prospective review

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Basic research has elucidated molecular mechanisms of electric pulse interactions with cell membranes over 25 years.
• Electropulsation is a safe and efficient method for gene transfer, widely used for creating genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in industrial settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the applied aspects of electropulsation beyond gene transfer, focusing on its potential for sterilization and protein extraction.
• To investigate the effects of electric pulses on microorganism viability and cell structures, including cell walls.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing electropulsation technology for gene transfer in bacteria, yeasts, and plants.
• Developing and applying flow technologies for large-volume treatment of solutions with electric fields.
• Investigating the synergistic effects of hydromechanical and electrical stress on microorganisms at high flow rates.

Main Results:

• Electropulsation can induce irreversible membrane alterations, significantly affecting microorganism viability, making it a promising sterilization technology.
• New flow technologies enable the treatment of large volumes, with potential synergistic effects from combined electrical and hydromechanical stress.
• Alterations extend to the cell wall in walled microorganisms, facilitating controlled leakage of cytoplasmic soluble proteins like beta-galactosidases with high yield.

Conclusions:

• Electropulsation is a versatile and cost-effective technology with broad applications in biotechnology, sterilization, and protein extraction.
• The ability to treat large volumes efficiently using flow processes enhances its industrial applicability.
• Controlled protein leakage via electropulsation presents a novel method for biomolecule recovery from various cell types, including mammalian cells.