Gene delivery by microfluidic flow-through electroporation based on constant DC and AC field

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Bioengineering

Background:

• Electroporation is a key physical method for delivering nucleic acids into cells.
• Conventional systems often rely on expensive, high-voltage pulse generators.
• There is a need for more accessible and continuous cell transfection methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and demonstrate a cost-effective, flow-through electroporation system for continuous cell transfection.
• To achieve high transfection efficiency using a simple, low-voltage power supply and disposable chips.
• To investigate the impact of flow rates and voltage types (DC/AC) on transfection outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a flow-through system with disposable chips, a syringe pump, and a low-cost constant voltage power supply.
• Applied both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) voltages for electroporation.
• Operated the system at high flow rates, ranging from 40 µl/min to 20 ml/min.

Main Results:

• Achieved high transfection efficiency, up to 75%, in a continuous flow-through system.
• Demonstrated successful cell membrane permeabilization and gene delivery across a wide range of flow rates.
• Showcased the effectiveness of both DC and AC voltage in the developed system.

Conclusions:

• The developed flow-through electroporation method offers an efficient and low-cost approach for continuous cell transfection.
• This system provides a viable alternative to expensive conventional electroporation devices.
• The method enables uniform cell membrane permeabilization and enhanced gene delivery through induced cell migration.