Efficient electroporation in primary cells with PEDOT:PSS electrodes

Area of Science:

• Biotechnology
• Cell Biology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Pulsed electric field electroporation is a method for delivering macromolecules into cells.
• Conventional electroporation faces challenges with cell viability and heterogeneity.
• There is a need for improved methods for efficient and precise macromolecule delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce microfabricated electrodes based on PEDOT:PSS for enhanced cell electroporation.
• To demonstrate improved cell viability and transfection efficiency using PEDOT:PSS electrodes.
• To showcase the delivery of Cas9 protein, guide RNA, and plasmid DNA into various cell types.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of microelectrodes using poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS).
• Application of pulsed electric fields with PEDOT:PSS electrodes for cell membrane permeabilization.
• Delivery of macromolecules including Cas9 protein, guide RNA, and plasmid DNA into cell lines and primary cells.

Main Results:

• PEDOT:PSS microelectrodes significantly increased cell viability compared to conventional methods.
• Transfection efficiency was substantially enhanced using the novel electrode material.
• Successful delivery of diverse macromolecules into difficult-to-transfect cell types was achieved.

Conclusions:

• PEDOT:PSS microelectrodes offer a promising approach for efficient and viable macromolecule delivery into cells.
• This technology can accelerate the study and therapeutic applications of cell therapies and personalized medicine.
• The developed method provides a rapid way to modify challenging cell types for research and therapeutic platforms.