Electric Field-Induced Effects in Eukaryotic Cells: Current Progress and Limitations.

Area of Science:

• Cell biology
• Biophysics
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Electric fields (EFs) are versatile tools for modulating eukaryotic cell behavior.
• Understanding the physical mechanisms and signaling pathways is crucial for EF applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of EF effects on eukaryotic cells.
• To focus on physical mechanisms, signaling pathways, and technological aspects.
• To highlight synergistic potentials and address limitations.

Main Methods:

• Review of direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and pulsed electric fields (PEFs).
• Discussion of electrophoresis, electroosmosis, dielectrophoresis, and electroporation.
• Exploration of microfluidic integration and optical tweezers.
• Analysis of experimental setups and technological advancements.

Main Results:

• DC EFs influence cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation via electrophoresis and electroosmosis.
• AC EFs enable cell manipulation, trapping, and sorting through dielectric polarization and dielectrophoresis.
• PEFs facilitate drug and gene delivery via electroporation.
• Combined EF and optical tweezers offer fine-tuned control over cell positioning and interactions.

Conclusions:

• EFs offer significant promise for regenerative medicine and cell biology.
• Technological integration, like microfluidics, enhances EF applications.
• Future research should focus on minimizing invasiveness and addressing field heterogeneity.