Electrical Stimulation of Cells: Drivers, Technology, and Effects

Exposure of cells to electric fields is used in applications as diverse as deep brain stimulation to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, tumor-treating fields to delay the progression of hard-to-treat cancers, and electroporation to deliver genetic materials to cells. It is also used to study the fundamental properties of electrically active cells and to induce changes in cell behavior, such as the directed outgrowth of neurites, that may one day find applications in the clinic. This review discusses some of the effects elicited on cells upon exposure to electric fields, both acutely and at longer time scales, and considers the underlying mechanisms proposed. It also provides an overview of the technology used to study the effects of exposure of cell to electric fields, including the different types of metal/electrolyte interfaces and the electrode materials used in in vitro and in vivo applications. The aim is to bring together concepts from different communities to highlight similarities, identify potential synergies, and create common ground that may lead to cross-fertilization and advances in the field.