Electroformation of Giant Unilamellar vesicles: Novel electrode design and parameters for enhanced GUVs production

The formation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) is a critical technology with applications in drug delivery and the study of cellular membranes. This work presents optimized electrode designs and parameters for the electroformation of GUVs. Conventional indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes are fragile and have limited lifespans. Meanwhile, stainless steel offers mechanical robustness, reusability, and chemical stability due to its chromium oxide layer, particularly in aqueous buffers at near-neutral pH. Here, stainless steel electrodes with different geometries were tested as a cost-effective alternative. The influence of electrode shape, alternating current (AC) frequency, and applied voltage on vesicle yield and size was systematically investigated. Four chamber configurations were evaluated and optimized for electrical resistance. Broad stainless steel mesh 30 electrodes produced the highest vesicle yield, associated with larger surface area and favorable voltage-frequency combinations. Results indicate that electrode shape and electroformation parameters significantly affect GUV characteristics. Stainless steel electrodes can replace ITO electrodes, enabling robust and scalable GUV production. This approach supports applications in biophysics, drug delivery, and biosensor development while reducing material costs and improving operational durability.