Microfluidic Electroporation: Recent Advances and Applications

Electroporation is a biophysical phenomenon in which cell membranes are transiently permeabilized under an applied electric field, and it can be used for the intracellular delivery of a wide range of molecules, including nucleic acids, proteins, and drugs, and for the inactivation of cells. Microfluidic electroporation has emerged as an advanced platform offering precise control over electric field distribution, enhanced delivery efficiency, and reduced sample consumption. This chapter reviews recent advances in microfluidic electroporation with a focus on device configurations, operational mechanisms, and biomedical applications. In addition to experimental progress, we provide a theoretical foundation and also numerical simulation methods to understand electroporation at the cellular and molecular levels. Models describing the formation and expansion of hydrophilic pores in lipid membranes are introduced, including formulations based on membrane energetics and induced transmembrane potential (TMP), and the energy balance between line tension and membrane surface tension governs pore dynamics. Moreover, critical thresholds for reversible and irreversible electroporation are discussed. Additionally, a unified multiscale perspective linking electric field distribution, pore formation, and molecular transport is presented to guide the design and optimization of electroporation devices. By integrating modeling insights with microfluidic technology, this chapter aims to support the rational development of next-generation therapeutic, diagnostic, and cell handling tools.