Effects of Nanoelectropulses on Cell Membranes
Author Information
Author(s): Vernier P Thomas, Sun Yinghua, Gundersen Martin A
Primary Institution: University of Southern California
Hypothesis
The potential that develops across the lipid bilayer during an electric pulse drives phosphatidylserine (PS) externalization.
Conclusion
Megavolt-per-meter electric pulses as short as 3 ns alter the structure of the plasma membrane and permeabilize the cell to small molecules.
Supporting Evidence
- 3 ns electric pulses can induce phosphatidylserine externalization.
- Bipolar pulses affect both poles of the cell membrane.
- Calcium is not required for PS translocation.
- Shorter pulses require higher fields for similar effects.
- Influx of YO-PRO-1 indicates membrane permeabilization.
Takeaway
Short electric pulses can change the way cell membranes work and let small things in, which is important for understanding how cells can be controlled.
Methodology
The study involved exposing Jurkat T lymphoblasts to electric pulses of varying durations and measuring the effects on membrane structure and permeability using fluorescence microscopy.
Limitations
The study does not clarify whether poration is occurring or how it relates to PS externalization.
Participant Demographics
Human Jurkat T lymphoblasts were used in the experiments.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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