Membrane Electroporation and Electropermeabilization: Mechanisms and Models.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review of biophysical mechanisms, theoretical models, and simulations (Level 5 by design analogy).
PubMed 30786231 · doi:10.1146/annurev-biophys-052118-115451
What was done
This narrative review synthesized experimental findings, continuum physical models, and atomistic simulations concerning how high-voltage, short-duration electric pulses alter cell membrane permeability. It examined aqueous pore formation in lipid bilayers, correlation with transmembrane voltage, chemical modifications of lipids, and functional modulation of membrane proteins.
What was found
The abstract reports no quantitative metrics or effect sizes. It details that while lipid bilayer aqueous pore formation is established, electric pulses also cause chemical modifications to membrane lipids and functional modulation of membrane proteins, highlighting a mechanistic distinction between electroporation and broader electropermeabilization.
Why it matters
Distinguishing between structural pore formation and broader chemical or protein-mediated permeabilization improves molecular and continuum models, informing bioelectric applications like electrochemotherapy, gene electrotransfer, and pulsed-field ablation.
Limits
The abstract describes a narrative review without systematic search criteria, quantitative data, or sample sizes. The summarized findings derive largely from theoretical continuum modeling, in vitro experiments, and atomistic simulations rather than clinical or in vivo tissue measurements.
Cited by
- supports Electroporation delivers genetic materials or protein-RNA complexes into cells by passing an electrical current that creates transient pores in the cell membrane.