A Cell Electroporation Characterization Chip Using a Single Tapered Channel for Continuous Electric Field Variation

Abstract

This paper presents a cell electroporation characterization chip using a single tapered channel for a continuous gradient of electric fields. In the cell electroporation study, it is required to find the optimal electric field strength for obtaining the maximum number of both viable and electroporated cells possible. The previous electroporation chip with a single step-wise channel generated a limited number of electric fields. However, the present chip, where continuous electric fields (0.3-0.5 kV/cm) are generated by a pair of external electrodes across a tapered single channel, provides a more finely tuned electric field for stable cell electroporation with high viability. In the experimental study, we characterize H23 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. In the previous electroporation chip, the percentages of viable electroporated H23 cells were 51.4% and 44.5% at 0.4 and 0.45 kV/cm, respectively. The present chip was measured to have an electric field of 0.44 kV/cm with a maximum percentage of viable electroporated cells of 54.7 +/- 4.8%. The present cell electroporation characterization chip has potential for use in integrated cell chips to find fine optimal electric field conditions for the study of electroporation.