Electroporation
A biophysical technique applying short, high-voltage electric field pulses to cells to temporarily increase cell membrane permeability by creating nanoscale aqueous pores.
Governing formula
Critical Transmembrane Breakdown Voltage V_c ≈ 0.5–1.0 V
SI unit
kV/cm (Electric Field Strength)
In depth
Applying electric field pulses induces a high transmembrane potential exceeding dielectric breakdown strength (~1 V), causing lipid bilayer rearrangement that forms transient aqueous nanopores for gene or drug entry.
Examples in the real world
Electrochemotherapy enhancing bleomycin drug uptake into cancer cells and gene transfection in biotechnology.