Cell Behaviour in Electric Fields

Abstract

The electric field is one of the most important and widely used instruments in biological studies. A number of papers were published recently on cell movement in nonhomogeneous alternating electric fields^1–4 and also in rotating electric fields.^{5, 6} Apart from their scientific value, these phenomena may be used in some practical applications, such as cell separation, cell fusion, etc.^{1, 7} As it is well recognized, cell fusion is one of the promising approaches in gene engineering. Well known is the so-called electrically induced fusion which is based on the phenomena of cell dielectrophoresis and electric breakdown of the cell membrane.⁷ On the other hand, study of the electric breakdown may help in elucidating the questions of the mechanical and energy properties of cell membranes.^7–10 Theoretical analysis of the electric breakdown as the process of the through-pore formation and growth shows that this phenomena has much in common with traditional electrokinetic effects, because this process is facilitated by electric forces acting on the pore walls.¹¹