At the conference, we presented a new Blumlein generator for generating high-voltage, nanosecond electric pulses, that was developed in our research group. The generator is unique in the world, by allowing variable duration and polarity of pulses, as well as a high pulse repetition rate (up to 100 kHz). We described the effects of our pulses to the cells: we found that the train of pulses increases the permeability of plasma membrane of cells. Longer pulse trains cause higher plasma membrane permeabilization, resulting in higher propidium iodide fluorescence intensity in cells.
F.01 Acquisition of new practical knowledge, information and skills
COBISS.SI-ID: 6443348High-voltage, nanosecond electric pulses can permeabilize membranes of cell organelles. In the paper, we described the electropermeabilization of endocytotic vesicles in B16 F1 mouse melanoma cells, observed by a fluorescence mycroscopy. With the use of two fluorescent dyes (lucifer yellow and propidium iodide) we found that the permeabilization of internal cell membranes by pulses of chosen parameters (1-20 pulses, 60 ns, 50 kV/cm, 1 kHz) is always accompanied by a permeabilization of plasma membrane. The method can be useful for introducing various substances into the cell.
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 7642708Blumlein generators are used for various purposes: in radars, lasers, and recently, also in medical research for generation high-voltage, nanosecond electric pulses which can be used for electroporation of internal membranes of cells. In this paper, we described the structure and function of Blumlein generator that can achieve a high-repetition rate (up to 100 kHz) and variable duration and polarity of pulses. We also described the effects of these pulses to cells – the poration of endocytotic vesicles and plasma membrane.
F.23 Development of new system-wide, normative and programme solutions, and methods
COBISS.SI-ID: 7346772High-voltage, nanosecond electric pulses (up to few hundreds nanoseconds, electric field strength of a few tens of kV/cm) can induce voltage at internal membranes of cells. This leads to permeabilization of organelle membranes. Effects of these pulses at internal membranes can exceed to those at plasma membrane. In the review article, we described various effects of nanosecond pulses on cells (permeabilization of vesicle membranes, release of calcium ions, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, DNA damage, apoptosis) and their important role in biomedicine and biotechnology was discussed.
F.05 Ability to launch new technological development cycle
COBISS.SI-ID: 25426905High-voltage, nanosecond electric pulses affect internal membranes in cells and in some cases induce apoptosis. Mitochondria play an important role in apoptosis, because during apoptosis, numerous molecules that are involved in apoptosis are released from the mitochondria. At the meeting, we presented results of the study on effects of nanosecond electric pulses on mitochondria. Using fluorescent microscopy, we found that these pulses cause permeabilization of mitochondrial membranes. Plasma membrane permeabilization requires larger number of pulses than for mitochondrial membranes.
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 7590484