Journal of Zhejiang University

Bio-Design and Manufacturing 2026 Vol.9 No.3 P.415 - 435

Reversible electroporation: controllably opening the cellular doorway

Author(s): Yuhao Zhou,Yuhao Zhou,Zhihui Zhang,Zhihui Zhang,Feng Liu,Feng Liu,Xinran Jiang,Xinran Jiang,Chaojuan Yang,Chaojuan Yang,Yang Wang,Yang Wang,Zaizai Dong,Lingqian Chang
Affiliation(s): 1. Key Laboratory of Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Ministry of Education, School of Engineering Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China more
Corresponding email(s): wangyang2022@buaa.edu.cn, wangyang2022@buaa.edu.cn, wangyang2022@buaa.edu.cn, wangyang2022@buaa.edu.cn
Key Words: Reversible electroporation, Biochip, Cell analysis, Gene/Drug delivery, Cell sampling

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Yuhao Zhou, Yuhao Zhou, Zhihui Zhang, Zhihui Zhang, Feng Liu, Feng Liu, Xinran Jiang, Xinran Jiang, Chaojuan Yang, Chaojuan Yang, Yang Wang, Yang Wang, Zaizai Dong, Lingqian Chang. Reversible electroporation: controllably opening the cellular doorway[J]. Journal of Zhejiang University Science D, 2026, 9(3): 415 - 435.

@article{title="Reversible electroporation: controllably opening the cellular doorway",
author="Yuhao Zhou, Yuhao Zhou, Zhihui Zhang, Zhihui Zhang, Feng Liu, Feng Liu, Xinran Jiang, Xinran Jiang, Chaojuan Yang, Chaojuan Yang, Yang Wang, Yang Wang, Zaizai Dong, Lingqian Chang",
journal="Journal of Zhejiang University Science D",
volume="9",
number="3",
pages="415 - 435",
year="2026",
publisher="Zhejiang University Press & Springer",
doi="10.1631/bdm.2500504"
}

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%A Yuhao Zhou
%A Yuhao Zhou
%A Zhihui Zhang
%A Zhihui Zhang
%A Feng Liu
%A Feng Liu
%A Xinran Jiang
%A Xinran Jiang
%A Chaojuan Yang
%A Chaojuan Yang
%A Yang Wang
%A Yang Wang
%A Zaizai Dong
%A Lingqian Chang
%J Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE D
%V 9
%N 3
%P 415 - 435
%@ 1869-1951
%D 2026
%I Zhejiang University Press & Springer
%DOI 10.1631/bdm.2500504

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T1 - Reversible electroporation: controllably opening the cellular doorway
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A1 - Feng Liu
A1 - Feng Liu
A1 - Xinran Jiang
A1 - Xinran Jiang
A1 - Chaojuan Yang
A1 - Chaojuan Yang
A1 - Yang Wang
A1 - Yang Wang
A1 - Zaizai Dong
A1 - Lingqian Chang
J0 - Journal of Zhejiang University Science D
VL - 9
IS - 3
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EP - 435
%@ 1869-1951
Y1 - 2026
PB - Zhejiang University Press & Springer
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DOI - 10.1631/bdm.2500504

Abstract
Chinese Summary
Academic Network
Reviewer Comment

Abstract: Reversible electroporation (RE) involves applying pulsed electric fields to briefly disrupt cell membrane channels, allowing molecular transfer while preserving cell viability. Advances in RE combined with micro- and nano-devices have improved efficiency and safety in cellular analysis and engineering, holding substantial promise for biological research and precision medicine. This review summarizes progress in RE technology, spanning underlying theoretical principles, practical implementation, and emerging applications. By integrating mechanistic insights with parameter assessment, we strengthen process understanding of RE to support further optimization. To clarify RE implementation strategies, we present advances in micro- and nano-devices based on varying electric field control approaches. Using these platforms, we examine improvements in intracellular analysis, cellular engineering, drug delivery, and cell sampling to illustrate state-of-the-art RE applications. Finally, we outline future directions and trends for RE systems aimed at molecular mechanism mapping and personalized precision medicine, emphasizing their increasing relevance in practical settings.The alternative text for this image may have been generated using AI.

Reversible electroporation: controllably opening the cellular doorway

细胞膜作为选择性屏障, 严格调控细胞内外物质交换, 但也限制了外源性分子的高效导入与细胞内物质的无损提取。如何突破细胞膜的限制, 成为生物医学研究的核心挑战。可逆电穿孔 (RE) 技术, 通过调控脉冲电场, 在维持细胞活性的同时, 形成纳米级孔道, 可以短暂提高细胞膜通透性, 以实现分子跨膜双向转运。随着电场控制技术的日益成熟, 并通过与微纳器件的融合, RE 在递送效率、细胞通量及操作精度上实现显著提升, 为生物研究与精准医疗提供了新途径。本综述总结 RE 技术的研究进展, 阐述其核心作用机制, 探究关键调控参数, 并分类阐述各类新型 RE 微纳器件的设计原理与性能优势。在此基础上,重点介绍 RE 在细胞内检测、细胞工程、药物递送及细胞采样等领域的前沿应用, 并展望其在分子机制图谱构建与个性化精准医疗中的发展趋势, 为 RE 技术的进一步优化及转化应用提供参考。
Reversible electroporation; Biochip; Cell analysis; Gene/Drug delivery; Cell sampling