Enhancement of Membrane Permeability to Macromolecules by Electroporation : Measurement of Membrane Permeability of HepG2

Abstract

Vitrification is one of the ideal methods for cryopreserving cells and tissues. Most of the vitrifying solutions of low toxicity and high vitrifying ability are macromolecules, which do not permeate cell membranes. In the present study, enhancement of membrane permeability by electroporation is discussed. Membrane permeability of human hepatomas (HepG2 cells) to several macromolecules (600-70 000 Da) was measured with laser confocal fluorescent microscopy (LCMS). It was found that under the experimental condition, the membrane permeability of HepG2 to the given molecules is aslarge as 10^-8 m/sec, and the membrane permeability scarcely affected by the strength of electric field.