Actin networks regulate the cell membrane permeability during electroporation

Transient physical disruption of cell membranes by electric pulses (or electroporation) has significance in biomedical and biological applications requiring the delivery exogenous (bio)molecules to living cells. We demonstrate that actin networks regulate membrane permeability during electroporation. Disruption increases uptake membrane-impermeable molecules such as propidium iodide Our experiments at different temperatures ranging from 11 °C 37 show molecular electroporation with temperature. Furthermore, examining temperature-dependent kinetics uptake, we infer activation energy barrier is lowered when are disrupted. numerical calculations transmembrane voltage reduced for cells disrupted not a consequence changes associated shape due actin, indicating this could be mechanical properties. results suggest current theoretical models should advanced further including contributions cytoskeletal on materials.