Stephen J. Beebe
Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics,
Norfolk, VA
Tanzania
Review Article
Bioelectrics in Basic Science and Medicine: Impact of Electric Fields on Cellular Structures and Functions
Author(s): Stephen J. BeebeStephen J. Beebe
Bioelectrics is a new interdisciplinary field that investigates electric field effects on cell membranes and other cellular components. It incorporates four main technologies, including electroporation, nanosecond pulsed electric fields, picosecond pulsed electric fields and cold plasmas. The parent technology in Bioelectrics is electroporation, which uses milli- and/or micro-second electric pulses to permeabilize cells and tissues, for delivery of membrane impermeable molecules. It is now being used for electro-gene delivery, with vascular endothelial growth factor, for revascularization in wound healing and cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. Plasmids expressing IL-12 are being delivered for immune system activation in melanoma treatment, now in phase II clinical trials. DNA vaccine delivery by electroporation is also being investigated. More recently, electroporation ha.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2157-7439.1000163