Single Cell Electroporation
Single Cell Electroporation - Related Videos
13:31
Single Cell Electroporation in vivo within the Intact Developing Brain
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Cited by 26 •
2008
Single-cell electroporation (SCE) is a specialized technique allowing delivery of DNA or other macromolecules into individual cells within intact tissue, including in vivo preparations. Here we detail the procedure for SCE of a fluorescent dye or plasmid DNA into neurons within the intact brain of the Xenopus laevis tadpole.
05:33
Gene Expression via Single-Cell Electroporation in Mouse Hippocampal Slice Cultures
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2025
Source: Keener, D. G., et al. Single-Cell Electroporation across Different Organotypic Slice Culture of Mouse Hippocampal Excitatory and Class-Specific Inhibitory Neurons. J. Vis. Exp. (2020).This video demonstrates the process of single-cell electroporation to introduce plasmid DNA into neurons within mouse hippocampal slice cultures. The procedure involves precise pipette positioning, pressure adjustments, and electroporation pulses to transiently permeabilize the neuronal membrane,...
10:49
In Utero Electroporation Approaches to Study the Excitability of Neuronal Subpopulations and Single-cell Connectivity
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Cited by 10 •
2017
This manuscript provides protocols that use in utero electroporation (IUE) to describe the structural connectivity of neurons at the single-cell level and the excitability of fluorescently labeled neurons. Histology is used to characterize dendritic and axonal projections. Whole-cell recording in acute slices is used to investigate excitability.
11:57
Electroporation of Mycobacteria
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Cited by 55 •
2008
Mycobacterial pathogenic strategies remain poorly understood. The slow growth rate of most species, the impenetrable nature of the cell-wall, and the hazards of working with pathogens make mycobacteria difficult to study and are largely responsible for our poor understanding of these organisms. In this video we will demonstrate the technique of electroporation, which involves subjecting cells to a brief high electrical impulse to allow the entry of DNA. It is the most widely used method for...
05:26
Transfection of Mouse Retinal Ganglion Cells by in vivo Electroporation
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Cited by 5 •
2011
We demonstrate an in vivo electroporation protocol for transfecting single or small clusters of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and other retinal cell types in postnatal mice over a wide range of ages. The ability to label and genetically manipulate postnatal RGCs in vivo is a powerful tool for developmental studies.
FAQs
During Single Cell Electroporation, the pulse temporarily changes plasma-membrane permeability by producing pores. Those openings provide a short entry window for external DNA, RNA, proteins, or other biomolecules. Because the membrane can reseal afterward, the central experimental challenge is to create sufficient access without compromising the treated cell’s viability.
Pulse strength and duration are the main controllable conditions identified for balancing delivery and survival. A stronger or longer stimulation may alter how effectively cargo enters, but the usable setting must preserve cell viability. Consequently, optimization is not simply a search for maximum uptake; it requires coordinating electrical exposure with the response of the individual cell.
Unlike bulk electroporation, which treats cells with less precision, Single Cell Electroporation targets an individual cell. This distinction matters when a population contains cellular heterogeneity or when the cell of interest is rare. Researchers can therefore connect a selected cell’s manipulation with questions about gene function or cell-based engineering.
A basic workflow identifies the cell to be manipulated, introduces the intended cargo, and applies a brief, high-voltage electrical pulse. The chosen cargo may be DNA, RNA, a protein, or another biomolecule. After entry, the experiment depends on membrane resealing and on maintaining the cell’s viability for subsequent study.
Researchers apply the approach to investigate gene function, because selected cells can receive exogenous DNA, RNA, proteins, or other biomolecules rather than being treated only as a bulk population. It also supports examination of cellular heterogeneity and cell-based engineering. These uses exploit the ability to manipulate individual cells when population-level treatment would obscure cell-specific differences.
In bioengineering, the method is especially relevant when spatial control and cellular control are both important. It can support experiments focused on rare cells or on a chosen cell within a heterogeneous population, while preserving a direct link between delivery and the cell receiving it. This precision supports targeted studies of cell behavior, gene function, and cell-based engineering.