Our research is focused on improving porous substrate electroporation. Research has shown major benefits from using micro and nano channels to localize electroporation. But there are still questions to be answered, especially regarding monitoring and characterizing effects during the intermediate stages of the process.
Some of the most recent developments include our use of trans-epithelial electrical impedance monitoring, as well as using nano channel based electroporation to create exosomes or measure tension in cell membranes. PSEP experiments still rely heavily on before and after fluorescent imaging to determine delivery and cell viability outcomes. Additionally, many PSEP based studies under report pulse parameters and very little research has been done to verify optimal parameters for common cell types.
The primary research gap we address is the lack of reporting on the effects of PSEP during the cell recovery stage. However, our analysis of TEEI measurements correlated TEEI change with viability and delivery efficiency, which allowed us to identify optimal PSEP waveform parameters as well. Our primary focus moving forward will be to identify the mechanisms causing the TEEI increase.
Ideally, those findings will help us fine tune the PSEP process for an even more efficient delivery.