Abstract
A new physical mechanism is proposed to explain the electroporation of cells based on the electric-field-induced stretching of their curved membrane. The opening of pores simultaneously relaxes the surface tension leaving long-lived pores in the membrane. Semiquantitative results are proposed in good agreement with experimental observations on cells and artificial bilayer membranes.
- Received 17 October 1997
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.80.3404
©1998 American Physical Society
