What is Electroporation?

Electroporation, also known as electropermeabilization, is a technique in the world of molecular science. It works by using quick bursts of strong electric pulses to briefly open cell walls. This temporary opening makes small holes that allow things like DNA, RNA, proteins, and medicines to go inside the cells.

Electroporation relies on the application of electric fields to create the transient pore holes in cell membranes. The electric pulses disrupt the lipid bilayer structure, leading to the formation of hydrophilic channels.

The driving force behind this process lies in the interplay of electrophysics and cellular biology. Since the cell membrane cannot pass electrical current, it acts as an electrical capacitor. Subjecting cell membranes to an electric field results in a temporary breakdown, resulting in pores large enough to allow macromolecules to enter or leave the cell. By applying an external electric field, calibrated to exceed the capacitance of the cell membrane, a reversible breakdown of the membrane occurs. This disruption triggers a state of transient permeability during which molecules can traverse the destabilized membrane.

This process is often referred to as “opening the molecular gates.”

Types of Electroporation

Irreversible Electroporation

Irreversible electroporation is being used as cardiac ablation therapy to kill small areas of the heart muscle in rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation. A cardiac catheter delivers trains of high-voltage ultra-rapid electrical pulses that form irreversible pores in cell membranes resulting in cell death.

Reversible Electroporation

Reversible electroporation occurs when electricity applied is below the electric field of the target tissue. Because the electricity applied is below the cell’s threshold, it allows the cells to repair the phospholipid bilayer and continue with normal cell functions. This is typically used in aesthetics to get a drug or other molecule that is not normally permeable to the cell membrane into the cells.

Proteins, the extracellular matrix, and critical structures such as blood vessels and nerves are all unaffected and left healthy by this treatment. This permits a rapid regeneration of the tissues involved.

What is Iontophoresis?

Iontophoresis is a process of drug delivery by using a voltage gradient on the skin. Iontophoresis uses a low-intensity electric current to drive ionized molecules across the skin via electrorepulsion. Charged drug molecules are transported along with solvent flow, increasing skin permeability and enhancing the delivery of small water-soluble molecules. This process hydrates the skin, reduces oxidative stress through the delivery of antioxidants, and enhances the skin’s natural function.

Therapeutically, electromotive drug administration delivers a medicine or other chemicals through the skin. It is an injection without the needle. It is completely different from a dermal patch, which does not rely on electric current.

Technically, a small electric current is applied to an iontophoretic chamber placed on the skin. This chamber contains a charged agent and the solvent vehicle. Another chamber carries the return current. The positively charged chamber, called the anode, will repel a positively charged chemical species, whereas the negatively charged chamber, called the cathode, will repel negatively charged species into the skin.

Differences Between Electroporation and Iontophoresis

  • Electroporation: Involves applying short high-voltage electric pulses to temporarily disrupt the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane and create transient pores.
  • Iontophoresis: Uses a low-intensity electric current to drive ionized molecules across the skin barrier.

Applications of Electroporation and Iontophoresis

Electroporation

  • Effective for large molecules such as peptides, DNA, and RNA
  • Used in aesthetics for anti-aging treatments to deliver active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
  • Delivers vaccines and other emerging gene therapy treatments

Iontophoresis

  • Suited for small molecules such as corticosteroids and anesthetics
  • Employed in transdermal drug delivery systems for pain management and local anesthesia

Side Effects of Electroporation and Iontophoresis

  • Electroporation: May cause localized tingling, and deeper settings may cause tissue erythema or burns if used improperly.
  • Iontophoresis: Has fewer side effects but may cause minor irritation or erythema in patients with sensitive skin.

Conclusion

Electroporation and iontophoresis represent effective non-invasive needleless methods for transdermal delivery in dermatology and aesthetic applications. Each has distinct strengths and limitations.

  • Electroporation excels in the delivery of large biomolecules and cosmeceuticals.
  • Iontophoresis is a great choice for small, ionized drugs.

The choice between the two should be guided by the specific clinical or aesthetic goals or properties of the compounds applied.

Studies

Strategies for Improving Transdermal Administration: New Approaches to Controlled Drug Release

Pharmaceutics 2023 Apr 7;15(4):1183 PMID 37111667

Combined Use of Nanocarriers and Physical Methods for Percutaneous Penetration Enhancement

Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2018 Mar 1:127:58-84 PMID 29425769

Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: Harnessing the Potential of Macromolecular Assisted Permeation Enhancement and Novel Techniques

AAPS PharmSciTech 2025 Jan 9;16(1):29 PMID 39789371

Note: The integration of nanocarriers with innovative methodologies such as iontophoresis, electroporation and microneedles have emerged as potent tools to enhance drug transport by creating transient microchannels of altering the skin microenvironment. This is paving the way for optimized therapeutic outcomes.

Integrative Practice Solutions offers the Apollo Duet, the advanced facial skincare system. This innovative device combines multipolar radiofrequency, electroporation and iontophoresis for the ultimate in needle free skincare technology. This system is extremely effective in treating practically any dermatologic or aesthetic condition.

For more information or to inquire about the Apollo Duet device, please contact us at info@integrativepracticesolutions.com or call us at 855-854-6332.

Regenerative Regards,

Dr. Robert McGrath