Calculating the Required Field Strength for Electroporation

A standard value for the required field strength can be calculated using the following formula:

Ec =	Vc 1.5 • a

Example:

Cell radius a = 10 µm = 10^–4 cm
Critical breakdown voltage at room temperature
V_c = 1 V (Vc (4°C) = 2 V)

Critical field strength

Ec =

1 V 1.5 • 10–4 cm

= 666 V/cm

The voltage required for the Multiporator^® can be calculated using the field strength (which has been calculated) and the distance between the electrodes in the cuvette (d: Distance between electrodes [cm]):

V = E_c • d

Example for 2 mm cuvettes:

666 V/cm • 0.2 cm = 133 V

Suggestion for a test series:
1. Voltage applied: 130 V
2. Voltage applied: 160 V
3. Voltage applied: 200 V
4. Additional voltages: 240 V and in appropriate increments

Voltage Profile of Eppendorf Multiporator in Mammalian Transfection Mode