Figure 2.

Membrane deformation and pore formation of K. brevis cells: (a) pre-electroporation under cell trapping of 1 V field at 200 kHz for 20 s. Two distinct cells, encircled white, can be observed trapped on the micro-electrodes. (b) Post-electroporation of 60 V field at 600 kHz for 5 s. Membranes of the encircled cells are becoming disrupted owing to the formation of pores by the continued application of an electric field. (c) Post-electroporation of 60 V at 600 kHz for 10 s. Poration of the encircled cells is so extensive that intracellular material is escaping into the iso-osmotic low-conductivity buffer. (d) Post-electroporation of 60 V at 600 kHz for 15 s, the encircled cells have become completely disrupted and no distinct cell membranes can be observed.