Hypochlorous acid creates pores in the plasma membrane of human erythrocytes with the size close to the size of electrical pulse-generated pores

Abstract

Cell electroporation is widely used in cell biology, biotechnology and medicine. However, when a high–voltage is applied to the electrolyte solution, besides a cell membrane permeabilization, a variety of electrolysis reactions occur at the electrode–solution interfaces. During anodic processes, Cl2 gas is formed at the anode. Chlorine ions react with the water molecules and form hypochlorous acid – a very strong oxidizer, which changes chemical composition or pH of the experimental medium and can cause the cell death. This may have an influence considering electroporation effectiveness results. Studying electrochemical processes, which occur during high-voltage pulses and their consequences, is necessary, as they are important for optimizing practical applications. In this study, the membrane and cellular events caused by the action of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) on human erythrocytes – increase of the permeability of the cell plasma membrane and subsequent haemolysis of erythrocytes – were studied. The HOCl induced haemolysis was mediated by pore formation in the cell plasma membrane. The estimated pore radius was approximately 0.3–0.5 nm, which is close to the size of electrical pulse-generated pores. The results of this work can be useful for optimizing the electroporation methods used in biotechnology, medicine, and food industry.