Efficient electroporation of peptides into adherent cells: investigation of the role of mechano-growth factor in chondrocyte culture

Peptide therapeutics are of increasing interest due to their biological specificity. We used a simple technique to study the efficacy of inducing peptides into adherent chondrocytes by transiently permeabilizing the membrane with electric pulses (in situ electroporation). Mechano-growth factor (MGF) was selected as a model peptide. FITC-labeled MGF was added to cultures of adherent primary chondrocytes grown on ITO coated glass slides. Cells were subjected to 3-9 pulses of 175-275 V and evaluated by flow cytometry. Under optimal conditions, an electroporation efficiency of close to 50% could be achieved. This technique can be used to study the functional domains of intracellular peptides, peptide inhibition of signal transduction and intracrine-mediated effects of peptides in adherent cells.