Potential-controlled morphological change and lysis of HeLa cells cultured on an electrode surface

The morphological change and lysis of HeLa cells were studied using a potential-controlled three-electrode system. An optically transparent In₂O₃ plate was employed as the working electrode (substrate) whose potential was controlled by a potentiostat. At an applied constant potential of 0.6 V (vs. the Ag/AgCl electrode), HeLa cells on the electrode surface underwent drastic morphological change, and above a potential of 0.7 V, HeLa cells were lyzed on the surface and in the vicinity of the electrode. These phenomena are discussed considering future possible techniques in cell technology by potential-controlled membrane perturbation. The alteration of the membrane fluidity brought about by electrical potential application was studied using a fluorescent probe. The change in the degree of anisotropy was affected drastically by the potential application, depending on the electrode potential.