In 30 years, our group has developed a multidisciplinary approach relying on cell biology and biophysics to determine the mechanisms of membrane perturbations induced by transmembrane potential modifications, i.e. by the “electroporation” or “electropermeabilization” technique. These studies enable new approaches and allow to define guidelines for safe and efficient delivery of therapeutic molecules into cells and tissues.

In this context, our main findings include:
The elucidation of mechanisms of electrotransfer, where our studies highlighted the differences between the transfer of small molecules (bleomycin, cisplatin), small oligonucleotides (siRNA, LNA), proteins and plasmid DNA. Mechanisms of molecules transfer have been studied in vitro in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional cellular models and in vivo in tissues (in murine models);

The development of electroporation techniques, where our studies allowed to define new types of electrical pulse generators and electrodes (appropriate for in vitro and in vivo studies) and to adapt imaging systems (dorsal window chamber, fluorescence microscopy/macroscopy) to visualize biological processes occurring during electroporation;

The search for other non-viral drug delivery approaches based on lectin carriers that bind specifically to cancer cells, of interest for tumor targeting (drug delivery) and diagnostics (imaging of solid tumors), and inorganic nanoparticles, which can locally exert physical actions to destroy solid tumors.

Moreover, part of our studies also focus on bacteria and biofilm destabilization by physical means, including but not limited to electroporation.

We collaborate within several international networks (International Bioelectrics Consortium, European network for development of electroporation-based technologies and treatments and LIA-EBAM: International Associated Laboratory on Pulsed Electric Fields Applications in Biology and Medicine) and we are currently involved in two European projects, where we study potential health effects of exposure electromagnetic fields, including 5G.