Cellular Biophysics

Our interdisciplinary team investigates the mechanisms of molecular delivery into cells and tissues using electric fields and nanoparticle-based systems. Our ultimate goal is to enhance drug targeting and delivery, and to improve cancer diagnostics. We employ models of increasing complexity, ranging from liposomes to cells, organoids, and mice. By utilizing various advanced imaging tools, we aim to visualize, understand, and optimize membrane and cell permeabilization processes at different scales.

Our team unites interdisciplinary expertise to advance non-viral delivery methods, paving the way to innovative strategies to combat cancer as well as bacterial infections and related complications.

Over the past 30 years, our group has developed a multidisciplinary approach combining cell biology and biophysics to elucidate the mechanisms of membrane perturbations induced by transmembrane potential modifications, specifically through the techniques of “electroporation” or “electropermeabilization.” Our research has paved the way for innovative approaches and established parameters for the safe and efficient delivery of therapeutic molecules into cells and tissues.

Our key achievements extend over various topics of research:

  • Elucidation of Electrotransfer Mechanisms: Our studies have revealed the distinct processes involved in the transfer of therapeutic molecules (such as bleomycin and cisplatin), small oligonucleotides (siRNA and LNA), proteins, and plasmid DNA. These mechanisms have been investigated in vitro using 2D and 3D cellular models, and in vivo in murine models.
  • Development of Electroporation Techniques: Our research has led to the creation of new types of electrical pulse generators and electrodes, suitable for both in vitro and in vivo studies. We have also adapted imaging systems, including dorsal window chambers and fluorescence microscopy/macroscopy, to visualize biological processes occurring during electroporation for cancer treatment and for the eradication of pathogens.
  • Exploration of Non-Viral Drug Delivery Approaches: We are investigating alternative non-viral drug delivery methods, such as lectin carriers that specifically target cancer cells for tumor-targeted drug delivery and diagnostics, and inorganic nanoparticles that can exert local physical actions to destroy solid tumors, or bacteria and biofilms.
  • Investigation of Biological Effects of Radiofrequencies, including those used in 5G telecommunication networks, to determine potential health effects that electromagnetic radiations could have on living systems.

We actively collaborate with several international networks, including the International Bioelectrics Consortium, the European Network for the Development of Electroporation-Based Technologies and Treatments, and the LIA-EBAM: International Associated Laboratory on Pulsed Electric Fields Applications in Biology and Medicine. We also collaborate with international researchers, clinicians and industrial partners who develop electroporation devices. We are currently involved in 3 European projects. In two of them, ETAIN and GOLIAT, we study the potential health effects of exposure electromagnetic fields, including 5G. In ZAPcancer, we study the effects of immunogenic cell death on the activation of the anti-tumor immune response, caused by electrochemotherapy.

Team members

Research Scientists

Maxime Berg (CNRS)
Muriel Golzio (CNRS)
Jelena Kolosnjaj-Tabi (CNRS)
Laurent Paquereau (University)
Marie-Pierre Rols (CNRS)

Research Engineers

Geraldine Alberola (CNRS)
Elisabeth Bellard (CNRS)
Laetitia Hellaudais (University)
Caroline Ladurantie (CNRS)
Franck Talmont (CNRS)
Ophélie Cordier

Postdoctoral Fellows

Coralie Cayron
Georgios Kougkolos

PhD Students

Nicolas Mattei
Emma Barrere

de Caro et al. (2025) New effective and less painful high frequency electrochemotherapy protocols: From optimization on 3D models to pilot study on veterinary patients. J Control Release

Kralj et al. (2025) Dynamically assembling magnetic nanochains as new generation of swarm-type magneto-mechanical nanorobots affecting biofilm integrity. Adv Healthc Mater

Kolosnjaj-Tabi et al. (2021) High Power Electromagnetic Waves Exposure of Healthy and Tumor Bearing Mice: Assessment of Effects on Mice Growth, Behavior, Tumor Growth, and Vessel Permeabilization. Int J Mol Sci

Coustets et al. (2020) Development of a near infrared protein nanoprobe targeting Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen for intraoperative detection of submillimeter nodules in an ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis mouse model. Biomaterials

Kolosnjaj-Tabi et al. (2019) Electric field-responsive nanoparticles and electric fields: physical, chemical, biological mechanisms and therapeutic prospects. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 

Pasquet et al. (2019) Pre-clinical investigation of the synergy effect of interleukin-12 gene-electro-transfer during partially irreversible electropermeabilization against melanoma. J Immunother Cancer

Biological systems of increasing complexities to unravel the mechanisms of drug delivery and improve cancer treatment and diagnosis. We use pulsed electric fields, macromolecules and nanoparticle-based systems. © Cellular biophysics group