In 2007 Mojca Pavlin received Luigi Glavani prize for young inverstigaters for he contribution in field of electroporation her experimental and theoretical description of molecular transport in biological cells after exposure to electric field. This prize is awarded to yong scientists for their contribution in fields of Bioelectrochemistry and Bioenergetics. Mojca Pavlin also presented her work in international conference Bioelectrochemistry (1. - 4. april 2007 , Tolouse, France) as a plenary speaker.
E.02 International awards
COBISS.SI-ID: 5858388For more efficient electrotransfer it is crucial to optimize protocols on realistic systems. We are first to achieve successful gene electrotransfer in cells embedded in collagen gels, which represent a complex system similar to realistic environment in tissues where cells are surrounded with extracellular matrix. 3D collagen models are very important since they enable us to study basic mechanisms of electrotransfer as well as to design new optimized protocols. Gel models could also represent important step toward clinical trials, since they reduce the number of sacrificed animals.
F.01 Acquisition of new practical knowledge, information and skills
COBISS.SI-ID: 7082324We specifically designed and developed new high-voltage pulse generator, which enables application of new electroporation protocols such as different combinations of first high low- voltage (LV) and then high-voltage (HV) and pulses for different pulse parameters. Our hypothesis is that by applying first LV pulse contact between DNA and cell membrane is established after which by application of HV pulse electropermeabilization and transfer of DNA is achieved. The device is unique in the world and enables new sets of experiments, also patent application is in preparation.
F.06 Development of a new product
COBISS.SI-ID: 7818836Some studies suggest that DNA enters the cell via electro-endocytosis. We analyzed if endocytosis is stimulated by applying electric pulses with electric field strength below and above the threshold electric field. We developed a protocol for observing endocytosis using membrane dye FM 1-43FX. No increase in endocytosis either 20 minutes or even up to two hours after the pulse delivery. Our results suggest that electro-endocytosis is not crucial mechanism for gene electrotransfer and that the hypothesis of DNA entry by translocation through permeabilized membrane is more plausible.
F.02 Acquisition of new scientific knowledge
COBISS.SI-ID: 7726164Successful coordination interdisciplinary project in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine in field of biomedicine. The project group includes interdisciplinary group of researchers (physicists, biologists and electrical engineers) as well as undergraduate and graduate students. This gave the students a chance to participate and use state-of-the-art methods in the biomedicine and biotechnology.
D.01 Chairing over/coordinating (international and national) projects
COBISS.SI-ID: 2987633