Application Cases

Experiment Name: Application of High-Voltage Amplifier in the Optimization of AC Electric Field Parameters for Improved Electroformation of GV in Physiological Saline

Research Direction: Preparation of Giant Vesicles (GV) in Physiological Saline

Experiment Objective: To establish a device and method for efficiently preparing GV in physiological saline by improving the traditional electroformation device and optimizing parameters.

Experimental Equipment: Signal generator, ATA-2161 high-voltage amplifier, inverted fluorescence microscope, vacuum drying oven, electronic analytical balance, etc.

Experimental Procedure:

(1) Cleaning and drying of glass and the improved PTFE frame;
(2) Preparation of the lipid film coating;
(3) Using the improved device in physiological saline according to experimental groups, with different energization times, different AC frequencies (10 Hz, 100 Hz, 1 kHz, 10 kHz, 100 kHz), and different electric field strengths. Each group was connected to the positive and negative terminals of the signal source via wires and placed in a constant-temperature oven at 60°C. A sine wave with corresponding parameters was applied for 4 hours.

When using the high-voltage amplifier for voltage amplification output, the voltage amplifier was placed between the signal source and the load, and the single-ended amplification factor was adjusted so that the output voltage reached the corresponding amplitude.

Experimental Results:

AC electric field parameters (mainly frequency and field strength) affect the yield, size, and stability of GV formed by electroformation. During the electroformation process, a field strength of 2.5 V/mm was applied to the improved device to observe the effect of frequency variation on GV electroformation in physiological saline.

Microscopic Observation of GV Formed by Improved Electroformation at Different Frequencies

Diameter Distribution of GV Formed by Improved Electroformation at Different Frequencies

Experimental Conclusions:

The optimal coating parameters were: DPPC concentration of 5–10 mg/ml, volume of 10 μL, and coating temperature of 35°C. The optimal electric field parameters for preparing GV in physiological saline using the improved device were: energization time within 5 hours, electric field frequency of 1 kHz, and field strength of 5 V/mm.

Specifications of the High-Voltage Amplifier ATA-2161 Used in the Experiment: