High-voltage pulsed electric field laboratory device with asymmetric voltage multiplier for marine macroalgae electroporation

Abstract

Optimization of protocols is required for each specific type of biomass processed by electroporation of the cell membrane with high voltage pulsed electric fields (PEF). Such optimization requires convenient and adaptable laboratory systems, which will enable determination of both electrical and mechanical parameters for successful electroporation and fractionation. In this work, we report on a laboratory PEF system consisting of a high voltage generator with a novel asymmetric voltage multiplying architecture and a treatment chamber with sliding electrodes. The system allows applying pulses of up to 4 kV and 1 kA with a pulse duration between 1 μs and 100 μs. The allowable energy dissipated per pulse on electroporated biomass is determined by the conditions for cooling the biomass in the electroporation cell. The device was tested on highly conductive green macroalgae from Ulva sp., a promising but challenging feedstock for the biorefinery. Successful electroporation was confirmed with bioimpedance measurements.