Bioelectrical understanding and engineering of cell biology

Abstract

The last five decades of molecular and systems biology research have provided unprecedented insights into the molecular and genetic basis of many cellular processes. Despite these insights, however, it is arguable that there is still only limited predictive understanding of cell behaviours. In particular, the basis of heterogeneity in single-cell behaviour and the initiation of many different metabolic, transcriptional or mechanical responses to environmental stimuli remain largely unexplained. To go beyond the status quo , the understanding of cell behaviours emerging from molecular genetics must be complemented with physical and physiological ones, focusing on the intracellular and extracellular conditions within and around cells. Here, we argue that such a combination of genetics, physics and physiology can be grounded on a bioelectrical conceptualization of cells. We motivate the reasoning behind such a proposal and describe examples where a bioelectrical view has been shown to, or can, provide predictive biological understanding. In addition, we discuss how this view opens up novel ways to control cell behaviours by electrical and electrochemical means, setting the stage for the emergence of bioelectrical engineering.

Harnessing Ionic Power from Equilibrium Electrolyte Solution via Photoinduced Active Ion Transport through van‐der‐Waals‐Like Heterostructures

“…Living matter harnesses ionic power from the environment to sustain normal life process. [ 1,2 ] This strategy also inspires manmade energy devices that are implemented by migration and chemical reaction of ionic species, such as batteries and electrochemical capacitors. [ 3,4 ] In these natural or synthetic systems, ion transport under nanoscale confinement plays a crucial role, [ 5 ] and moreover, it is also fundamentally involved in a broad range of disciplines, such as bio‐inspired materials and membrane‐based technologies.…”

Bioengineering Clinically Relevant Cardiomyocytes and Cardiac Tissues from Pluripotent Stem Cells

“…More recently, electrical stimulation has been utilised to augment and influence cell behaviour in vitro. Cells and tissue within the human body are naturally bioelectric, responding to and generating electric fields for normal physiological development, function, maintenance, repair and regeneration [ 246 ]. Therein, bioelectric potentials control and regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, gene expression, apoptosis and morphology.…”

Sensing the future of bio-informational engineering

“…Optogenetics is a rapidly maturing field that enables precise control of gene expression in response to specific wavelengths of light 4 . Bioelectrical research is another sub-discipline disabling barriers to bio-informational engineering 5 . This field is opening up novel ways to control cell behaviours through electrical and electrochemical means.…”

“…Bioelectrochemistry is fundamental to all cells, which rely on ionic gradients to generate energy through ATP synthases, and reduction oxidation (redox) reactions to drive metabolism. Furthermore, there are naturally evolved specialized functions that harness electrochemistry, such as the neuronal action potentials that underlie brain function, bacteria that harness extracellular electrons, and ion and reactive oxygen species which mediate intercellular communication 5 .…”