Apr 29, 2026

Electroporation Using BioRad MicroPulser

This  protocol  is a draft, published without a DOI.
  • Denalda Gashi1,
  • Paulina Garcia2
  • 1Boston Univeristy;
  • 2Boston University
Paulina Garcia
Icon indicating open access to content
QR code linking to this content
Protocol Citation: Denalda Gashi, Paulina Garcia 2026. Electroporation Using BioRad MicroPulser. protocols.io https://dx.doi.org/
License: This is an open access  protocol  distributed under the terms of the  Creative Commons Attribution License,  which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited
Protocol status: In development
We are still developing and optimizing this protocol
Created: April 28, 2026
Last Modified: April 29, 2026
Protocol  Integer ID: 315932
Keywords: using biorad micropulser electroporation, biorad micropulser electroporation, using biorad micropulser, using electroporation, biorad micropulser, electroporation, dna uptake by cell, dna uptake, dna, cell membrane, brief electrical pulse
Abstract
Electroporation is a process in which brief electrical pulses create pores in a cell membrane, where DNA can enter. In this particular case, we are introducing plasmid DNA into E. coli using electroporation and a BioRad MicroPulser is used for DNA uptake by cells.
Preparation
4m
Thaw one colony of E. coli cells from-80 °C freezer on ice

4m
Chill gene pulse cuvettes and Eppendorf tubes
Prepare plasmid DNA
1 µL of DNA to a separate tube, flick to remove air bubbles, place on ice immediately
Transformation by Electroporation
Mix 40-50 µL component cells and plasmid DNA in chilled Eppendorf tubes
Transfer mixture to the chilled cuvette, tap to sure there are no air bubbles
Place cuvette in BioRad Micropulser
Apply 2kV electric pulse
Add 0.5 mL SOC media immediately after to rescue cells
Transfer mixture to a 14 mL tube with a snap-cap
Recovery & Plating
Incubate cells for an hour at 37 degrees Celsius
Plate a dilution series 10^-3 to 10^-6
Incubate overnight at 37 degrees Celsius
Protocol references
1) Protocol Citation: Brian Teague 2022. Transforming E. coli. protocols.io e-coli-ce4ytgxw
2) Protocol Citation: Elizabeth Fozo 2021. Transformation electroporation. protocols.io https://protocols.io/view/transformation-electroporation-brhjm34n