Electroporation is a physical method used to introduce foreign DNA or RNA into cells. Unlike other transfection methods, electroporation does not typically involve specific transfection reagents. Instead, it uses an electric field to increase the permeability of the cell membrane, allowing the nucleic acids to enter the cell.

Here’s a basic rundown of how electroporation works:

1. Cells and the DNA or RNA to be introduced are suspended in an electroporation buffer. This buffer is typically an isotonic solution that maintains the viability of the cells during the procedure.
2. The cell suspension is transferred to an electroporation cuvette, which is a small container that has two aluminum or platinum electrodes on either side.
3. A brief, high-voltage electric pulse is applied. The electric field induces transient pores in the cell membrane, allowing the nucleic acids to enter the cell.
4. The cells are then returned to normal growth conditions, where the cell membrane reseals itself and the cells can express the introduced nucleic acids.

Electroporation can be very efficient, particularly for cell types that are difficult to transfect by other methods. However, it can also be more harmful to the cells than other methods, and it requires specialized equipment to generate the electric pulse.

There are several commercially available electroporation systems, which typically include the electroporator device, cuvettes, and sometimes also buffers and other consumables. Some well-known brands include Bio-Rad (Gene Pulser), Thermo Fisher Scientific (Neon Transfection System), and Lonza (Nucleofector). Some of these systems have been optimized for specific cell types or applications, and they may include pre-set or customizable electroporation protocols to help users achieve the best results.