E-biopsy: Molecular Sampling with Electroporation for Personalized Skin Cancer Diagnostics

Alexander Golberg, PhD
Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel

Abstract:
Electroporation-based biopsy (e-biopsy) is an emerging technology that leverages pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to enable minimally invasive molecular sampling of tissues for diagnostic and prognostic applications. This approach transiently increases cell membrane permeability, facilitating the selective extraction of intracellular biomarkers, including proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites, without the need for conventional excisional biopsy procedures. By preserving tissue architecture and reducing patient discomfort, e-biopsy represents a significant advancement in precision diagnostics. This seminar will present recent developments in e-biopsy technology, including advancements in device engineering, optimization of electroporation parameters, and integration with machine-learning platforms for molecular sampling and biomarker discovery. The discussion will also highlight applications in skin oncology, demonstrating the potential of e-biopsy to improve disease detection with a potential for personalized treatment strategies. Furthermore, the challenges associated with e-biopsy, including biomarker stability, standardization of protocols, and clinical translation, will be critically examined. Insights from recent preclinical studies will be shared to illustrate the feasibility and future directions of this technology. The presentation will conclude with an outlook on the role of electroporation-based molecular sampling tools in shaping the future of biomedical engineering and healthcare.

Biography:
Alexander Golberg is a Full Professor at Tel Aviv University’s School of Mechanical Engineering and a leading expert in electroporation technologies, biomedical engineering, and environmental health. He holds a PhD in Bioengineering from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and completed postdoctoral training at UC Berkeley and Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on electroporation-based therapies and diagnostics, with applications in oncology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Prof. Golberg has pioneered the development of e-biopsy technology, contributing to its advancement through interdisciplinary research in bioelectrics, computational modeling, masspec and microfluidic integration. He is the coordinator of Horizon Europe project MATISSE, which aims to intgerate e-biopsy, microfludic sample handling and novel nanoparticle based tissue staining for imaging. He is a co-founder of biotechnology startups in cancer diagnostics and sustainable bioprocessing, holds multiple patents, and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. As an incoming Presidential Visiting Faculty Fellow at Rutgers University, he continues to drive innovation in electroporation-based biomedical technologies, bridging fundamental science and clinical applications.