Electroporation is used to extract cells without the need for solvents. However, electrical fields can also be used to deploy biological signalling. Using microalgae as paradigm, we show the potential of electro-modulation for biotechnology. In Haematococcus, metabolic genes astaxanthin synthesis can be triggered. Likewise, electrical triggering of programmed cell death support energy-efficient, mild, and clean purification of Chlorella proteins for applications in food industry
