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In silico estimates of cell electroporation by electrical incapacitation waveforms
T R Gowrishankar1, A T Esser, K C Smith
1Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Summary
Electrical incapacitation (EI) devices like the Taser X26 and Aegis MK63 can cause cell membrane electroporation (EP). The Taser X26 is predicted to cause more extensive electroporation than the Aegis MK63.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Computational Biology
- Medical Engineering
Background:
- Electrical incapacitation (EI) devices are used for law enforcement.
- Understanding the biological effects of EI device waveforms is crucial for safety.
- Cell membrane electroporation (EP) is a potential mechanism for tissue damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To model the effects of EI device waveforms on cell membranes.
- To estimate conditions leading to electroporation (EP) near electrodes.
- To compare the potential for EP from Taser X26 and Aegis MK63 devices.
Main Methods:
- Measured single pulse waveforms of Taser X26 and Aegis MK63 devices.
- Scaled waveforms based on inverse square radial distance from hemispherical electrodes.
- Used a cell system model with a dynamic pore model for membrane electroporation (EP).
Main Results:
- Both Taser X26 and Aegis MK63 waveforms can induce transmembrane voltage sufficient for cell membrane EP.
- More extensive EP is predicted for the Taser X26 waveform compared to the Aegis MK63.
- Peripheral nerve damage is a potential side effect of EP.
Conclusions:
- In silico modeling of EI waveforms is valuable for understanding biological impacts.
- Multiscale modeling can predict cell membrane electroporation (EP) from EI devices.
- Further research using computational models is warranted to assess EI device safety.
