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Cell transmembrane potential in contactless permeabilization by time-varying magnetic fields
E Chiaramello1, S Fiocchi1, M Bonato1
1Istituto di Elettronica e di Ingegneria Dell'Informazione e Delle Telecomunicazioni (IEIIT), Consiglio Nazionale Delle Ricerche (CNR), Piazza L. da Vinci, 32, 20133, Milano, Italy.
Computers in Biology and Medicine
|June 25, 2021
Summary
This study numerically analyzed cell membrane permeabilization by time-varying magnetic fields. Mechanical stress, not just transmembrane potential, may drive pore opening, offering new insights into this contactless cell treatment method.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Electromagnetism
Background:
- The mechanism of cell membrane permeabilization using time-varying magnetic fields is not fully understood, despite proven feasibility.
- This study investigates the underlying biophysical processes, focusing on transmembrane potential and mechanical stress.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing contactless cell permeabilization techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically analyze the time-dependent transmembrane potential (TMP) during cell permeabilization by time-varying magnetic fields.
- To quantify the mechanical stress induced by magnetic and electric fields, hypothesized to be key to permeabilization.
- To explore the influence of experimental parameters like pulse frequency, cell size, and distance from the magnetic source.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulation of in vitro experimental conditions.
- Analysis of transmembrane potential (TMP) and induced mechanical stress on cell membranes.
- Quantification of the impact of pulse frequency, cell dimension, and source distance on these parameters.
Main Results:
- Induced TMP values under typical experimental conditions were significantly lower than required for membrane permeabilization.
- TMP showed strong dependence on pulse frequency and distance from the magnetic field source.
- Calculated mechanical stress, even at low TMP, was comparable to known pore-opening stress levels.
Conclusions:
- Mechanical stress, in addition to TMP, likely plays a critical role in cell membrane permeabilization by time-varying magnetic fields.
- The findings suggest that magnetic field-induced mechanical forces contribute to pore formation.
- This research provides a significant advancement in understanding the mechanism of contactless cell permeabilization.
Keywords:
Cell transmembrane potentialContactless cell porationHigh pulsed magnetic fieldsMagneto cell permeabilizationMore Related Videos
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