Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 11, 2025
Revealing Electromechanical Control of Tissue Homeostasis Using a Two-Layer Microfluidic Device
Published on: September 19, 2025
Computer optimization of conductive gels for electrochemotherapy.
Lucas Bertinetti Lopes1, Guilherme Brasil Pintarelli1, Carla Sales Ferreira Dos Santos2
1Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC), Florianópolis, 88040-370, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Optimizing conductive gels for electrochemotherapy (ECT) improves pulsed electric field (PEF) distribution, preventing treatment blind spots. An optimized gel ensures effective tumor treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Electrochemotherapy (ECT) relies on uniform pulsed electric field (PEF) delivery for effective tumor treatment.
- Tissue heterogeneity and electroporation-induced conductivity changes can create PEF "blind spots," compromising treatment efficacy.
- Conductive gels are explored to homogenize electric fields during ECT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a numerical model for predicting PEF distribution under varying conductive gel conditions.
- To investigate the influence of conductive gels on PEF distribution and electrical current in silico.
- To propose a methodology for optimizing conductive gel properties for ECT pre-treatment.
Main Methods:
- In vitro experiments using vegetal tissue to validate a numerical model.
- In silico case studies to assess gel impact on PEF and current.
- Development of a case-oriented methodology for gel optimization.
Main Results:
- The numerical model was validated under different conductive gel conditions.
- Optimized conductive gels ensured complete treatment of the region of interest.
- Optimized gels avoided excessive current, preventing over-treatment and damage to healthy tissue.
- Optimal gel conductivity may be lower than previously reported, falling within the range of commercially available gels (e.g., 0.2 S/m for a specific veterinary case).
Conclusions:
- A case-oriented methodology can optimize conductive gel selection for ECT.
- Optimized conductive gels enhance PEF homogeneity, improving ECT outcomes.
- Lower conductivity gels, within the range of commercial products, can be effective in ECT applications.
