Contactless Cell Permeabilization by Time-Varying Magnetic fields: Modelling Transmembrane Potential and Mechanical...

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Cell Biology
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Cell membrane permeabilization is crucial for various biological and medical applications.
• Time-varying magnetic fields (TVMFs) offer a contactless method for cell permeabilization, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.
• Existing research lacks quantitative analysis of the physical forces involved in TVMF-induced cell permeabilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To numerically analyze the transmembrane potential (TMP) during cell permeabilization by TVMFs.
• To quantify the mechanical stress induced by magnetic and electric fields in cell membranes.
• To elucidate the primary mechanism driving cell membrane permeabilization by TVMFs.

Main Methods:

• Numerical simulation of transmembrane potential (TMP) in cells exposed to TVMFs.
• Calculation of mechanical stress and cell deformation under simulated experimental conditions.
• Comparison of simulated TMP and mechanical stress values with known thresholds for membrane permeabilization.

Main Results:

• Induced TMP values under typical in-vitro conditions were significantly below the threshold required for membrane permeabilization.
• TMP showed a strong dependence on the distance between the cell and the magnetic field coil.
• Mechanical stress values, even when TMP was insufficient for permeabilization, were comparable to those known to induce pore opening.

Conclusions:

• The study suggests that mechanical stress, rather than transmembrane potential, plays a more significant role in cell membrane permeabilization induced by time-varying magnetic fields.
• These findings provide a deeper mechanistic understanding for contactless cell permeabilization techniques.
• Results advance the comprehension of TVMF-mediated biological effects and their potential clinical applications.