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Effective proliferation control of MCF7 breast cancer using microsecond duration electrical pulse
Gyanendra Kumar1, R Sarathi2, Archana Sharma1,3
1Department of Electrical Engineering Science, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics
|February 20, 2024
Summary
Novel electroporation therapy uses electrical pulses to effectively inhibit cancer cell growth. This non-invasive method enhances curcumin uptake, offering a promising new avenue for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Electroporation utilizes pulse generators as a novel, non-invasive method for cancer therapy.
- It functions by enhancing cell permeability for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro effects of pulsed electric fields (1.0-2.0 kV/cm, 50 µs duration) on the MCF-7 cell line.
- To explore the combined therapeutic effects of curcumin and electrical pulses.
Main Methods:
- A custom-designed pulse generator (100 V-1200 V, 50 µs duration) was used for electroporation studies.
- Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using Trypan Blue Exclusion, MTT Assay, and Clonogenic Assay.
Main Results:
- An electrical field intensity of 2 kV/cm with 50 µs duration, 10 pulses at 1 Hz (4 J total energy) induced significant necrotic cell death via permanent cell membrane damage.
- Pulsed electric field application demonstrably increased cellular uptake of curcumin.
Conclusions:
- Pulsed electric fields show significant potential for inhibiting cancer cell growth and proliferation.
- Electroporation enhances drug uptake, supporting its use in combination cancer therapy for therapeutic benefit.
