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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Finite Element Modelling of a Cellular Electric Microenvironment

Finite Element Modelling of a Cellular Electric Microenvironment

Published on: May 18, 2021

Small electrical field effects on biological polymers.

Parvin Abazari¹, Seyed Peyman Shariatpanahi¹, Bahram Goliaei¹

¹Biophysics Group, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

Protein Science : a Publication of the Protein Society

|July 9, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Small electric fields can alter biological polymer shape over time. Even low forces, like 3 V/cm for microtubules, cause significant bending, revealing insights into cellular mechanics and biophysical interventions.

Keywords:

Brownian dynamics actin bending stiffness biological polymers electric fields external force microtubule

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Area of Science:

Biophysics
Computational Biology
Materials Science

Background:

Biological polymers like microtubules and actin filaments are crucial for cellular structure and function.
Understanding their mechanical response to external stimuli is key to deciphering cellular processes and developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the effects of small-magnitude, long-lasting external electric fields on the mechanical bending response of biological polymers.
To quantify the critical duration of electric field exposure needed to induce structural changes in polymers.

Main Methods:

Coarse-grained Brownian dynamics simulations were employed to model polymers as bead-spring structures.
Simulations incorporated variable lengths, adjustable bending stiffness, and external forces applied uniformly or to the last monomer.
First passage time analysis was used to determine the nonlinear dependence of polymer response on force and stiffness.

Main Results:

Low forces (0.001 kBT/σ, equivalent to 3 V/cm for microtubules) applied over extended periods caused detectable curvature variations.
Specific force magnitudes and durations were found to significantly affect microtubules, actin filaments, and amyloid fibrils.
Force directionality influenced bending; perpendicular forces induced greater angular deformation than parallel forces.

Conclusions:

Small, long-lasting electric fields can significantly alter the mechanical response and structure of biological polymers.
Results provide mechanistic insights into cytoskeletal deformation under pulsed or variable electric fields.
The study quantifies effective action times for pulsed electric fields (PEFs) in biophysical interventions like electroporation and tumor-treating fields.