1
|
Pulse width and intensity effects of pulsed electric fields on cancerous and normal skin cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18039. [PMID: 36302879 PMCID: PMC9613658 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microsecond pulsed electric fields (PEF) have previously been used for various tumour therapies, such as gene therapy, electrochemotherapy and irreversible electroporation (IRE), due to its demonstrated ability. However, recently nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) have also been used as a potential tumor therapy via inducing cell apoptosis or immunogenic cell death to prevent recurrence and metastasis by interacting with intracellular organelles. A large proportion of the existing in-vitro studies of nsPEF on cells also suggests cell necrosis and swelling/blebbing can be induced, but the replicability and potential for other effects on cells suggesting a complicated process which requires further investigation. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of pulse width and intensity of nsPEF on the murine melanoma cells (B16) and normal murine fibroblast cells (L929) through electromagnetic simulation and in-vitro experiments. Through examining the evolution patterns of potential difference and electric fields on the intracellular compartments, the simulation has shown a differential effect of nsPEF on normal and cancerous skin cells, which explains well the results observed in the reported experiments. In addition, the modelling has provided a clear evidence that a few hundreds of ns PEF may have caused a mixed mode of effects, i.e. a 'cocktail effect', including cell electroporation and IRE due to an over their threshold voltage induced on the plasma membrane, as well as cell apoptosis and other biological effects caused by its interaction with the intracellular compartments. The in-vitro experiments in the pulse range of the hundreds of nanoseconds showed a possible differential cytotoxicity threshold of electric field intensity between B16 cells and L929 cells.
Collapse
|
2
|
Electrically Controlling and Optically Observing the Membrane Potential of Supported Lipid Bilayers. Biophys J 2022; 121:2624-2637. [PMID: 35619563 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Supported lipid bilayers are a well-developed model system for the study of membranes and their associated proteins, such as membrane channels, enzymes, and receptors. These versatile model membranes can be made from various components, ranging from simple synthetic phospholipids to complex mixtures of constituents, mimicking the cell membrane with its relevant physiochemical and molecular phenomena. In addition, the high stability of supported lipid bilayers allows for their study via a wide array of experimental probes. In this work, we describe a platform for supported lipid bilayers that is accessible both electrically and optically, and demonstrate direct optical observation of the transmembrane potential of supported lipid bilayers. We show that the polarization of the supported membrane can be electrically controlled and optically probed using voltage-sensitive dyes. Membrane polarization dynamics is understood through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the analysis of an equivalent electrical circuit model. In addition, we describe the effect of the conducting electrode layer on the fluorescence of the optical probe through metal-induced energy transfer, and show that while this energy transfer has an adverse effect on the voltage sensitivity of the fluorescent probe, its strong distance dependency allows for axial localization of fluorescent emitters with ultrahigh accuracy. We conclude with a discussion on possible applications of this platform for the study of voltage-dependent membrane proteins and other processes in membrane biology and surface science.
Collapse
|
3
|
A rationale for non-linear responses to strong electric fields in molecular dynamics simulations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2022; 24:11654-11661. [PMID: 35536147 DOI: 10.1039/d1cp04466d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Many approaches for calculation of the field-dependent electric properties of water solutions rely on the Onsager and Kirkwood theories of polar dielectrics. Such basic theories implicitly consider the electric field intensity to fulfill the so-called 'weak field conditions', i.e. to produce a linear response in the system. In this work we made use of molecular dynamics simulations to investigate possible non-linear effects induced by high intensity electric fields, specifically continuous wave bursts with nanosecond duration, comparing them with the ones predicted by the theory. We found that field intensities above 0.15 V nm-1 produce remarkable nonlinear responses in the whole 100 MHz-100 GHz frequency window considered, with the onset of higher order polarization signals, which are the clear fingerprint of harmonic distorsions. That non-linear response turned out to depend on the considered frequency. We finally show that MD outcomes are consistent with a modelization based on an extended formulation of the Langevin function including a frequency-dependent parameter.
Collapse
|
4
|
Nonlinear dispersive cell model for microdosimetry of nanosecond pulsed electric fields. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19456. [PMID: 33173132 PMCID: PMC7655951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76642-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For applications based on nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs), the underlying transmembrane potential (TMP) distribution on the plasma membrane is influenced by electroporation (EP) of the plasma membrane and dielectric dispersion (DP) of all cell compartments which is important for predicting the bioelectric effects. In this study, the temporal and spatial distribution of TMP on the plasma membrane induced by nsPEFs of various pulse durations (3 ns, 5 ns unipolar, 5 ns bipolar, and 10 ns) is investigated with the inclusion of both DP and EP. Based on the double-shelled dielectric spherical cell model, the Debye equation describing DP is transformed into the time-domain form with the introduction of polarization vector, and then we obtain the time course of TMP by solving the combination of Laplace equation and time-domain Debye equation. Next, the asymptotic version of the Smoluchowski equation is included to characterize the EP of plasma membrane in order to observe more profound electroporation effects with larger pore density and electroporated areas in consideration of both DP and EP. Through the simulation, it is clearer to understand the relationship between the applied nsPEFs and the induced bioelectric effects.
Collapse
|
5
|
Proof-of-Concept of Electrical Activation of Liposome Nanocarriers: From Dry to Wet Experiments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:819. [PMID: 32793572 PMCID: PMC7390969 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing interest toward biocompatible nanotechnologies in medicine, combined with electric fields stimulation, is leading to the development of electro-sensitive smart systems for drug delivery applications. To this regard, recently the use of pulsed electric fields to trigger release across phospholipid membranes of liposomes has been numerically studied, for a deeper understanding of the phenomena at the molecular scale. Aim of this work is to give an experimental validation of the feasibility to control the release from liposome vesicles, using nanosecond pulsed electric fields characterized by a 10 ns duration and intensity in the order of MV/m. The results are supported by multiphysics simulations which consider the coupling of three physics (electromagnetics, thermal and pore kinetics) in order to explain the occurring physical interactions at the microscopic level and provide useful information on the characteristics of the train of pulses needed to obtain quantitative results in terms of liposome electropermeabilization. Finally, a complete characterization of the exposure system is also provided to support the reliability and validity of the study.
Collapse
|
6
|
Evidences of plasma membrane-mediated ROS generation upon ELF exposure in neuroblastoma cells supported by a computational multiscale approach. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2019; 1861:1446-1457. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
7
|
Stimulation Strategies for Tinnitus Suppression in a Neuron Model. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2018; 2018:5215723. [PMID: 30154913 PMCID: PMC6091328 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5215723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Tinnitus is a debilitating perception of sound in the absence of external auditory stimuli. It may have either a central or a peripheral origin in the cochlea. Experimental studies evidenced that an electrical stimulation of peripheral auditory fibers may alleviate symptoms but the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. In this work, a stochastic neuron model is used, that mimics an auditory fiber affected by tinnitus, to check the effects, in terms of firing reduction, of different kinds of electric stimulations, i.e., continuous wave signals and white Gaussian noise. Results show that both white Gaussian noise and continuous waves at tens of kHz induce a neuronal firing reduction; however, for the same amplitude of fluctuations, Gaussian noise is more efficient than continuous waves. When contemporary applied, signal and noise exhibit a cooperative effect in retrieving neuronal firing to physiological values. These results are a proof of concept that a combination of signal and noise could be delivered through cochlear prosthesis for tinnitus suppression.
Collapse
|
8
|
Automatic decoding of input sinusoidal signal in a neuron model: High pass homomorphic filtering. Neurocomputing 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
|
9
|
A wide-band bio-chip for real-time optical detection of bioelectromagnetic interactions with cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5044. [PMID: 29568067 PMCID: PMC5864909 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23301-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The analytical and numerical design, implementation, and experimental validation of a new grounded closed coplanar waveguide for wide-band electromagnetic exposures of cells and their optical detection in real-time is reported. The realized device fulfills high-quality requirements for novel bioelectromagnetic experiments, involving elevated temporal and spatial resolutions. Excellent performances in terms of matching bandwidth (less than -10 dB up to at least 3 GHz), emission (below 1 × 10-6 W/m2) and efficiency (around 1) have been obtained as revealed by both numerical simulations and experimental measurements. A low spatial electric field inhomogeneity (coefficient of variation of around 10 %) has been achieved within the cell solutions filling the polydimethylsiloxane reservoir of the conceived device. This original bio-chip based on the grounded closed coplanar waveguide concept opens new possibilities for the development of controlled experiments combining electromagnetic exposures and sophisticated imaging using optical spectroscopic techniques.
Collapse
|
10
|
Automatic decoding of input sinusoidal signal in a neuron model: Improved SNR spectrum by low-pass homomorphic filtering. Neurocomputing 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neucom.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
11
|
Frequency spectrum of induced transmembrane potential and permeabilization efficacy of bipolar electric pulses. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1859:1282-1290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
12
|
Electrosensitization Increases Antitumor Effectiveness of Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields In Vivo. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2017; 16:987-996. [PMID: 28585492 PMCID: PMC5762058 DOI: 10.1177/1533034617712397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanosecond pulsed electric fields are emerging as a new modality for tissue and tumor ablation. We previously reported that cells exposed to pulsed electric fields develop hypersensitivity to subsequent pulsed electric field applications. This phenomenon, named electrosensitization, is evoked by splitting the pulsed electric field treatment in fractions (split-dose treatments) and causes in vitro a 2- to 3-fold increase in cytotoxicity. The aim of this study was to show the benefit of split-dose treatments for in vivo tumor ablation by nanosecond pulsed electric field. KLN 205 squamous carcinoma cells were embedded in an agarose gel or grown subcutaneously as tumors in mice. Nanosecond pulsed electric field ablations were produced using a 2-needle probe with a 6.5-mm interelectrode distance. In agarose gel, splitting a pulsed electric field dose of 300, 300-ns pulses (20 Hz, 4.4-6.4 kV) in 2 equal fractions increased cell death up to 3-fold compared to single-train treatments. We then compared the antitumor effectiveness of these treatments in vivo. At 24 hours after treatment, sensitizing tumors by a split-dose pulsed electric field exposure (150 + 150, 300-ns pulses, 20 Hz, 6.4 kV) caused a 4- and 2-fold tumor volume reduction as compared to sham and single-train treatments, respectively. Tumor volume reduction that exceeds 75% was 43% for split-dose–treated animals compared to only 12% for single-dose treatments. The difference between the 2 experimental groups remained statistically significant for at least 1 week after the treatment. The results show that electrosensitization occurs in vivo and can be exploited to assist in vivo cancer ablation.
Collapse
|
13
|
Technological and Theoretical Aspects for Testing Electroporation on Liposomes. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5092704. [PMID: 28393078 PMCID: PMC5368396 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5092704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the use of nanometer liposomes as nanocarriers in drug delivery systems mediated by nanoelectroporation has been proposed. This technique takes advantage of the possibility of simultaneously electroporating liposomes and cell membrane with 10-nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEF) facilitating the release of the drug from the liposomes and at the same time its uptake by the cells. In this paper the design and characterization of a 10 nsPEF exposure system is presented, for liposomes electroporation purposes. The design and the characterization of the applicator have been carried out choosing an electroporation cuvette with 1 mm gap between the electrodes. The structure efficiency has been evaluated at different experimental conditions by changing the solution conductivity from 0.25 to 1.6 S/m. With the aim to analyze the influence of device performances on the liposomes electroporation, microdosimetric simulations have been performed considering liposomes of 200 and 400 nm of dimension with different inner and outer conductivity (from 0.05 to 1.6 S/m) in order to identify the voltage needed for their poration.
Collapse
|
14
|
A microdosimetry study for a realistic shaped nucleus. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2017; 2016:4189-4192. [PMID: 28269206 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2016.7591650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In the last decades, the effects of ultrashort pulsed electric fields have been investigated demonstrating their capability to be involved in a great number of medical applications (e.g. cancer, gene electrotransfer, drug delivery, electrofusion). In particular, experiments in literature demonstrate that internal structures can be involved when pulse duration is reduced. Up to now, the mechanism that permits the electroporation phenomenon has not been completely understood and hence atomistic, microdosimetry and dosimetry models have been developed to help in this field. Aim of this work is to demonstrate the importance of realistically model also the internal organelles to obtain predictive results of effects at sub-cellular level with a microdosimetry model.
Collapse
|
15
|
Exploring the Applicability of Nano-Poration for Remote Control in Smart Drug Delivery Systems. J Membr Biol 2016; 250:31-40. [PMID: 27561639 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-016-9922-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Smart drug delivery systems represent an interesting tool to significantly improve the efficiency and the precision in the treatment of a broad category of diseases. In this context, a drug delivery mediated by nanosecond pulsed electric fields seems a promising technique, allowing for a controlled release and uptake of drugs by the synergy between the electropulsation and nanocarriers with encapsulated drugs. The main concern about the use of electroporation for drug delivery applications is the difference in dimension between the liposome (nanometer range) and the cell (micrometer range). The choice of liposome dimension is not trivial. Liposomes larger than 500 nm of diameter could be recognized as pathogen agents by the immune system, while liposomes of smaller size would require external electric field of high amplitudes for the membrane electroporation that could compromise the cell viability. The aim of this work is to theoretically study the possibility of a simultaneous cell and liposomes electroporation. The numerical simulations reported the possibility to electroporate the cell and a significant percentage of liposomes with comparable values of external electric field, when a 12 nsPEF is used.
Collapse
|
16
|
A Microdosimetric Study of Electropulsation on Multiple Realistically Shaped Cells: Effect of Neighbours. J Membr Biol 2016; 249:691-701. [PMID: 27318672 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-016-9912-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decades, the effects of ultrashort-pulsed electric fields have been used to investigate their action in many medical applications (e.g. cancer, gene electrotransfer, drug delivery, electrofusion). Promising aspects of these pulses has led to several in vitro and in vivo experiments to clarify their action. Since the basic mechanisms of these pulses have not yet been fully clarified, scientific interest has focused on the development of numerical models at different levels of complexity: atomic (molecular dynamic simulations), microscopic (microdosimetry) and macroscopic (dosimetry). The aim of this work is to demonstrate that, in order to predict results at the cellular level, an accurate microdosimetry model is needed using a realistic cell shape, and with their position and packaging (cell density) characterised inside the medium.
Collapse
|
17
|
Modeling a Conventional Electroporation Pulse Train: Decreased Pore Number, Cumulative Calcium Transport and an Example of Electrosensitization. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2016; 63:571-80. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2015.2466234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
18
|
The Role of Pulse Repetition Rate in nsPEF-Induced Electroporation: A Biological and Numerical Investigation. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2015; 62:2234-43. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2015.2419813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
19
|
Assessment of Cytoplasm Conductivity by Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2015; 62:1595-603. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2015.2399250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
20
|
In vitro exposure: Linear and non-linear thermodynamic events in Petri dishes. Bioelectromagnetics 2015; 36:527-37. [PMID: 25995097 DOI: 10.1002/bem.21923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We conducted an electromagnetic-thermal analysis of Petri dishes filled with different medium volumes under different radio frequency exposure conditions with the aim of identifying linear and non-linear parameters that might explain contradictory results of many in vitro bioelectromagnetic experiments. We found that power loss density and temperature depend on shape, size, and orientation of the exposed sample with respect to direction of incident energy, showing that the liquid medium acts as a receiving antenna. In addition, we investigated the possibility of convection from thermodynamic principles within the liquid medium. For a 35 mm diameter Petri dish, a 2 or 4 ml medium volume is too small to support vertical convection. Conversely, horizontal convective motion is possible for H-polarization exposures at 1.8 GHz.
Collapse
|
21
|
Restoring the encoding properties of a stochastic neuron model by an exogenous noise. Front Comput Neurosci 2015; 9:42. [PMID: 25999845 PMCID: PMC4422033 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2015.00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we evaluate the possibility of improving the encoding properties of an impaired neuronal system by superimposing an exogenous noise to an external electric stimulation signal. The approach is based on the use of mathematical neuron models consisting of stochastic HH-like circuit, where the impairment of the endogenous presynaptic inputs is described as a subthreshold injected current and the exogenous stimulation signal is a sinusoidal voltage perturbation across the membrane. Our results indicate that a correlated Gaussian noise, added to the sinusoidal signal can significantly increase the encoding properties of the impaired system, through the Stochastic Resonance (SR) phenomenon. These results suggest that an exogenous noise, suitably tailored, could improve the efficacy of those stimulation techniques used in neuronal systems, where the presynaptic sensory neurons are impaired and have to be artificially bypassed.
Collapse
|
22
|
The CNP signal is able to silence a supra threshold neuronal model. Front Comput Neurosci 2015; 9:44. [PMID: 25972807 PMCID: PMC4412122 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2015.00044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Several experimental results published in the literature showed that weak pulsed magnetic fields affected the response of the central nervous system. However, the specific biological mechanisms that regulate the observed behaviors are still unclear and further scientific investigation is required. In this work we performed simulations on a neuronal network model exposed to a specific pulsed magnetic field signal that seems to be very effective in modulating the brain activity: the Complex Neuroelectromagnetic Pulse (CNP). Results show that CNP can silence the neurons of a feed-forward network for signal intensities that depend on the strength of the bias current, the endogenous noise level and the specific waveforms of the pulses. Therefore, it is conceivable that a neuronal network model responds to the CNP signal with an inhibition of its activity. Further studies on more realistic neuronal networks are needed to clarify if such an inhibitory effect on neuronal tissue may be the basis of the induced analgesia seen in humans and the antinociceptive effects seen in animals when exposed to the CNP.
Collapse
|
23
|
Water response to intense electric fields: A molecular dynamics study. Bioelectromagnetics 2015; 36:377-85. [PMID: 25877041 DOI: 10.1002/bem.21916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper investigated polarization properties of water molecules in close proximity to an ionic charge in the presence of external electric fields by using an approach based on simulations at the atomic level. We chose sodium and chloride ions in water as examples of dilute ionic solutions and used molecular dynamics simulations to systematically investigate the influence of an external static electric field on structural, dipolar, and polarization properties of water near charged ions. Results showed that a threshold electric field higher than 10(8) V/m is needed to affect water polarization and increase mean dipole moment of water molecules close to the ion. A similar threshold holds for water permittivity profiles, although a field 10× higher is needed to ensure that water permittivity is almost constant independently of the position close to the ion. Electric fields of such intensities can greatly enhance polarizability of water in hydration shells around ions.
Collapse
|
24
|
Multiple nanosecond electric pulses increase the number but not the size of long-lived nanopores in the cell membrane. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2015; 1848:958-66. [PMID: 25585279 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2014.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to intense, nanosecond-duration electric pulses (nsEP) opens small but long-lived pores in the plasma membrane. We quantified the cell uptake of two membrane integrity marker dyes, YO-PRO-1 (YP) and propidium (Pr) in order to test whether the pore size is affected by the number of nsEP. The fluorescence of the dyes was calibrated against their concentrations by confocal imaging of stained homogenates of the cells. The calibrations revealed a two-phase dependence of Pr emission on the concentration (with a slower rise at<4μM) and a linear dependence for YP. CHO cells were exposed to nsEP trains (1 to 100 pulses, 60ns, 13.2kV/cm, 10Hz) with Pr and YP in the medium, and the uptake of the dyes was monitored by time-lapse imaging for 3min. Even a single nsEP triggered a modest but detectable entry of both dyes, which increased linearly when more pulses were applied. The influx of Pr per pulse was constant and independent of the pulse number. The influx of YP per pulse was highest with 1- and 2-pulse exposures, decreasing to about twice the Pr level for trains from 5 to 100 pulses. The constant YP/Pr influx ratio for trains of 5 to 100 pulses suggests that increasing the number of pulses permeabilizes cells to a greater extent by increasing the pore number and not the pore diameter.
Collapse
|
25
|
Theoretical–computational modelling of the electric field effects on protein unfolding thermodynamics. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra15605j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper we present a general theoretical–computational approach to model the protein unfolding thermodynamics response to intense electric fields.
Collapse
|
26
|
Basic features of a cell electroporation model: illustrative behavior for two very different pulses. J Membr Biol 2014; 247:1209-28. [PMID: 25048527 PMCID: PMC4224743 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9699-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Science increasingly involves complex modeling. Here we describe a model for cell electroporation in which membrane properties are dynamically modified by poration. Spatial scales range from cell membrane thickness (5 nm) to a typical mammalian cell radius (10 \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$\upmu$$\end{document}μm), and can be used with idealized and experimental pulse waveforms. The model consists of traditional passive components and additional active components representing nonequilibrium processes. Model responses include measurable quantities: transmembrane voltage, membrane electrical conductance, and solute transport rates and amounts for the representative “long” and “short” pulses. The long pulse—1.5 kV/cm, 100 \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$\upmu$$\end{document}μs—evolves two pore subpopulations with a valley at \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$${\sim}$$\end{document}∼5 nm, which separates the subpopulations that have peaks at \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$${\sim}$$\end{document}∼1.5 and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$${\sim}$$\end{document}∼12 nm radius. Such pulses are widely used in biological research, biotechnology, and medicine, including cancer therapy by drug delivery and nonthermal physical tumor ablation by causing necrosis. The short pulse—40 kV/cm, 10 ns—creates 80-fold more pores, all small (\documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$<$$\end{document}<3 nm; \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{amsfonts}
\usepackage{amssymb}
\usepackage{amsbsy}
\usepackage{mathrsfs}
\usepackage{upgreek}
\setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt}
\begin{document}$$\sim$$\end{document}∼1 nm peak). These nanosecond pulses ablate tumors by apoptosis. We demonstrate the model’s responses by illustrative electrical and poration behavior, and transport of calcein and propidium. We then identify extensions for expanding modeling capability. Structure-function results from MD can allow extrapolations that bring response specificity to cell membranes based on their lipid composition. After a pulse, changes in pore energy landscape can be included over seconds to minutes, by mechanisms such as cell swelling and pulse-induced chemical reactions that slowly alter pore behavior.
Collapse
|
27
|
Dipolar response and hydrogen-bond kinetics in liquid water in square-wave time-varying electric fields. Mol Phys 2013. [DOI: 10.1080/00268976.2013.867081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
28
|
Human aquaporin 4 gating dynamics under and after nanosecond-scale static and alternating electric-field impulses: A molecular dynamics study of field effects and relaxation. J Chem Phys 2013; 139:205101. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4832383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
29
|
A numerical study to compare stimulations by intraoperative microelectrodes and chronic macroelectrodes in the DBS technique. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:262739. [PMID: 24222899 PMCID: PMC3814092 DOI: 10.1155/2013/262739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation is a clinical technique for the treatment of parkinson's disease based on the electric stimulation, through an implanted electrode, of specific basal ganglia in the brain. To identify the correct target of stimulation and to choose the optimal parameters for the stimulating signal, intraoperative microelectrodes are generally used. However, when they are replaced with the chronic macroelectrode, the effect of the stimulation is often very different. Here, we used numerical simulations to predict the stimulation of neuronal fibers induced by microelectrodes and macroelectrodes placed in different positions with respect to each other. Results indicate that comparable stimulations can be obtained if the chronic macroelectrode is correctly positioned with the same electric center of the intraoperative microelectrode. Otherwise, some groups of fibers may experience a completely different electric stimulation.
Collapse
|
30
|
Translational and rotational diffusive motion in liquid water in square-wave time-varying electric fields. Chem Phys Lett 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cplett.2013.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
|
31
|
Proving lightning role in the evolution of life: comment on "Lightning-triggered electroporation and electrofusion as possible contributors to natural horizontal gene transfer" by Tadej Kotnik. Phys Life Rev 2013; 10:380-1. [PMID: 23973006 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2013.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 07/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
32
|
Stochastic resonance induced by exogenous noise in a model of a neuronal network. NETWORK (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2013; 24:99-113. [PMID: 23654221 DOI: 10.3109/0954898x.2013.793849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the possibility of using exogenous noise to restore the processing performances of neuronal systems where the endogenous noise is reduced due to the ageing or to degenerative diseases. This idea is based on the assumption, supported by theoretical studies, that the endogenous noise has a positive role in neuronal signal detection and that its reduction impairs the system function. Results, obtained on a two-layers feedforward network, show the onset of the Stochastic Resonance (SR) behavior, as long as the exogenous noise is properly tailored and filtered. The amount of noise to be furnished from the outside to optimize the system performance depends on the residual level of endogenous noise, indicating that both kinds of noise cooperate to the signal detection. These results support potentially new bioengineering applications where exogenous noise is furnished to enhance signal detectability.
Collapse
|
33
|
Microdosimetric study for nanosecond pulsed electric fields on a cell circuit model with nucleus. J Membr Biol 2013; 246:761-7. [PMID: 23595823 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-013-9546-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recently, scientific interest in electric pulses, always more intense and shorter and able to induce biological effects on both plasma and nuclear membranes, has greatly increased. Hence, microdosimetric models that include internal organelles like the nucleus have assumed increasing importance. In this work, a circuit model of the cell including the nucleus is proposed, which accounts for the dielectric dispersion of all cell compartments. The setup of the dielectric model of the nucleus is of fundamental importance in determining the transmembrane potential (TMP) induced on the nuclear membrane; here, this is demonstrated by comparing results for three different sets of nuclear dielectric properties present in the literature. The results have been compared, even including or disregarding the dielectric dispersion of the nucleus. The main differences have been found when using pulses shorter than 10 ns. This is due to the fact that the high spectral components of the shortest pulses are differently taken into account by the nuclear membrane transfer functions computed with and without nuclear dielectric dispersion. The shortest pulses are also the most effective in porating the intracellular structures, as confirmed by the time courses of the TMP calculated across the plasma and nuclear membranes. We show how dispersive nucleus models are unavoidable when dealing with pulses shorter than 10 ns because of the large spectral contents arriving above 100 MHz, i.e., over the typical relaxation frequencies of the dipolar mechanism of the molecules constituting the nuclear membrane and the subcellular cell compartments.
Collapse
|
34
|
Effect of High Exogenous Electric Pulses on Protein Conformation: Myoglobin as a Case Study. J Phys Chem B 2013; 117:2273-9. [DOI: 10.1021/jp309857b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
35
|
Comparison of membrane electroporation and protein denature in response to pulsed electric field with different durations. Bioelectromagnetics 2013; 34:253-63. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.21773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|