Dispersive Modeling of Normal and Cancerous Cervical Cell Responses to Nanosecond Electric Fields in Reversible Electroporation Using a Drift-Step Rectifier Diode Generator

Abstract

This paper creates an approximate three-dimensional model for normal and cancerous cervical cells using image processing and computer-aided design (CAD) tools. The model is then exposed to low-frequency electric pulses to verify the work with experimental data. The transmembrane potential, pore density, and pore radius evolution are analyzed. This work adds a study of the electrodeformation of cells under an electric field to investigate cytoskeleton integrity. The Maxwell stress tensor is calculated for the dispersive bi-lipid layer plasma membrane. The solid displacement is calculated under electric stress to observe cytoskeleton integrity. After verifying the results with previous experiments, the cells are exposed to a nanosecond pulsed electric field. The nanosecond pulse is applied using a drift-step rectifier diode (DSRD)-based generator circuit. The cells’ transmembrane voltage (TMV), pore density, pore radius evolution, displacement of the membrane under electric stress, and strain energy are calculated. A thermal analysis of the cells under a nanosecond pulse is also carried out to prove that it constitutes a non-thermal process. The results showed differences in normal and cancerous cell responses to electric pulses due to changes in morphology and differences in the cells’ electrical and mechanical properties. This work is a model-driven microdosimetry method that could be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.