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Analysis of cell membrane permeabilization mechanics and pore shape due to ultrashort electrical pulsing

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Abstract

Cell membrane permeabilization mechanics and the resulting shape of nanopores in response to electrical pulsing are probed based on a continuum approach. This has implications for electropermeabilization and cell membrane transport. It is argued that small pores resulting from high-intensity (~100 kV/cm), nanosecond pulsing would have an initial asymmetric shape. This would lead to asymmetric membrane current–voltage characteristics, at least at early times. The role of the cytoskeleton is ignored here, but can be expected to additionally contribute to such asymmetries. Furthermore, we show that the pore shape and membrane conduction would be dynamic, and evolve toward a symmetric characteristic over time. This duration has been shown to be in the micro-second range.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank A. Pakhomov (ODU) for useful discussions. Partial support from ORSP of Central Michigan University is also gratefully acknowledged.

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  1. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

    Ravindra P. Joshi

  2. School of Engineering and Technology, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA

    Qin Hu

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Correspondence to Ravindra P. Joshi.

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Joshi, R.P., Hu, Q. Analysis of cell membrane permeabilization mechanics and pore shape due to ultrashort electrical pulsing. Med Biol Eng Comput 48, 837–844 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11517-010-0659-1

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