Mechanisms, Models, and Clinical Applications of Cell Membrane Electroporation

Electroporation is an essential biophysical process that involves the use of pulsed electric fields to temporarily increase the permeability of cell membranes. A comprehensive overview of the main clinical and biomedical applications of cellular electroporation is provided here with a particular focus on cancer therapy, genetics, and drug delivery. The review concentrates on the characterization of membrane stresses caused by electroporation and their impact on cell membrane structure and dynamics. It analyses the relationship between applied electric fields, cell geometry, and membrane composition with the aim of developing mathematical models to simulate cell geometries and the electroporation process. Furthermore, it identifies both the beneficial effects and potential complications of the electroporation treatment, as well as the various mathematical models that have been developed to simulate the effects of such treatments. The use of sophisticated simulation algorithms enables an in-depth investigation of the intricate relationship between electrical parameters and cellular responses, facilitating a comprehensive assessment of the efficacy and safety of the electroporation procedures.