Modelling Approaches and Biological Effects of Pulsed Electric Fields: Engineering Applied to Biology

Dear Colleagues,

The electroporation phenomenon, i.e., the increase in permeability of biological membranes to impermeant molecules upon the application of external pulsed electric fields (PEFs), has gained increasing attention over the past decades due to its medical, biotechnological, industrial, and environmental applications. The efficient optimization of such applications requires an expansion of our knowledge of basic interaction mechanisms between the biological structures and the electric field, which can be pursued by experiments and modelling. Analytical, circuital, and numerical models of electroporation provide an aid in the interpretation of experimental results, allow us to study phenomena occurring on spatial and temporal scales that are not observable in the experiments, and provide support to the experimental design. On the other hand, the design and set up of circuits and systems for PEFs generation and delivery, which require fast switching elements, wideband, and high-voltage component, is another important challenge in this research field. PEFs are used in electroporation-based applications, which includes the clinical treatment of oncological, cardiac, vascular diseases, as well as food processing and waste transformation. The biological effects of PEF are assessed either in vitro or in suitable phantoms. In this frame, biology and engineering cooperate in a multidisciplinary approach to design innovative solutions using PEFs. This Topic will be focused on innovative approaches to the modelling of the electroporation phenomenon, at both single-cell and multi-cellular levels, with particular attention, but not limited to, circuital, multi-compartment, and field models, in addition to the experimental testing of innovative solution sourcing by their design. Moreover, this Special Issue will also explore new technologies, methodologies, and tools for the design, synthesis, and control of power systems and PEF generators, as well as innovative solutions for ns and sub-ns pulse generation, and new materials for PEF application and delivery Topics include the following:

• Modelling of electroporation.
• Circuits and systems for PEF generation.
• Control systems for high voltage pulses.
• Tools for design and synthesis of power electronics for PEF.
• New materials for electrodes and pulse applicators.
• Fast switching technologies.
• Generation of ns and sub-ns pulses.
• Micro- and nanotechnologies for single-cell electroporation.
• Experimental studies (in vitro, Phantom, etc.).
• Innovative solutions using PEF.

Dr. Patrizia Lamberti
Dr. Elisabetta Sieni
Dr. Raji Sundararajan
Topic Editors