Microdosimetric Realistic Model of a Cell with Endoplasmic Reticulum.

When investigating the biophysical effects induced by the interaction between electromagnetic fields and biological cells, it is crucial to estimate the electromagnetic field intensity at the microscopic scale (microdosimetry). This information allows to find a connection between the external applied field and the observed biological event required to establish related biomedical applications. Here, authors present a microdosimetric study based on a 2D realistic model of a cell and its endoplasmic reticulum. The microdosimetric analysis of the cell and endoplasmic reticulum was quantified in terms of electric field and transmembrane potential induced by an externally applied high amplitude 10-ns pulsed electric field. In addition, electroporated local membrane sites and pore densities were also evaluated. This study opens the way to numerically assist experimental applications of nanosecond pulsed electric fields for controlled bio-manipulation of cells and subcellular organelles.