Simulation study of cell permeabilization induced by pulsed magnetic field considering radial stress effects

Abstract

Non-contact pulsed magnetic fields can enhance the permeability of biological cells, creating an innovative approach for delivering external substances through cell membranes. However, the mechanism by which pulsed magnetic fields cause cell permeabilization remains unclear, and experimental findings from different researchers often vary widely, sometimes even contradicting one another. To gain a deeper understanding of cell permeabilization caused by pulsed magnetic fields, this study uses a theoretical analytical approach. It begins with a qualitative analysis of how the induced electric field and radial stress generated by a time-varying magnetic field affect the free energy of pores from an energy perspective. Next, a numerical model is developed to quantitatively explore the dynamic changes in pores driven by the induced electric field and radial stress. The results demonstrate that, compared to the numerical model considering only the induced electric field, the model incorporating both the induced electric field and radial stress increases the predicted pore expansion capability by 161.8%. This enhancement allows for more accurate predictions of pore formation on the cell membrane under the influence of pulsed magnetic fields. This study incorporates radial stress into a pore-opening dynamics model under pulsed magnetic fields and develops an associated numerical model, thereby providing a foundation for elucidating the permeabilization mechanisms of pulsed magnetic fields.