Sinusoidal RF Simulations for Optimized Electroporation Protocols

Abstract Protocols surrounding electroporation have long been based on trapezoidal pulsing of biological cells. Here, we revisit cellular electroporation for bio-medical applications, including tumor treatment, based on a self-consistent electro-thermal analysis with sinusoidal RF excitation. Predictions for the evolution of pores and their surface angular distribution, as well as potential heating and temperature increases, are given. Our results show an optimum frequency range from 5–7 MHz to achieve increased mass transport without detrimental heating in Jurkat cells. Through parametrized frequency sweeps, this work establishes potential optimized regimes that could guide experimental and clinical protocols. More significantly, the optimal frequency for porating healthy B-cells is predicted to be ~ 2.5 MHz, with almost no poration at 7 MHz. This opens up the exciting possibility for treating malignant tissue with a well-tuned optimal frequency range for bioeffects, while minimizing deleterious effects on healthy cells and tissues.