High-Voltage Pulsed Electric Field Enhancing the Permeability of Cell Membrane to H2O2: A Simulation Study

Nitrogen oxides generated by discharge plasma are critical reactive particles in plasma biomedical applications. However, the treatment area and effect are limited due to the weak penetrability of the active particles. In this study, H 2 O 2 is used to explore the improved permeability of cell membrane by applying a high-voltage pulsed electric field. A single-cell 2D finite element model is established to study the dynamic development process of cell electroporation under the application of pulsed electric field, including the transmembrane potential variation, pore density distribution and pore radius. Then, the relationship between cell membrane electroporation and the change of the H 2 O 2 diffusion coefficient is constructed, and the effects of pulsed electric field parameters on the process of H 2 O 2 penetrating the cell membrane and diffusing inside the cell are analyzed. Finally, the optimal pulse parameters that can effectively enhance the permeability of the membrane to H 2 O 2 without reducing cell viability are obtained. This study will provide a theoretical basis for the application of pulsed electric field enhancing the penetrability and effect of plasma active particles.