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Bioengineering
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Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From...
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Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications: 3rd Edition

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 2777

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Sannino

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA), National Research Council, 80124 Napoli, Italy
Interests: electromagnetic bio-effects; bioelectromagnetics; cellular and molecular biology; electroporation; fluorescence and confocal microscopy; mammalian cells exposed to electromagnetic fields in in vitro studies; systematic reviews; electromagnetic fields exposure assessment; biocompatibility of nanomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Stefania Romeo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Electromagnetic Sensing of the Environment (IREA), National Research Council, 80124 Napoli, Italy
Interests: electromagnetic fields; bioelectromagnetics; electromagnetic dosimetry; electroporation; biomedical applications of electromagnetic fields; electromagnetic fields exposure assessment; systematic reviews
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,  

Electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are widely used in everyday life and in specific occupational environments. EMF-based technologies employ different parts of the spectrum, from static fields to low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields encompassing millimeter waves and THz.  

Exposure to these fields raises concerns about the possible effects on human health, especially due to the diffusion of 5G networks, which are expected to have a major impact on exposure scenarios. On the other hand, biomedical applications of non-ionizing radiation are successfully employed for diagnosis and therapy (e.g., electroporation-based treatments, microwave hyperthermia, etc.). There is great interest in evaluating the associated interaction mechanisms, which are also relevant to foster the development of new biomedical applications or the optimization of the existing ones.  

This Special Issue is open to scientific studies addressing in vitro, in vivo, and epidemiological investigations on electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic exposure aimed at evaluating possible health effects, the beneficial potential of such fields for diagnosis and therapy, and studies focusing on interaction mechanisms. This includes work in any frequency range and covers exposure assessment, dosimetry, risk assessment, communication, and management. Researchers and scholars from industry, academia, and government are invited to submit full research and/or review, systematic review, and meta-analysis papers to this Special Issue.

Dr. Anna Sannino
Dr. Stefania Romeo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Bioengineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • electromagnetic bio-effects
  • interaction mechanisms
  • environmental health
  • cooperative effects
  • electromagnetic field modelling
  • exposure assessment
  • EMF risk assessment
  • diagnostic and therapeutic applications
  • experimental studies
  • electroporation and electrochemotherapy
  • EMF measurements
  • electromagnetic dosimetry

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 3061 KiB  
Article
A Tool for the Assessment of Electromagnetic Compatibility in Active Implantable Devices: The Pacemaker Physical Twin
by Cecilia Vivarelli, Eugenio Mattei, Federica Ricci, Sara D'Eramo and Giovanni Calcagnini
Bioengineering 2025, 12(7), 689; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12070689 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 300
Abstract
Background: The increasing use of technologies operating between 10 and 200 kHz, such as RFID, wireless power transfer systems, and induction cooktops, raises concerns about electromagnetic interference (EMI) with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The mechanisms of interaction within this frequency range have [...] Read more.
Background: The increasing use of technologies operating between 10 and 200 kHz, such as RFID, wireless power transfer systems, and induction cooktops, raises concerns about electromagnetic interference (EMI) with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). The mechanisms of interaction within this frequency range have been only partially addressed by both the scientific and regulatory communities. Methods: A physical twin of a pacemaker/implantable defibrillator (PM/ICD) was developed to experimentally assess voltages induced at the input stage by low-to-mid-frequency magnetic fields. The setup simulates the two sensing modalities programmable in PMs/ICDs and allows for the analysis of different implant configurations, lead geometries, and positions within a human body phantom. Results: Characterization of the physical twin demonstrated its capability to reliably measure induced voltages in the range of 5 mV to 1.5 V. Its application enabled the identification of factors beyond the implant’s induction area that contribute to the induced voltage, such as the electrode-tissue interface and body-induced currents. Conclusions: This physical twin represents a valuable tool for experimentally validating the mechanisms of EMI in CIEDs, providing insights beyond current standards. The data obtained can serve as a reference for the validation of numerical models and patient-specific digital twins. Moreover, it offers valuable information to guide future updates and revisions of international electromagnetic compatibility standards for CIEDs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications: 3rd Edition)
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27 pages, 12527 KiB  
Article
Controlling Cell Migratory Patterns Under an Electric Field Regulated by a Neural Network-Based Feedback Controller
by Giovanny Marquez, Mohammad Jafari, Manasa Kesapragada, Kan Zhu, Prabhat Baniya, Yao-Hui Sun, Hao-Chieh Hsieh, Cristian O. Hernandez, Mircea Teodorescu, Marco Rolandi, Min Zhao and Marcella Gomez
Bioengineering 2025, 12(7), 678; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12070678 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 272
Abstract
Electric fields (EFs) are widely employed to promote tissue regeneration and accelerate wound healing. Despite extensive study, the cellular responses elicited by EFs are complex and not well understood. The present work focuses on cell migration—a process essential to organismal development, immune surveillance, [...] Read more.
Electric fields (EFs) are widely employed to promote tissue regeneration and accelerate wound healing. Despite extensive study, the cellular responses elicited by EFs are complex and not well understood. The present work focuses on cell migration—a process essential to organismal development, immune surveillance, and repair—and seeks to achieve its precise, closed-loop regulation. Effective control is impeded by (i) the nonlinear and stochastic nature of migratory dynamics and (ii) safety constraints that restrict the admissible EF magnitude. To address these challenges, we reformulate a neural network (NN) feedback controller previously developed for single-cell membrane-potential regulation and adapt it to guide population-level cell migration. A projection operator is embedded into the NN weight-update law to prevent maladaptive learning that arises when the control signal saturates at its EF limit. Numerical simulations confirm that the modified controller maintains accurate trajectory tracking under saturation and outperforms the original NN design. Finally, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept by implementing the controller in vitro to direct the electrotactic migration of naïve macrophages in 2D culture under a unidirectional EF. For the in vitro experiments, we compare performance to the standard proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications: 3rd Edition)
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10 pages, 2117 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Interference in CIEDs Exposed to Magnetic Fields at Power Frequencies: Induced Voltage Analysis and Measurement
by Mengxi Zhou, Djilali Kourtiche, Julien Claudel, Patrice Roth, Isabelle Magne, François Deschamps and Bruno Salvi
Bioengineering 2025, 12(7), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12070677 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
Despite ongoing concerns about electromagnetic interference affecting cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in the electrical industry workplaces, no study has experimentally assessed induced voltages in CIEDs under exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields. This study addresses this gap by quantifying such interference using a [...] Read more.
Despite ongoing concerns about electromagnetic interference affecting cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) in the electrical industry workplaces, no study has experimentally assessed induced voltages in CIEDs under exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields. This study addresses this gap by quantifying such interference using a dedicated experimental setup to reproduce high intensity magnetic fields and to measure voltages induced on CIEDs under exposure. A thorough analysis was carried out in comparison with formula-based and simulation approaches applied in previous studies. The induced voltages on CIEDs were measured across varying configurations, including sensing mode, implantation method, exposure frequency, and magnetic field orientation. Our findings reveal the induced voltage levels under exposure from a statistical perspective and highlight correlations between susceptibility and the impact factors, with unipolar configurations and left pectoral implants exhibiting the highest susceptibility. This work provides insights into electromagnetic interference risks for CIED carriers and supports the development of individual protection strategies to enhance occupational safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications: 3rd Edition)
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16 pages, 4096 KiB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of a Custom-Designed Contrast Media Injector in a 5-Tesla MRI Environment
by Yuannan Hu, Wenbo Sun, Zhusha Wang, Wei Wang, Rufang Liao, Zhao Ruan, Huan Li, Haibo Xu and Daniel Topgaard
Bioengineering 2025, 12(6), 566; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12060566 - 25 May 2025
Viewed by 458
Abstract
The compatibility and safety of contrast media injectors (CMIs) at ultra-high magnetic field strengths remains a critical challenge. This study aimed to investigate a custom-designed CMI powered by a ceramic motor in a newly developed 5T MRI environment, comparing it with a commercial [...] Read more.
The compatibility and safety of contrast media injectors (CMIs) at ultra-high magnetic field strengths remains a critical challenge. This study aimed to investigate a custom-designed CMI powered by a ceramic motor in a newly developed 5T MRI environment, comparing it with a commercial CMI commonly used in a clinic. Three key performance aspects of the CMI were assessed in the 5T environment: translational attraction force, injection flow rates, and total injected volume. Potential imaging artifacts were checked. The custom-designed CMI demonstrated robust performance in the 5T environment, maintaining injection accuracy across all test locations and ensuring translational attraction forces remained within safe thresholds, even in the most challenging positions. Importantly, the custom-designed CMI exhibited no significant radiofrequency (RF) interference, and no imaging artifacts were observed across routine clinical sequences. In contrast, the commercial 3T CMI showed RF interference in several sensitive tests, such as the gradient echo (GRE) sequence with a 0° flip angle and frequency-based detection methods, underscoring the need for field-specific CMI designs tailored to ultra-high field environments. Further tests were performed in monkey livers and a human brain in vivo. The custom-designed CMI proved to be safe, accurate, and fully compatible with the 5T environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications: 3rd Edition)
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15 pages, 1804 KiB  
Article
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Enhances Lower Limb Muscle Synergies During Jumping in Martial Artists Post-Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Crossover Trial
by Xiaoyan Wang, Haojie Li and Jiangang Chen
Bioengineering 2025, 12(5), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12050535 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 604
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on lower limb muscle synergies during the single-leg hop test in martial artists after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: Twenty-four martial artists who underwent ACL reconstruction were recruited and [...] Read more.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on lower limb muscle synergies during the single-leg hop test in martial artists after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Methods: Twenty-four martial artists who underwent ACL reconstruction were recruited and performed a single-leg hop test under two conditions: with NMES (ES) and without NMES (CON). The ES condition involved using Compex SP 8.0 to deliver biphasic symmetrical wave stimulation. Jump performance metrics and electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded. Muscle synergies of the lower limbs were extracted using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) to analyze patterns of muscle coordination. Results: Compared with the CON condition, the ES condition significantly reduced the jump time (0.13 ± 0.05 vs. 0.18 ± 0.09; F = 5.660; p = 0.022) and significantly increased the contact time (0.53 ± 0.12 vs. 0.43 ± 0.21; F = 4.013; p = 0.049). Muscle synergy analysis revealed three distinct synergy patterns under both conditions. For synergy pattern 1, compared with the CON condition, the muscle weightings of the rectus femoris and tibialis anterior muscles were significantly increased under the ES condition (p < 0.001). For synergy pattern 2, compared with the CON condition, the muscle weighting of the lateral gastrocnemius muscle was significantly increased under the ES condition (p < 0.001). Additionally, the activation timing of synergy pattern 2 was significantly reduced under the ES condition (p = 0.001). Conclusion: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation enhances jump performance and alters muscle synergy patterns in martial artists after ACL reconstruction. The findings suggest that NMES can promote better lower limb muscle coordination during jumping tasks, potentially aiding in postoperative rehabilitation and performance optimization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications: 3rd Edition)
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12 pages, 7441 KiB  
Article
An Evaluation of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Dixon Sequence Fat–Water Separation Techniques (T2w Dixon FSTs) to Detect Dorso-Lumbar Structural Lesions in Patients with Axial Spondyloarthritis
by David Fadli, Pierre-Francois Lintingre, Laurence Dallet, Julien Raoult, Julien Gay-Depassier, Nicolas Bouguennec, Lionel Pesquer and Benjamin Dallaudière
Bioengineering 2025, 12(5), 502; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering12050502 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 341
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of two MRI techniques for identifying structural bone lesions (fatty lesions [BMFs], subchondral erosions [BMEs], sclerosis [BMS], and ankylosis [A]) in the dorso-lumbar joints. This assessment specifically focused on [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the diagnostic accuracy of two MRI techniques for identifying structural bone lesions (fatty lesions [BMFs], subchondral erosions [BMEs], sclerosis [BMS], and ankylosis [A]) in the dorso-lumbar joints. This assessment specifically focused on the application of MRI Dixon sequence fat–water separation techniques (T2w Dixon FSTs) when acquiring T1-weighted (T1w) images as the reference standard, among patients diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis (SpA). Methods: Conducted at a single center, this study involved the recruitment of patients who underwent both spinal and sacroiliac (SI) joint MRI between 2019 and 2022, with follow-up continuing until 2023. In 2023, three independent readers reassessed the initial MRI datasets to evaluate specific radiological features of SpA. They recorded confidence estimates regarding the use of T2w Dixon FSTs when acquiring T1w images. The centralized MRI interpretations were then compared to established rheumatologic diagnoses. Results: A total of 73 patients (42 men and 31 women) were included in the study. The mean sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of T2w Dixon FSTs (fat-only images) were at least 75%, 100%, and 96%, respectively, based on the 2023 assessment for all considered items. The diagnostic performance of T2w Dixon FSTs was comparable to that of T1w images. Conclusions: The diagnostic performance of T2w Dixon FSTs (fat-only images) matched that of T1w images not only in assessing structural and fatty lesions, but also in the evaluation of subchondral erosions, sclerosis, and ankylosis in the dorso-lumbar joints of patients with a rheumatologic diagnosis of SpA. These findings suggest the potential avoidance of T1-weighted images when employing multi-parameter, multi-sequence imaging, such as the Dixon sequence. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electric, Magnetic, and Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine: From Mechanisms to Biomedical Applications: 3rd Edition)
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