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Department of Information and Electrical Engineering and Applied Mathematics, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Italy
Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, University of Insubria, Via Dunant, 3, 21100 Varese, Italy
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology (ECET), Purdue University, 401 N. Grant St, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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Modelling Approaches and Biological Effects of Pulsed Electric Fields: Engineering Applied to Biology

Abstract submission deadline
closed (31 July 2026)
Manuscript submission deadline
31 October 2026
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1602

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The electroporation phenomenon, i.e., the increase in permeability of biological membranes to impermeant molecules upon the application of external pulsed electric fields (PEFs), has gained increasing attention over the past decades due to its medical, biotechnological, industrial, and environmental applications. The efficient optimization of such applications requires an expansion of our knowledge of basic interaction mechanisms between the biological structures and the electric field, which can be pursued by experiments and modelling. Analytical, circuital, and numerical models of electroporation provide an aid in the interpretation of experimental results, allow us to study phenomena occurring on spatial and temporal scales that are not observable in the experiments, and provide support to the experimental design. On the other hand, the design and set up of circuits and systems for PEFs generation and delivery, which require fast switching elements, wideband, and high-voltage component, is another important challenge in this research field. PEFs are used in electroporation-based applications, which includes the clinical treatment of oncological, cardiac, vascular diseases, as well as food processing and waste transformation. The biological effects of PEF are assessed either in vitro or in suitable phantoms. In this frame, biology and engineering cooperate in a multidisciplinary approach to design innovative solutions using PEFs. This Topic will be focused on innovative approaches to the modelling of the electroporation phenomenon, at both single-cell and multi-cellular levels, with particular attention, but not limited to, circuital, multi-compartment, and field models, in addition to the experimental testing of innovative solution sourcing by their design. Moreover, this Special Issue will also explore new technologies, methodologies, and tools for the design, synthesis, and control of power systems and PEF generators, as well as innovative solutions for ns and sub-ns pulse generation, and new materials for PEF application and delivery Topics include the following:

  • Modelling of electroporation.
  • Circuits and systems for PEF generation.
  • Control systems for high voltage pulses.
  • Tools for design and synthesis of power electronics for PEF.
  • New materials for electrodes and pulse applicators.
  • Fast switching technologies.
  • Generation of ns and sub-ns pulses.
  • Micro- and nanotechnologies for single-cell electroporation.
  • Experimental studies (in vitro, Phantom, etc.).
  • Innovative solutions using PEF.

Dr. Patrizia Lamberti
Dr. Elisabetta Sieni
Dr. Raji Sundararajan
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • pulsed electric fields (PEFs)
  • electroporation modelling
  • bioelectrical engineering
  • high-voltage pulse generation
  • biomedical and industrial applications

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Applied Sciences
applsci 		2.9 6.1 2011 15 Days CHF 2400 Submit
Bioengineering
bioengineering 		4.4 7.5 2014 16.9 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Cancers
cancers 		4.8 9.0 2009 17.5 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Designs
designs 		- 5.7 2017 19.5 Days CHF 1600 Submit
Pharmaceutics
pharmaceutics 		6.9 12.5 2009 16.3 Days CHF 2900 Submit

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Article
Numerical Investigation of Electroporation in the Presence of Silica-Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles: Electric Field Perturbation and Transmembrane Voltage Enhancement During Pulse Rise Time
by Elisabetta Sieni, Patrizia Lamberti, Massimiliano Polichetti, Michele Modestino, Armando Galluzzi, Slavko Kralj, Jelena Kolosnjaj-Tabi, Michele Forzan and Vincenzo Tucci
Appl. Sci. 2026, 16(14), 7089; https://doi.org/10.3390/app16147089 - 15 Jul 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
Electroporation outcomes are governed by the local electric field distribution and transmembrane voltage, both of which may be altered by nanoscale elements positioned near the cell membrane. In this study, we developed a two-dimensional finite-element electromagnetic model to investigate the effect of a [...] Read more.
Electroporation outcomes are governed by the local electric field distribution and transmembrane voltage, both of which may be altered by nanoscale elements positioned near the cell membrane. In this study, we developed a two-dimensional finite-element electromagnetic model to investigate the effect of a membrane-proximal silica-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle cluster during a trapezoidal electroporation pulse. The model couples electric and magnetic field components with a membrane electroporation formulation based on Smoluchowski-type pore-density dynamics. Simulations were performed with and without a nanoparticle positioned 5 nm from the membrane, considering different cytosol and extracellular medium conductivities. The results show that the nanoparticle induces a highly localized perturbation of the electric field, whose magnitude depends on the sampling region and conductivity contrast. Transmembrane voltage is modestly and transiently modulated during pulse rise time, whereas the effect is limited during the pulse plateau. Pore-density analysis further indicates that the nanoparticle does not induce a generalized increase in electroporation-related parameters and may locally reduce pore density near the nanoparticle–membrane interface. Overall, the model identifies transient and conductivity-dependent nanoscale field redistribution caused by membrane-proximal silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles, while highlighting the need for three-dimensional modeling and experimental validation before inferring electroporation enhancement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Modelling Approaches and Biological Effects of Pulsed Electric Fields: Engineering Applied to Biology)
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