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Haberl Meglič S, Slokar D, Miklavčič D. Inactivation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria Escherichia coli by electroporation. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1347000. [PMID: 38333581 PMCID: PMC10850576 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1347000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In modern times, bacterial infections have become a growing problem in the medical community due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In fact, the overuse and improper disposal of antibiotics have led to bacterial resistance and the presence of such bacteria in wastewater. Therefore, it is critical to develop effective strategies for dealing with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wastewater. Electroporation has been found to be one of the most promising complementary techniques for bacterial inactivation because it is effective against a wide range of bacteria, is non-chemical and is highly optimizable. Many studies have demonstrated electroporation-assisted inactivation of bacteria, but rarely have clinical antibiotics or bacteria resistant to these antibiotics been used in the study. Therefore, the motivation for our study was to use a treatment regimen that combines antibiotics and electroporation to inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Methods We separately combined two antibiotics (tetracycline and chloramphenicol) to which the bacteria are resistant (with a different resistance mode) and electric pulses. We used three different concentrations of antibiotics (40, 80 and 150 µg/ml for tetracycline and 100, 500 and 2000 µg/ml for chloramphenicol, respectively) and four different electric field strengths (5, 10, 15 and 20 kV/cm) for electroporation. Results and discussion Our results show that electroporation effectively enhances the effect of antibiotics and inactivates antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The inactivation rate for tetracycline or chloramphenicol was found to be different and to increase with the strength of the pulsed electric field and/or the concentration of the antibiotic. In addition, we show that electroporation has a longer lasting effect (up to 24 hours), making bacteria vulnerable for a considerable time. The present work provides new insights into the use of electroporation to inactivate antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the aquatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Haberl Meglič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Dejan Slokar
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Batista Napotnik T, Kos B, Jarm T, Miklavčič D, O'Connor RP, Rems L. Genetically engineered HEK cells as a valuable tool for studying electroporation in excitable cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:720. [PMID: 38184741 PMCID: PMC10771480 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51073-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Electric pulses used in electroporation-based treatments have been shown to affect the excitability of muscle and neuronal cells. However, understanding the interplay between electroporation and electrophysiological response of excitable cells is complex, since both ion channel gating and electroporation depend on dynamic changes in the transmembrane voltage (TMV). In this study, a genetically engineered human embryonic kidney cells expressing NaV1.5 and Kir2.1, a minimal complementary channels required for excitability (named S-HEK), was characterized as a simple cell model used for studying the effects of electroporation in excitable cells. S-HEK cells and their non-excitable counterparts (NS-HEK) were exposed to 100 µs pulses of increasing electric field strength. Changes in TMV, plasma membrane permeability, and intracellular Ca2+ were monitored with fluorescence microscopy. We found that a very mild electroporation, undetectable with the classical propidium assay but associated with a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+, can already have a profound effect on excitability close to the electrostimulation threshold, as corroborated by multiscale computational modelling. These results are of great relevance for understanding the effects of pulse delivery on cell excitability observed in context of the rapidly developing cardiac pulsed field ablation as well as other electroporation-based treatments in excitable tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Batista Napotnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bor Kos
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tomaž Jarm
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rodney P O'Connor
- École des Mines de Saint-Étienne, Department of Bioelectronics, Georges Charpak Campus, Centre Microélectronique de Provence, 880 Route de Mimet, 13120, Gardanne, France
| | - Lea Rems
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška Cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Genovese J, Rocculi P, Miklavčič D, Mahnič-Kalamiza S. The forgotten method? Pulsed electric field thresholds from the perspective of texture analysis. Food Res Int 2024; 176:113869. [PMID: 38163693 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology has found applications in various industrial food sectors, including the potato industry, winemaking, biorefinery, and juice extraction, among others. The practical implementation of PEF technology in the food industry is however still hindered by several challenges. The detection and quantification of PEF effects are complex due to the variable characteristics and properties of raw materials, including cellular composition, structural organization, textural properties, and tissue porosity. Moreover, the PEF treatment parameters (e.g., pulse amplitude, duration, shape, rate), and process parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, medium conductivity) further complicate the optimization of PEF protocols, requiring a case-by-case approach. Knowledge of treated material properties and their functional dependence on PEF is a crucial prerequisite to informed, intelligent design of treatment protocols. We present an experimental study designed to gain insights into the mechanism behind the changes in textural properties induced by PEF in both plant and animal tissues. These changes in texture are then compared with findings from our previous study on electrical impedance, to highlight how different methods of detection of PEF-induced changes in tissue can yield vastly different results based on the method of analysis used depending on tissue properties. Furthermore, texture analysis unveiled the less-explored effects of PEF treatment on electroosmosis phenomena in both plant and animal tissues. We provide a comparative analysis between plant and animal tissues to elucidate the differences in deformation resulting from PEF treatment. We thus demonstrate how important it is, be it in the development phase or for process control during industrial operation, to choose an appropriate method of characterising PEF-induced changes in tissue to avoid under- or overtreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Genovese
- University of Milan, Department of Food Environmental and Nutritional Sciences, Via Celoria 2, Milano, Italy
| | - Pietro Rocculi
- University of Bologna, Alma Mater Studiorum, Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, P. Goidanich 60, Cesena, Italy
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška c. 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Samo Mahnič-Kalamiza
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška c. 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Peng W, Polajžer T, Yao C, Miklavčič D. Dynamics of Cell Death Due to Electroporation Using Different Pulse Parameters as Revealed by Different Viability Assays. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:22-35. [PMID: 37704904 PMCID: PMC10761553 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03309-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms of cell death due to electroporation are still not well understood. Recent studies suggest that cell death due to electroporation is not an immediate all-or-nothing response but rather a dynamic process that occurs over a prolonged period of time. To investigate whether the dynamics of cell death depends on the pulse parameters or cell lines, we exposed different cell lines to different pulses [monopolar millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond, and high-frequency bipolar (HFIRE)] and then assessed viability at different times using different viability assays. The dynamics of cell death was observed by changes in metabolic activity and membrane integrity. In addition, regardless of pulse or cell line, the dynamics of cell death was observed only at high electroporation intensities, i.e., high pulse amplitudes and/or pulse number. Considering the dynamics of cell death, the clonogenic assay should remain the preferred viability assay for assessing viability after electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Peng
- The State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Tamara Polajžer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Chenguo Yao
- The State Key Laboratory of Power Transmission Equipment and System Security and New Technology, School of Electrical Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Cvetkoska A, Maček-Lebar A, Polajžer T, Reberšek M, Upchurch W, Iaizzo PA, Sigg DC, Miklavčič D. The Effects of Interphase and Interpulse Delays and Pulse Widths on Induced Muscle Contractions, Pain and Therapeutic Efficacy in Electroporation-Based Therapies. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:490. [PMID: 38132658 PMCID: PMC10744272 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10120490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is used in medicine for drug and gene delivery, and as a nonthermal ablation method in tumor treatment and cardiac ablation. Electroporation involves delivering high-voltage electric pulses to target tissue; however, this can cause effects beyond the intended target tissue like nerve stimulation, muscle contractions and pain, requiring use of sedatives or anesthetics. It was previously shown that adjusting pulse parameters may mitigate some of these effects, but not how these adjustments would affect electroporation's efficacy. We investigated the effect of varying pulse parameters such as interphase and interpulse delay while keeping the duration and number of pulses constant on nerve stimulation, muscle contraction and assessing pain and electroporation efficacy, conducting experiments on human volunteers, tissue samples and cell lines in vitro. Our results show that using specific pulse parameters, particularly short high-frequency biphasic pulses with short interphase and long interpulse delays, reduces muscle contractions and pain sensations in healthy individuals. Higher stimulation thresholds were also observed in experiments on isolated swine phrenic nerves and human esophagus tissues. However, changes in the interphase and interpulse delays did not affect the cell permeability and survival, suggesting that modifying the pulse parameters could minimize adverse effects while preserving therapeutic goals in electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Cvetkoska
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.C.); (A.M.-L.); (T.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Alenka Maček-Lebar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.C.); (A.M.-L.); (T.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Tamara Polajžer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.C.); (A.M.-L.); (T.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Matej Reberšek
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.C.); (A.M.-L.); (T.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Weston Upchurch
- Visible Heart® Laboratories, Department of Surgery and the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (W.U.); (P.A.I.)
| | - Paul A. Iaizzo
- Visible Heart® Laboratories, Department of Surgery and the Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (W.U.); (P.A.I.)
| | - Daniel C. Sigg
- Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN 55432, USA;
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.C.); (A.M.-L.); (T.P.); (M.R.)
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Kranjc M, Polajžer T, Novickij V, Miklavčič D. Determination of the Impact of High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on the Release of Damage-Associated Molecular Pattern Molecules. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14607. [PMID: 37834054 PMCID: PMC10572873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (HI-PEMF) treatment is an emerging noninvasive and contactless alternative to conventional electroporation, since the electric field inside the tissue is induced remotely by an externally applied pulsed magnetic field. Recently, HI-PEMF has been successfully used in the transfer of plasmid DNA and siRNA in vivo, with no or minimal infiltration of immune cells. In addition to gene electrotransfer, treatment with HI-PEMF has also shown potential for electrochemotherapy, where activation of the immune response contributes to the treatment outcome. The immune response can be triggered by immunogenic cell death that is characterized by the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) from damaged or/and dying cells. In this study, the release of the best-known DAMP molecules, i.e., adenosine triphosphate (ATP), calreticulin and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMBG1), after HI-PEMF treatment was investigated in vitro on three different cell lines of different tissue origin and compared with conventional electroporation treatment parameters. We have shown that HI-PEMF by itself does not cause the release of HMGB1 or calreticulin, whereas the release of ATP was detected immediately after HI-PEMF treatment. Our results indicate that HI-PEMF treatment causes no to minimal release of DAMP molecules, which results in minimal/limited activation of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Tamara Polajžer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Institute of High Magnetic Fields, Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Plytinės g. 27, 10105 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Department of Immunology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Santariskiu g. 5, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (T.P.)
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Balantič K, Weiss VU, Pittenauer E, Miklavčič D, Kramar P. The role of lipid oxidation on electrical properties of planar lipid bilayers and its importance for understanding electroporation. Bioelectrochemistry 2023; 153:108498. [PMID: 37399652 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2023.108498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Electroporation is a useful tool for the manipulation with the cell membrane permeability. Underlying physicochemical processes taking place at the molecular level during electroporation are relatively well studied. However, various processes remain unknown, one of them is lipid oxidation, a chain reaction that causes degradation of lipids, and might explain the long-lasting membrane permeability after the electric field has ceased. The aim of our study was to observe the differences in the electrical properties of planar lipid bilayers, as in vitro cell membrane models, due to lipid oxidation. Phospholipids were chemically oxidized and oxidation products were analysed using mass spectrometry. Electrical properties, resistance R (Ω) and capacitance C (F) were measured using an LCR meter. Using a previously developed measuring device, a linear increasing signal was applied to a stable bilayer in order to measure its breakdown voltage Ubr (V) and lifetime tbr (µs). We observed an increase in conductance and capacitance of the oxidized planar lipid bilayers when compared to their non-oxidized counterparts. With increasing lipid oxidation, the core of the bilayer becomes more polar, and consequently more permeable. Our findings can explain the long-lasting permeability of the cell membrane after electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Balantič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Slovenia
| | - Victor U Weiss
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Pittenauer
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Slovenia
| | - Peter Kramar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Slovenia.
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Kos B, Mattison L, Ramirez D, Cindrič H, Sigg DC, Iaizzo PA, Stewart MT, Miklavčič D. Determination of lethal electric field threshold for pulsed field ablation in ex vivo perfused porcine and human hearts. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1160231. [PMID: 37424913 PMCID: PMC10326317 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1160231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pulsed field ablation is an emerging modality for catheter-based cardiac ablation. The main mechanism of action is irreversible electroporation (IRE), a threshold-based phenomenon in which cells die after exposure to intense pulsed electric fields. Lethal electric field threshold for IRE is a tissue property that determines treatment feasibility and enables the development of new devices and therapeutic applications, but it is greatly dependent on the number of pulses and their duration. Methods In the study, lesions were generated by applying IRE in porcine and human left ventricles using a pair of parallel needle electrodes at different voltages (500-1500 V) and two different pulse waveforms: a proprietary biphasic waveform (Medtronic) and monophasic 48 × 100 μs pulses. The lethal electric field threshold, anisotropy ratio, and conductivity increase by electroporation were determined by numerical modeling, comparing the model outputs with segmented lesion images. Results The median threshold was 535 V/cm in porcine ((N = 51 lesions in n = 6 hearts) and 416 V/cm in the human donor hearts ((N = 21 lesions in n = 3 hearts) for the biphasic waveform. The median threshold value was 368 V/cm in porcine hearts ((N = 35 lesions in n = 9 hearts) cm for 48 × 100 μs pulses. Discussion The values obtained are compared with an extensive literature review of published lethal electric field thresholds in other tissues and were found to be lower than most other tissues, except for skeletal muscle. These findings, albeit preliminary, from a limited number of hearts suggest that treatments in humans with parameters optimized in pigs should result in equal or greater lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bor Kos
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lars Mattison
- Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - David Ramirez
- Department of Surgery, Visible Heart® Laboratories, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Helena Cindrič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Daniel C. Sigg
- Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Paul A. Iaizzo
- Department of Surgery, Visible Heart® Laboratories, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Mark T. Stewart
- Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Polajžer T, Miklavčič D. Immunogenic Cell Death in Electroporation-Based Therapies Depends on Pulse Waveform Characteristics. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1036. [PMID: 37376425 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, electroporation-based therapies such as electrochemotherapy (ECT), gene electrotransfer (GET) and irreversible electroporation (IRE) are performed with different but typical pulse durations-100 microseconds and 1-50 milliseconds. However, recent in vitro studies have shown that ECT, GET and IRE can be achieved with virtually any pulse duration (millisecond, microsecond, nanosecond) and pulse type (monopolar, bipolar-HFIRE), although with different efficiency. In electroporation-based therapies, immune response activation can affect treatment outcome, and the possibility of controlling and predicting immune response could improve the treatment. In this study, we investigated if different pulse durations and pulse types cause different or similar activations of the immune system by assessing DAMP release (ATP, HMGB1, calreticulin). Results show that DAMP release can be different when different pulse durations and pulse types are used. Nanosecond pulses seems to be the most immunogenic, as they can induce the release of all three main DAMP molecules-ATP, HMGB1 and calreticulin. The least immunogenic seem to be millisecond pulses, as only ATP release was detected and even that assumingly occurs due to increased permeability of the cell membrane. Overall, it seems that DAMP release and immune response in electroporation-based therapies can be controlled though pulse duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Polajžer
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Scuderi M, Dermol-Černe J, Batista Napotnik T, Chaigne S, Bernus O, Benoist D, Sigg DC, Rems L, Miklavčič D. Characterization of Experimentally Observed Complex Interplay between Pulse Duration, Electrical Field Strength, and Cell Orientation on Electroporation Outcome Using a Time-Dependent Nonlinear Numerical Model. Biomolecules 2023; 13:727. [PMID: 37238597 PMCID: PMC10216437 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is a biophysical phenomenon involving an increase in cell membrane permeability to molecules after a high-pulsed electric field is applied to the tissue. Currently, electroporation is being developed for non-thermal ablation of cardiac tissue to treat arrhythmias. Cardiomyocytes have been shown to be more affected by electroporation when oriented with their long axis parallel to the applied electric field. However, recent studies demonstrate that the preferentially affected orientation depends on the pulse parameters. To gain better insight into the influence of cell orientation on electroporation with different pulse parameters, we developed a time-dependent nonlinear numerical model where we calculated the induced transmembrane voltage and pores creation in the membrane due to electroporation. The numerical results show that the onset of electroporation is observed at lower electric field strengths for cells oriented parallel to the electric field for pulse durations ≥10 µs, and cells oriented perpendicular for pulse durations ~100 ns. For pulses of ~1 µs duration, electroporation is not very sensitive to cell orientation. Interestingly, as the electric field strength increases beyond the onset of electroporation, perpendicular cells become more affected irrespective of pulse duration. The results obtained using the developed time-dependent nonlinear model are corroborated by in vitro experimental measurements. Our study will contribute to the process of further development and optimization of pulsed-field ablation and gene therapy in cardiac treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Scuderi
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Dermol-Černe
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Batista Napotnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sebastien Chaigne
- INSERM, CRCTB, U 1045, IHU Liryc, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Olivier Bernus
- INSERM, CRCTB, U 1045, IHU Liryc, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - David Benoist
- INSERM, CRCTB, U 1045, IHU Liryc, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel C. Sigg
- Medtronic, Cardiac Ablation Solutions, Minneapolis, MN 55105, USA
| | - Lea Rems
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Mattison L, Verma A, Tarakji KG, Reichlin T, Hindricks G, Sack KL, Önal B, Schmidt MM, Miklavčič D, Sigg DC. Effect of contact force on pulsed field ablation lesions in porcine cardiac tissue. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2023; 34:693-699. [PMID: 36640426 DOI: 10.1111/jce.15813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Contact force has been used to titrate lesion formation for radiofrequency ablation. Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a field-based ablation technology for which limited evidence on the impact of contact force on lesion size is available. METHODS Porcine hearts (n = 6) were perfused using a modified Langendorff set-up. A prototype focal PFA catheter attached to a force gauge was held perpendicular to the epicardium and lowered until contact was made. Contact force was recorded during each PFA delivery. Matured lesions were cross-sectioned, stained, and the lesion dimensions measured. RESULTS A total of 82 lesions were evaluated with contact forces between 1.3 and 48.6 g. Mean lesion depth was 4.8 ± 0.9 mm (standard deviation), mean lesion width was 9.1 ± 1.3 mm, and mean lesion volume was 217.0 ± 96.6 mm3 . Linear regression curves showed an increase of only 0.01 mm in depth (depth = 0.01 × contact force + 4.41, R2 = 0.05), 0.03 mm in width (width = 0.03 × contact force + 8.26, R2 = 0.13) for each additional gram of contact force, and 2.20 mm3 in volume (volume = 2.20 × contact force + 162, R2 = 0.10). CONCLUSION Increasing contact force using a bipolar, biphasic focal PFA system has minimal effects on acute lesion dimensions in an isolated porcine heart model and achieving tissue contact is more important than the force with which that contact is made.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Tobias Reichlin
- Department of Cardiology, Inselspital-University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Hindricks
- Department of Electrophysiology, Heart Center Leipzig at University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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12
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Potočnik T, Maček Lebar A, Kos Š, Reberšek M, Pirc E, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Effect of Experimental Electrical and Biological Parameters on Gene Transfer by Electroporation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122700. [PMID: 36559197 PMCID: PMC9786189 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The exact mechanisms of nucleic acid (NA) delivery with gene electrotransfer (GET) are still unknown, which represents a limitation for its broader use. Further, not knowing the effects that different experimental electrical and biological parameters have on GET additionally hinders GET optimization, resulting in the majority of research being performed using a trial-and-error approach. To explore the current state of knowledge, we conducted a systematic literature review of GET papers in in vitro conditions and performed meta-analyses of the reported GET efficiency. For now, there is no universal GET strategy that would be appropriate for all experimental aims. Apart from the availability of the required electroporation device and electrodes, the choice of an optimal GET approach depends on parameters such as the electroporation medium; type and origin of cells; and the size, concentration, promoter, and type of the NA to be transfected. Equally important are appropriate controls and the measurement or evaluation of the output pulses to allow a fair and unbiased evaluation of the experimental results. Since many experimental electrical and biological parameters can affect GET, it is important that all used parameters are adequately reported to enable the comparison of results, as well as potentially faster and more efficient experiment planning and optimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Potočnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Maček Lebar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Špela Kos
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Reberšek
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Pirc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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13
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Cindrič H, Miklavčič D, Cornelis FH, Kos B. Optimization of Transpedicular Electrode Insertion for Electroporation-Based Treatments of Vertebral Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215412. [PMID: 36358829 PMCID: PMC9657605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation-based treatments such as electrochemotherapy and irreversible electroporation ablation have sparked interest with respect to their use in medicine. Treatment planning involves determining the best possible electrode positions and voltage amplitudes to ensure treatment of the entire clinical target volume (CTV). This process is mainly performed manually or with computationally intensive genetic algorithms. In this study, an algorithm was developed to optimize electrode positions for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors without using computationally intensive methods. The algorithm considers the electric field distribution in the CTV, identifies undertreated areas, and uses this information to iteratively shift the electrodes from their initial positions to cover the entire CTV. The algorithm performs successfully for different spinal segments, tumor sizes, and positions within the vertebra. The average optimization time was 71 s with an average of 4.9 iterations performed. The algorithm significantly reduces the time and expertise required to create a treatment plan for vertebral tumors. This study serves as a proof of concept that electrode positions can be determined (semi-)automatically based on the spatial information of the electric field distribution in the target tissue. The algorithm is currently designed for the electrochemotherapy of vertebral tumors via a transpedicular approach but could be adapted for other anatomic sites in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Cindrič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Bor Kos
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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14
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Genovese J, Stručić M, Serša I, Novickij V, Rocculi P, Miklavčič D, Mahnič-Kalamiza S, Kranjc M. PEF treatment effect on plant tissues of heterogeneous structure no longer an enigma: MRI insights beyond the naked eye. Food Chem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2022.134892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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15
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Howard B, Verma A, Tzou WS, Mattison L, Kos B, Miklavčič D, Onal B, Stewart MT, Sigg DC. Effects of Electrode-Tissue Proximity on Cardiac Lesion Formation Using Pulsed Field Ablation. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2022; 15:e011110. [PMID: 36166690 PMCID: PMC9584049 DOI: 10.1161/circep.122.011110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) is a novel energy modality for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias. The impact of electrode-tissue proximity on lesion formation by PFA has not been conclusively assessed. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of electrode-tissue proximity on cardiac lesion formation with a biphasic, bipolar PFA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Howard
- Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., L.M., B.O., M.T.S., D.C.S.)
| | - Atul Verma
- McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada (A.V.)
| | - Wendy S Tzou
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO (W.S.T.)
| | - Lars Mattison
- Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., L.M., B.O., M.T.S., D.C.S.)
| | - Bor Kos
- Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., L.M., B.O., M.T.S., D.C.S.).,University of Ljubljana, Slovenia (B.K., D.M.)
| | | | | | - Mark T Stewart
- Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., L.M., B.O., M.T.S., D.C.S.)
| | - Daniel C Sigg
- Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., L.M., B.O., M.T.S., D.C.S.)
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16
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Kranjc M, Dermol-Černe J, Potočnik T, Novickij V, Miklavčič D. High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field-Mediated Gene Electrotransfection In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179543. [PMID: 36076938 PMCID: PMC9455820 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF) is a non-invasive and non-contact delivery method and may, as such, have an advantage over gene electrotransfer mediated by conventional electroporation using contact electrodes. Due to the limited number of in vitro studies in the field of gene electrotransfection by HI-PEMF, we designed experiments to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of such a technique for the non-viral delivery of genetic material into cells in vitro. We first showed that HI-PEMF causes DNA adsorption to the membrane, a generally accepted prerequisite step for successful gene electrotransfection. We also showed that HI-PEMF can induce gene electrotransfection as the application of HI-PEMF increased the percentage of GFP-positive cells for two different combinations of pDNA size and concentration. Furthermore, by measuring the uptake of larger molecules, i.e., fluorescently labelled dextrans of three different sizes, we showed endocytosis to be a possible mechanism for introducing large molecules into cells by HI-PEMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Dermol-Černe
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Potočnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vitalij Novickij
- Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 03227 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Correspondence:
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17
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Sachdev S, Potočnik T, Rems L, Miklavčič D. Revisiting the role of pulsed electric fields in overcoming the barriers to in vivo gene electrotransfer. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 144:107994. [PMID: 34930678 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapies are revolutionizing medicine by providing a way to cure hitherto incurable diseases. The scientific and technological advances have enabled the first gene therapies to become clinically approved. In addition, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are witnessing record speeds in the development and distribution of gene-based vaccines. For gene therapy to take effect, the therapeutic nucleic acids (RNA or DNA) need to overcome several barriers before they can execute their function of producing a protein or silencing a defective or overexpressing gene. This includes the barriers of the interstitium, the cell membrane, the cytoplasmic barriers and (in case of DNA) the nuclear envelope. Gene electrotransfer (GET), i.e., transfection by means of pulsed electric fields, is a non-viral technique that can overcome these barriers in a safe and effective manner. GET has reached the clinical stage of investigations where it is currently being evaluated for its therapeutic benefits across a wide variety of indications. In this review, we formalize our current understanding of GET from a biophysical perspective and critically discuss the mechanisms by which electric field can aid in overcoming the barriers. We also identify the gaps in knowledge that are hindering optimization of GET in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaurya Sachdev
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tjaša Potočnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Rems
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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18
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Balantic K, Miklavčič D, Kramar P. Lipid peroxidation induced changes in electrical properties of planar lipid bilayers. Biophys J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.11.1651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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19
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Balantič K, Miklavčič D, Križaj I, Kramar P. The good and the bad of cell membrane electroporation. Acta Chim Slov 2021; 68:753-764. [PMID: 34918751 DOI: 10.17344/acsi.2021.7198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroporation is used to increase the permeability of the cell membrane through high-voltage electric pulses. Nowadays, it is widely used in different areas, such as medicine, biotechnology, and the food industry. Electroporation induces the formation of hydrophilic pores in the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, to allow the entry or exit of molecules that cannot otherwise cross this hydrophobic barrier. In this article, we critically review the basic principles of electroporation, along with the advantages and drawbacks of this method. We discuss the effects of electroporation on the key components of biological membranes, as well as the main applications of this procedure in medicine, such as electrochemotherapy, gene electrotransfer, and tissue ablation. Finally, we define the most relevant challenges of this promising area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Balantič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana.
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20
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Djukić-Vuković A, Meglič SH, Flisar K, Mojović L, Miklavčič D. Pulsed electric field treatment of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, bacteria with probiotic potential. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2021.112304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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21
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Batista Napotnik T, Polajžer T, Miklavčič D. Cell death due to electroporation - A review. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 141:107871. [PMID: 34147013 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of cells to high voltage electric pulses increases transiently membrane permeability through membrane electroporation. Electroporation can be reversible and is used in gene transfer and enhanced drug delivery but can also lead to cell death. Electroporation resulting in cell death (termed as irreversible electroporation) has been successfully used as a new non-thermal ablation method of soft tissue such as tumours or arrhythmogenic heart tissue. Even though the mechanisms of cell death can influence the outcome of electroporation-based treatments due to use of different electric pulse parameters and conditions, these are not elucidated yet. We review the mechanisms of cell death after electroporation reported in literature, cell injuries that may lead to cell death after electroporation and membrane repair mechanisms involved. The knowledge of membrane repair and cell death mechanisms after cell exposure to electric pulses, targets of electric field in cells need to be identified to optimize existing and develop of new electroporation-based techniques used in medicine, biotechnology, and food technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Batista Napotnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tamara Polajžer
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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22
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Kranjc M, Kranjc Brezar S, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Contactless delivery of plasmid encoding EGFP in vivo by high-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 141:107847. [PMID: 34058542 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
High-Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (HI-PEMF) treatment is an emerging noninvasive and contactless alternative to conventional electroporation, since the electric field inside the tissue is induced remotely by external pulsed magnetic field. Recently, HI-PEMF was applied for delivering siRNA molecules to silence enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in tumors in vivo. Still, delivered siRNA molecules were 21 base pairs long, which is 200-times smaller compared to nucleic acids such as plasmid DNA (pDNA) that are delivered in gene therapies to various targets to generate therapeutic effect. In our study, we demonstrate the use HI-PEMF treatment as a feasible noninvasive approach to achieve in vivo transfection by enabling the transport of larger molecules such as pDNA encoding EGFP into muscle and skin. We obtained a long-term expression of EGFP in the muscle and skin after HI-PEMF, in some mice even up to 230 days and up to 190 days, respectively. Histological analysis showed significantly less infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells in muscle tissue after the delivery of pEGFP using HI-PEMF compared to conventional gene electrotransfer. Furthermore, the antitumor effectiveness using HI-PEMF for electrotransfer of therapeutic plasmid, i.e., silencing MCAM was demonstrated. In conclusion, feasibility of HI-PEMF was demonstrated for transfection of different tissues (muscle, skin, tumor) and could have great potential in gene therapy and in DNA vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kranjc
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Trzaska 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloska 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, SI - 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Trzaska 25, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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23
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Haberl Meglič S, Vorobiev E, Miklavčič D. Editorial: Pulsed Electric Fields in Biotechnology. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:639150. [PMID: 33996778 PMCID: PMC8119890 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.639150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saša Haberl Meglič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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24
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Potočnik T, Miklavčič D, Maček Lebar A. Gene transfer by electroporation with high frequency bipolar pulses in vitro. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107803. [PMID: 33975183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
High-frequency bipolar pulses (HF-BP) have been demonstrated to be efficient for membrane permeabilization and irreversible electroporation. Since membrane permeabilization has been achieved using HF-BP pulses we hypothesized that with these pulses we can also achieve successful gene electrotransfer (GET). Three variations of bursts of 2 µs bipolar pulses with 2 µs interphase delay were applied in HF-BP protocols. We compared transfection efficiency of monopolar micro and millisecond pulses and HF-BP protocols at various plasmid DNA (pDNA) concentrations on CHO - K1 cells. GET efficiency increased with increasing pDNA concentration. Overall GET obtained by HF-BP pulse protocols was comparable to overall GET obtained by longer monopolar pulse protocols. Our results, however, suggest that although we were able to achieve similar percent of transfected cells, the number of pDNA copies that were successfully transferred into cells seemed to be higher when longer monopolar pulses were used. Interestingly, we did not observe any direct correlation between fluorescence intensity of pDNA aggregates formed on cell membrane and transfection efficiency. The results of our study confirmed that we can achieve successful GET with bipolar microsecond i. e. HF-BP pulses, although at the expense of higher pDNA concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tjaša Potočnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alenka Maček Lebar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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25
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Stewart MT, Haines DE, Miklavčič D, Kos B, Kirchhof N, Barka N, Mattison L, Martien M, Onal B, Howard B, Verma A. Safety and chronic lesion characterization of pulsed field ablation in a Porcine model. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2021; 32:958-969. [PMID: 33650743 PMCID: PMC8048690 DOI: 10.1111/jce.14980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Pulsed field ablation (PFA) has been identified as an alternative to thermal‐based ablation systems for treatment of atrial fibrillation patients. The objective of this Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) study was to characterize the chronic effects and safety of overlapping lesions created by a PFA system at intracardiac locations in a porcine model. Methods A circular catheter with nine gold electrodes was used for overlapping low‐ or high‐dose PFA deliveries in the superior vena cava (SVC), right atrial appendage (RAA), and right superior pulmonary vein (RSPV) in six pigs. Electrical isolation was evaluated acutely and chronic lesions were assessed via necropsy and histopathology after 4‐week survival. Acute and chronic safety data were recorded peri‐ and post‐procedurally. Results No animal experienced ventricular arrhythmia during PFA delivery, and there was no evidence of periprocedural PFA‐related adverse events. Lesions created in all anatomies resulted in electrical isolation postprocedure. Lesions were circumferential, contiguous, and transmural, with all converting into consistent lines of chronic replacement fibrosis, regardless of trabeculated or smooth endocardial surface structure. Ablations were non‐thermally generated with only minimal post‐delivery temperature rises recorded at the electrodes. There was no evidence of extracardiac damage, stenosis, aneurysms, endocardial disruption, or thrombus. Conclusion PFA deliveries to the SVC, RAA, and RSPV resulted in complete circumferential replacement fibrosis at 4‐week postablation with an excellent chronic myocardial and collateral tissue safety profile. This GLP study evaluated the safety and efficacy of a dosage range in preparation for a clinical trial and characterized the non‐thermal nature of PFA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Stewart
- Cardiac Rhythm Management, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - David E Haines
- Beaumont Health System, Div of Cardiology, EP Services, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oaks, Michigan, USA
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bor Kos
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nicole Kirchhof
- Cardiac Rhythm Management, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Noah Barka
- Cardiac Rhythm Management, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lars Mattison
- Cardiac Rhythm Management, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Matt Martien
- Cardiac Rhythm Management, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Birce Onal
- Cardiac Rhythm Management, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Brian Howard
- Cardiac Rhythm Management, Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Atul Verma
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Arrhythmia Services, University of Toronto, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada
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26
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Vižintin A, Marković S, Ščančar J, Miklavčič D. Electroporation with nanosecond pulses and bleomycin or cisplatin results in efficient cell kill and low metal release from electrodes. Bioelectrochemistry 2021; 140:107798. [PMID: 33743336 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2021.107798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nanosecond electric pulses have several potential advantages in electroporation-based procedures over the conventional micro- and millisecond pulses including low level of heating, reduced electrochemical reactions and reduced muscle contractions making them alluring for use in biomedicine and food industry. The aim of this study was to evaluate if nanosecond pulses can enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutics bleomycin and cisplatin in vitro and to quantify metal release from electrodes in comparison to 100 μs pulses commonly used in electrochemotherapy. The effects of nanosecond pulse parameters (voltage, pulse duration, number of pulses) on cell membrane permeabilization, resealing and on cell survival after electroporation only and after electrochemotherapy with bleomycin and cisplatin were evaluated on Chinese hamster ovary cells. Application of permeabilizing nanosecond pulses in combination with chemotherapeutics resulted in successful cell kill. Higher extracellular concentrations of bleomycin - but not cisplatin - were needed to achieve the same decrease in cell survival with nanosecond pulses as with eight 100 μs pulses, however, the tested bleomycin concentrations were still considerably lower compared to doses used in clinical practice. Decreasing the pulse duration from microseconds to nanoseconds and concomitantly increasing the amplitude to achieve the same biological effect resulted in reduced release of aluminum ions from electroporation cuvettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Vižintin
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stefan Marković
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Ščančar
- Jožef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Haberl Meglič S, Janež N, Peterka M, Flisar K, Kotnik T, Miklavčič D. Evaluation and Optimization of Protein Extraction From E. coli by Electroporation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:543187. [PMID: 33015013 PMCID: PMC7506034 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.543187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing diversity of protein-based technologies dictates further development of bio manufacturing to lower the cost of production and maximize yields. Intracellularly expressed recombinant proteins must be extracted from production host prior to purification. Use of electroporation to obtain proteins from bacteria and yeasts has been demonstrated in several studies for different modes of operation and formats. Here we tested various protocols for protein extraction from Escherichia coli by means of electroporation. The tested protocols were compared to established extraction methods of ultrasonication and glass-bead milling in terms of protein yields and content of impurities such as host cell DNA and endotoxins in the lysate. Protein extraction yield was maximal when exponentially growing bacteria were treated at 37°C, regardless of the electroporation mode of operation (batch or flow). We were unable to eliminate co-extraction of host DNA and endotoxins, but with 8 × 1 ms, 5 kV/cm, 1 Hz pulses they were minimized. Yields with optimized electroporation (up to 86 g protein/kg dry weight) were inferior to those in ultrasonication (up to 144 g protein/kg dry weight) and glass-bead milling (up to 280 g protein/kg dry weight). Nevertheless, electroporation largely avoids cell lysis and disintegration with which the extract is a mix of extracted proteins with debris of the bacterial envelope and bacterial DNA, which necessitates further purification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Haberl Meglič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nika Janež
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Centre for Biotechnology, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
- Department of Biotechnology, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matjaž Peterka
- Centre of Excellence for Biosensors, Instrumentation and Process Control, Centre for Biotechnology, Ajdovščina, Slovenia
| | - Karel Flisar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Kotnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Pirc E, Federici C, Bošnjak M, Perić B, Reberšek M, Pecchia L, Glumac N, Čemažar M, Snoj M, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Early Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Electrochemotherapy as a Prospect Treatment Modality for Skin Melanoma. Clin Ther 2020; 42:1535-1548.e2. [PMID: 32768246 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Electrochemotherapy is increasingly entering into national and international guidelines, requiring formal evaluation of treatment costs and cost-effectiveness to ensure that its uptake provides value to budget-constrained health care systems. This study analyzed the early cost-effectiveness of electrochemotherapy in patients with Stage IIIc/IV skin melanoma in clinical practice in Slovenia. The costs of electrochemotherapy were compared to those of the standard of care, consisting of palliative treatment and therapy for symptoms. METHODS wThe study enrolled 23 patients treated with electrochemotherapy at the Institute of Oncology (Ljubljana, Slovenia). The mean cost of electrochemotherapy was estimated using patient-specific cost data on electrochemotherapy procedures and subsequent follow-up. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were estimated by collecting EQ-5D-3L questionnaires at baseline, after complete or partial response following the treatment, and after a relapse of skin lesions. A discrete-time Markov model was built to estimate the lifetime costs and consequences of using electrochemotherapy compared to standard of care, from the perspective of the Slovenian health care system. The analysis was conducted separately in the whole patient sample and in the subset of patients with bleeding lesions. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted to test model assumptions and to characterize the uncertainty around model parameters. FINDINGS In the whole patient population, electrochemotherapy for skin melanoma Stage IIIc/IV was expected to increase QALYs by 0.29 (95% credible interval [CrI], 0.10-0.50), at the higher cost of 6568 EUR (95% CrI, 4593-8928) in comparison to the standard of care. At the cost-effectiveness threshold of 20,000 EUR/QALY, the estimated probabilities of electrochemotherapy being cost-effective compared to standard of care were 0.30 and 0.91 in the whole patient sample and in patients with bleeding lesions, respectively. In the whole sample population, a 50% reduction in the price of the electrodes was expected to increase the probability of electrochemotherapy being cost-effective from 0.30 to ~0.64. IMPLICATIONS The findings from this cost-effectiveness analysis of data from clinical practice were based on a small sample size (ie, 23 patents), which made the subgroup of patients with bleeding lesions very small. Therefore, the findings in this patient population should be carefully interpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pirc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Carlo Federici
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; Centre for Research on Health and Social Care Management, SDA Bocconi University, Milan, Italy
| | - Maša Bošnjak
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Perić
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Reberšek
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Leandro Pecchia
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Nebojša Glumac
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marko Snoj
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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29
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Howard B, Haines DE, Verma A, Packer D, Kirchhof N, Barka N, Onal B, Fraasch S, Miklavčič D, Stewart MT. Reduction in Pulmonary Vein Stenosis and Collateral Damage With Pulsed Field Ablation Compared With Radiofrequency Ablation in a Canine Model. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2020; 13:e008337. [PMID: 32877256 PMCID: PMC7495982 DOI: 10.1161/circep.120.008337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pulmonary vein (PV) stenosis is a highly morbid condition that can result after catheter ablation for PV isolation. We hypothesized that pulsed field ablation (PFA) would reduce PV stenosis risk and collateral injury compared with irrigated radiofrequency ablation (IRF). METHODS IRF and PFA deliveries were randomized in 8 dogs with 2 superior PVs ablated using one technology and 2 inferior PVs ablated using the other technology. IRF energy (25-30 W) or PFA was delivered (16 pulse trains) at each PV in a proximal and in a distal site. Contrast computed tomography scans were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12-week (termination) time points to monitor PV cross-sectional area at each PV ablation site. RESULTS Maximum average change in normalized cross-sectional area at 4-weeks was -46.1±45.1% post-IRF compared with -5.5±20.5% for PFA (P≤0.001). PFA-treated targets showed significantly fewer vessel restrictions compared with IRF (P≤0.023). Necropsy showed expansive PFA lesions without stenosis in the proximal PV sites, compared with more confined and often incomplete lesions after IRF. At the distal PV sites, only IRF ablations were grossly identified based on focal fibrosis. Mild chronic parenchymal hemorrhage was noted in 3 left superior PV lobes after IRF. Damage to vagus nerves as well as evidence of esophagus dilation occurred at sites associated with IRF. In contrast, no lung, vagal nerve, or esophageal injury was observed at PFA sites. CONCLUSIONS PFA significantly reduced risk of PV stenosis compared with IRF postprocedure in a canine model. IRF also caused vagus nerve, esophageal, and lung injury while PFA did not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Howard
- Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., N.K., N.B., B.O., S.F., M.T.S.)
| | - David E Haines
- Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Royal Oak, MI (D.E.H.)
| | - Atul Verma
- Southlake Regional Health Centre, Newmarket, ON, Canada (A.V.)
| | | | - Nicole Kirchhof
- Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., N.K., N.B., B.O., S.F., M.T.S.)
| | - Noah Barka
- Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., N.K., N.B., B.O., S.F., M.T.S.)
| | - Birce Onal
- Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., N.K., N.B., B.O., S.F., M.T.S.)
| | - Steve Fraasch
- Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., N.K., N.B., B.O., S.F., M.T.S.)
| | | | - Mark T Stewart
- Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, MN (B.H., N.K., N.B., B.O., S.F., M.T.S.)
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Abstract
Pulsed electric field treatment has increased over the last few decades with successful translation from in vitro studies into different medical treatments like electrochemotherapy, irreversible electroporation for tumor and cardiac tissue ablation and gene electrotransfer for gene therapy and DNA vaccination. Pulsed electric field treatments are efficient but localized often requiring repeated applications to obtain results due to partial response and recurrence of disease. While these treatment times are several orders of magnitude lower than conventional biochemical treatment, it has been recently suggested that cells may become resistant to electroporation in repetitive treatments. In our study, we evaluate this possibility of developing adaptive resistance in cells exposed to pulsed electric field treatment over successive lifetimes. Mammalian cells were exposed to electroporation pulses for 30 generations. Every 5th generation was analyzed by determining permeabilization and survival curve. No statistical difference between cells in control and cells exposed to pulsed electric field treatment was observed. We offer evidence that electroporation does not affect cells in a way that they would become less susceptible to pulsed electric field treatment. Our findings indicate pulsed electric field treatment can be used in repeated treatments with each treatment having equal efficiency to the initial treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Polajžer
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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31
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Dermol-Černe J, Batista Napotnik T, Reberšek M, Miklavčič D. Short microsecond pulses achieve homogeneous electroporation of elongated biological cells irrespective of their orientation in electric field. Sci Rep 2020; 10:9149. [PMID: 32499601 PMCID: PMC7272635 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65830-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In gene electrotransfer and cardiac ablation with irreversible electroporation, treated muscle cells are typically of elongated shape and their orientation may vary. Orientation of cells in electric field has been reported to affect electroporation, and hence electrodes placement and pulse parameters choice in treatments for achieving homogeneous effect in tissue is important. We investigated how cell orientation influences electroporation with respect to different pulse durations (ns to ms range), both experimentally and numerically. Experimentally detected electroporation (evaluated separately for cells parallel and perpendicular to electric field) via Ca2+ uptake in H9c2 and AC16 cardiomyocytes was numerically modeled using the asymptotic pore equation. Results showed that cell orientation affects electroporation extent: using short, nanosecond pulses, cells perpendicular to electric field are significantly more electroporated than parallel (up to 100-times more pores formed), and with long, millisecond pulses, cells parallel to electric field are more electroporated than perpendicular (up to 1000-times more pores formed). In the range of a few microseconds, cells of both orientations were electroporated to the same extent. Using pulses of a few microseconds lends itself as a new possible strategy in achieving homogeneous electroporation in tissue with elongated cells of different orientation (e.g. electroporation-based cardiac ablation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Dermol-Černe
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tina Batista Napotnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Reberšek
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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32
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Eleršek T, Flisar K, Likozar B, Klemenčič M, Golob J, Kotnik T, Miklavčič D. Electroporation as a Solvent-Free Green Technique for Non-Destructive Extraction of Proteins and Lipids From Chlorella vulgaris. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:443. [PMID: 32478057 PMCID: PMC7237570 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Proteins extracted from microalgae for food, personal care products and cosmetics must be of high purity, requiring solvent-free extraction techniques despite their generally considerably lower protein yield and higher energy consumption. Here, three such approaches for green extraction of proteins from Chlorella vulgaris were evaluated: ultrasound, freeze-thawing, and electroporation; chemical lysis was used as positive control (maximal achievable extraction), and no extraction treatment as negative control. Compared to chemical lysis, electroporation yielded the highest fraction of extracted protein mass in the supernatant (≤27%), ultrasound ≤24%, and freeze-thawing ≤15%. After a growth lag of several days, electroporated groups of algal cells started to exhibit growth dynamics similar to the negative control group, while no growth regeneration was detected in groups exposed to ultrasound, freeze-thawing, or chemical lysis. For electroporation as the most efficient and the only non-destructive among the considered solvent-free protein extraction techniques, simultaneous extraction of intracellular algal lipids into supernatant was then investigated by HPLC, proving relatively low-yield (≤7% of the total algal lipid mass), yet feasible for glycerides (tri-, di-, and mono-) as well as other fatty acid derivatives. Our results show that electroporation, though lower in extraction yields than chemical lysis or mechanical disintegration, is in contrast to them a technique for largely debris-free extraction of proteins from microalgae, with no need for prior concentration or drying, with feasible growth regeneration, and with potential for simultaneous extraction of intracellular algal lipids into the supernatant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Eleršek
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Karel Flisar
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Blaž Likozar
- National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marina Klemenčič
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janvit Golob
- Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Kotnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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33
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Dermol-Černe J, Pirc E, Miklavčič D. Mechanistic view of skin electroporation - models and dosimetry for successful applications: an expert review. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2020; 17:689-704. [PMID: 32192364 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2020.1745772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Skin electroporation is a promising treatment for transdermal drug delivery, gene electrotransfer, skin rejuvenation, electrochemotherapy, and wound disinfection. Although a considerable amount of in vitro and in vivo studies exists, the translation to clinics is not as fast as one would hope. We hypothesize the reason lies in the inadequate dosimetry, i.e. electrode configurations, pulse parameters, and pulse generators used. We suggest adequate dosimetry can be determined by mathematical modeling which would allow comparison of protocols and facilitate translation into clinics.Areas covered: We introduce the mechanisms and applications of skin electroporation, present existing mathematical models and compare the influence of different model parameters. We review electrodes and pulse generators, prototypes, as well as commercially available models.Expert opinion: The reasons for slow translation of skin electroporation treatments into clinics lie in uncontrolled and inadequate dosimetry, poor reporting rendering comparisons between studies difficult, and significant differences in animal and human skin morphology often dismissed in reports. Mathematical models enable comparison of studies, however, when the parameters of the pulses and electrode configuration are not adequately reported, as is often the case, comparisons are difficult, if not impossible. For each skin electroporation treatment, systematic studies determining optimal parameters should be performed and treatment parameters standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Dermol-Černe
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Eva Pirc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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34
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Geboers B, Scheffer HJ, Graybill PM, Ruarus AH, Nieuwenhuizen S, Puijk RS, van den Tol PM, Davalos RV, Rubinsky B, de Gruijl TD, Miklavčič D, Meijerink MR. High-Voltage Electrical Pulses in Oncology: Irreversible Electroporation, Electrochemotherapy, Gene Electrotransfer, Electrofusion, and Electroimmunotherapy. Radiology 2020; 295:254-272. [PMID: 32208094 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2020192190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
This review summarizes the use of high-voltage electrical pulses (HVEPs) in clinical oncology to treat solid tumors with irreversible electroporation (IRE) and electrochemotherapy (ECT). HVEPs increase the membrane permeability of cells, a phenomenon known as electroporation. Unlike alternative ablative therapies, electroporation does not affect the structural integrity of surrounding tissue, thereby enabling tumors in the vicinity of vital structures to be treated. IRE uses HVEPs to cause cell death by inducing membrane disruption, and it is primarily used as a radical ablative therapy in the treatment of soft-tissue tumors in the liver, kidney, prostate, and pancreas. ECT uses HVEPs to transiently increase membrane permeability, enhancing cellular cytotoxic drug uptake in tumors. IRE and ECT show immunogenic effects that could be augmented when combined with immunomodulatory drugs, a combination therapy the authors term electroimmunotherapy. Additional electroporation-based technologies that may reach clinical importance, such as gene electrotransfer, electrofusion, and electroimmunotherapy, are concisely reviewed. HVEPs represent a substantial advancement in cancer research, and continued improvement and implementation of these presented technologies will require close collaboration between engineers, interventional radiologists, medical oncologists, and immuno-oncologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Geboers
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Hester J Scheffer
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Philip M Graybill
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Alette H Ruarus
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Sanne Nieuwenhuizen
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Robbert S Puijk
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Petrousjka M van den Tol
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Rafael V Davalos
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Boris Rubinsky
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
| | - Martijn R Meijerink
- From the Departments of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (B.G., H.J.S., A.H.R., S.N., R.S.P., M.R.M.), Surgery (P.M.v.d.T.), and Medical Oncology (T.D.d.G.), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Bioelectromechanical Systems Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, Va (P.M.G., R.V.D.); Department of Bioengineering and Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, Calif (B.R.); and Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia (D.M.)
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Pirc E, Reberšek M, Miklavčič D. Functional Requirements and Quality Assurance Necessary for Successful Incorporation of Electroporation-Based Therapies Into Clinical Practice. J Med Device 2020. [DOI: 10.1115/1.4045837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Electroporation-based therapies have a huge potential for implementation into clinical practice in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Currently, the price of electroporators and electrodes is relatively high, but custom low budget devices can be developed. In the paper, we describe three most established applications in medicine, with the focus on the basic mechanisms, which should be taken into account during the development process of a clinical electroporator. Also, typical pulse parameters used in each of the described applications are defined. In the second part of the paper, we describe technical functional requirements for a clinical electroporator and safety guidelines, with the focus on medical device standard. At the end of the paper, the focus moves to a more general problematic, such as quality assurance and the importance of measurement during the pulse delivery, which we firmly believe is necessary for successful electroporation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Pirc
- Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška cesta 25, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Matej Reberšek
- Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška cesta 25, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška cesta 25, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
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Kranjc Brezar S, Kranjc M, Čemažar M, Buček S, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Electrotransfer of siRNA to Silence Enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein in Tumor Mediated by a High Intensity Pulsed Electromagnetic Field. Vaccines (Basel) 2020; 8:E49. [PMID: 32012775 PMCID: PMC7157195 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines8010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The contactless high intensity pulsed electromagnetic field (HI-PEMF)-induced increase of cell membrane permeability is similar to conventional electroporation, with the important difference of inducing an electric field non-invasively by exposing a treated tissue to a time-varying magnetic field. Due to the limited number of studies in the field of electroporation induced by HI-PEMF, we designed experiments to explore the feasibility of such a contactless delivery technique for the gene electrotransfer of nucleic acids in tissues in vivo. By using HI-PEMF for gene electrotransfer, we silenced enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) with siRNA molecules against EGFP in B16F10-EGFP tumors. Six days after the transfer, the fluorescent tumor area decreased by up to 39% as determined by fluorescence imaging in vivo. In addition, the silencing of EGFP to the same extent was confirmed at the mRNA and protein level. The results obtained in the in vivo mouse model demonstrate the potential use of HI-PEMF-induced cell permeabilization for gene therapy and DNA vaccination. Further studies are thus warranted to improve the equipment, optimize the protocols for gene transfer and the HI-PEMF parameters, and demonstrate the effects of HI-PEMF on a broader range of different normal and tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Kranjc Brezar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
| | - Matej Kranjc
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Polje 42, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Simon Buček
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Gregor Serša
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (S.K.B.); (M.Č.); (G.S.)
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
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Polajžer T, Dermol-Černe J, Reberšek M, O'Connor R, Miklavčič D. Cancellation effect is present in high-frequency reversible and irreversible electroporation. Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 132:107442. [PMID: 31923714 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It was recently suggested that applying high-frequency short biphasic pulses (HF-IRE) reduces pain and muscle contractions in electrochemotherapy and irreversible ablation treatments; however, higher amplitudes with HF-IRE pulses are required to achieve a similar effect as with monophasic pulses. HF-IRE pulses are in the range of a microseconds, thus, the so-called cancellation effect could be responsible for the need to apply pulses of higher amplitudes. In cancellation effect, the effect of first pulse is reduced by the second pulse of opposite polarity. We evaluated cancellation effect with high-frequency biphasic pulses on CHO-K1 in different electroporation buffers. We applied eight bursts of 1-10 µs long pulses with inter-phase delays of 0.5 µs - 10 ms and evaluated membrane permeability and cell survival. In permeability experiments, cancellation effect was not observed in low-conductivity buffer. Cancellation effect was, however, observed in treatments with high-frequency biphasic pulses looking at survival in all of the tested electroporation buffers. In general, cancellation effect depended on inter-phase delay as well as on pulse duration, i.e. longer pulses and longer interphase delay cause less pronounced cancellation effect. Cancellation effect could be partially explained by the assisted discharge and not by the hyperpolarization by the chloride channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Polajžer
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Dermol-Černe
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Reberšek
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rodney O'Connor
- École des Mines de Saint-Étienne, Department of Bioelectronics, Georges Charpak Campus, Centre Microélectronique de Provence, 880 Route de Mimet, 13120 Gardanne, France
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Potočnik T, Miklavčič D, Maček Lebar A. Effect of electroporation and recovery medium pH on cell membrane permeabilization, cell survival and gene transfer efficiency in vitro. Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 130:107342. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2019.107342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Mutsenko V, Barlič A, Pezić T, Dermol-Černe J, Dovgan B, Sydykov B, Wolkers WF, Katkov II, Glasmacher B, Miklavčič D, Gryshkov O. Me 2SO- and serum-free cryopreservation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells using electroporation-assisted delivery of sugars. Cryobiology 2019; 91:104-114. [PMID: 31593692 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is the universal technology used to enable long-term storage and continuous availability of cell stocks and tissues for regenerative medicine demands. The main components of standard freezing media are dimethyl sulfoxide (hereinafter Me2SO) and fetal bovine serum (FBS). However, for manufacturing of cells and tissue-engineered products in accordance with the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), current considerations in regenerative medicine suggest development of Me2SO- and serum-free biopreservation strategies due to safety concerns over Me2SO-induced side effects and immunogenicity of animal serum. In this work, the effect of electroporation-assisted pre-freeze delivery of sucrose, trehalose and raffinose into human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) on their post-thaw survival was investigated. The optimal strength of electric field at 8 pulses with 100 μs duration and 1 Hz pulse repetition frequency was determined to be 1.5 kV/cm from permeabilization (propidium iodide uptake) vs. cell recovery data (resazurin reduction assay). Using sugars as sole cryoprotectants with electroporation, concentration-dependent increase in cell survival was observed. Irrespective of sugar type, the highest cell survival (up to 80%) was achieved at 400 mM extracellular concentration and electroporation. Cell freezing without electroporation yielded significantly lower survival rates. In the optimal scenario, cells were able to attach 24 h after thawing demonstrating characteristic shape and sugar-loaded vacuoles. Application of 10% Me2SO/90% FBS as a positive control provided cell survival exceeding 90%. Next, high glass transition temperatures determined for optimal concentrations of sugars by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) suggest the possibility to store samples at -80 °C. In summary, using electroporation to incorporate cryoprotective sugars into cells is an effective strategy towards Me2SO- and serum-free cryopreservation and may pave the way for further progress in establishing clinically safe biopreservation strategies for efficient long-term biobanking of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalii Mutsenko
- Institute for Multiphase Processes, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| | | | - Tamara Pezić
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Dermol-Černe
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Barbara Dovgan
- Educell Ltd, Trzin, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bulat Sydykov
- Institute for Multiphase Processes, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Willem F Wolkers
- Institute for Multiphase Processes, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Igor I Katkov
- Laboratory of the Amorphous State, Institute for Natural and Engineering Sciences, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia; MIP Vitronix, ltd, Belgorod, Russia
| | - Birgit Glasmacher
- Institute for Multiphase Processes, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Oleksandr Gryshkov
- Institute for Multiphase Processes, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Cornelis FH, Cindrič H, Kos B, Fujimori M, Petre EN, Miklavčič D, Solomon SB, Srimathveeravalli G. Peri-tumoral Metallic Implants Reduce the Efficacy of Irreversible Electroporation for the Ablation of Colorectal Liver Metastases. Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol 2019; 43:84-93. [PMID: 31385006 DOI: 10.1007/s00270-019-02300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of peri-tumoral metallic implants (MI) on the safety and efficacy of percutaneous irreversible electroporation (IRE) of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, 25 patients (12 women, 13 men; MI: 13, no MI: 12) were treated for 29 CRLM. Patient characteristics, tumor location and size, treatment parameters and the presence of MI were evaluated as determinants of local tumor progression (LTP) with the competing risks model (univariate and multivariate analyses). Patient-specific computer models were created to examine the effect of the MI on the electric field used to induce IRE, probability of cell kill and potential thermal effects. RESULTS Patients had a median follow-up of 25 months, during which no IRE-related major complications were reported. Univariate analysis showed that tumor size (> 2 cm), probe spacing (> 20 mm) and the presence of MI (p < 0.05) were significant predictors of time to LTP, but only the latter was found to be an independent predictor on multivariate analysis (sub-hazard ratio = 6.5; [95% CI 1.99, 21.4]; p = 0.002). The absence of peri-tumoral MI was associated with higher progression-free survival at 12 months (92.3% [56.6, 98.9] vs 12.5% [2.1, 32.8]). Computer simulations indicated significant distortions and reduction in electric field strength near MI, which could have contributed to under-treatment of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS Peri-tumoral MI increases the risk of treatment failure following IRE of CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois H Cornelis
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,Tenon Hospital, ISCD, Sorbonne Université, 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020, Paris, France
| | - Helena Cindrič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bor Kos
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Masashi Fujimori
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Elena N Petre
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stephen B Solomon
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Govindarajan Srimathveeravalli
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA. .,Institute for Applied Life Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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Sugrue A, Vaidya V, Witt C, DeSimone CV, Yasin O, Maor E, Killu AM, Kapa S, McLeod CJ, Miklavčič D, Asirvatham SJ. Irreversible electroporation for catheter-based cardiac ablation: a systematic review of the preclinical experience. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2019; 55:251-265. [PMID: 31270656 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-019-00574-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Irreversible electroporation (IRE) utilizing high voltage pulses is an emerging strategy for catheter-based cardiac ablation with considerable growth in the preclinical arena. METHODS A systematic search for articles was performed from three sources (PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar). The primary outcome was the efficacy of tissue ablation with characteristics of lesion formation evaluated by histologic analysis. The secondary outcome was focused on safety and damage to collateral structures. RESULTS Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. IRE was most commonly applied to the ventricular myocardium (n = 7/16, 44%) by a LifePak 9 Defibrillator (n = 9/16, 56%), NanoKnife Generator (n = 2/16, 13%), or other custom generators (n = 5/16, 31%). There was significant heterogeneity regarding electroporation protocols. On histological analysis, IRE was successful in creating ablation lesions with variable transmurality depending on the electric pulse parameters and catheter used. CONCLUSION Preclinical studies suggest that cardiac tissue ablation using IRE shows promise in delivering efficacious, safe lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Sugrue
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Vaibhav Vaidya
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Chance Witt
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Christopher V DeSimone
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Omar Yasin
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Elad Maor
- Leviev Heart Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ammar M Killu
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Suraj Kapa
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Christopher J McLeod
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Trzaska 25, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Samuel J Asirvatham
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Chiapperino MA, Bia P, Caratelli D, Gielis J, Mescia L, Dermol‐Černe J, Miklavčič D. Nonlinear Dispersive Model of Electroporation for Irregular Nucleated Cells. Bioelectromagnetics 2019; 40:331-342. [DOI: 10.1002/bem.22197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Pietro Bia
- Department of Design SolutionElettronica S.p.ARome Italy
| | - Diego Caratelli
- Antenna Division, the Antenna CompanyHigh Tech CampusEindhoven The Netherlands
| | - Johan Gielis
- Department of BioengineeringUniversity of AntwerpAntwerp Belgium
| | - Luciano Mescia
- Department of Electrical and Information EngineeringPolytechnic University of BariBari Italy
| | - Janja Dermol‐Černe
- Department of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical EngineeringUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljana Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Department of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical EngineeringUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljana Slovenia
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Campana LG, Miklavčič D, Bertino G, Marconato R, Valpione S, Imarisio I, Dieci MV, Granziera E, Cemazar M, Alaibac M, Sersa G. Electrochemotherapy of superficial tumors - Current status:: Basic principles, operating procedures, shared indications, and emerging applications. Semin Oncol 2019; 46:173-191. [PMID: 31122761 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of superficial tumors with electrochemotherapy (ECT) has shown a steep rise over the past decade and indications range from skin cancers to locally advanced or metastatic neoplasms. Based on reversible electroporation, which is a physical method to achieve transient tumor cell membrane permeabilization by means of short electric pulses, ECT increases cellular uptake of bleomycin and cisplatin and their cytotoxicity by 8,000- and 80-fold, respectively. Standard operating procedures were established in 2006 and updated in 2018. Ease of administration, patient tolerability, efficacy across histotypes, and repeatability are peculiar advantages, which make standard ECT (ie, ECT using fixed-geometry electrodes) a reliable option for controlling superficial tumor growth locally and preventing their morbidity. Consolidated indications include superficial metastatic melanoma, breast cancer, head and neck skin tumors, nonmelanoma skin cancers, and Kaposi sarcoma. In well-selected patients with oropharyngeal cancers, ECT ensures appreciable symptom control. Emerging applications include skin metastases from visceral or hematological malignancies, vulvar cancer, and some noncancerous skin lesions (keloids and capillary vascular malformations). Repeatability and integration with other oncologic therapies allow for consolidation of response and sustained tumor control. In this review, we present the basic principles of ECT, recently updated operating procedures, anesthesiological management, and provide a synthesis of the efficacy of standard ECT across histotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Campana
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, Italy; Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Giulia Bertino
- Department of Otolaryngology Head Neck Surgery, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Ilaria Imarisio
- Medical Oncology Unit, University of Pavia, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Vittoria Dieci
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy; Medical Oncology-2, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Granziera
- Anesthesiology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mauro Alaibac
- Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Cindrič H, Kos B, Tedesco G, Cadossi M, Gasbarrini A, Miklavčič D. Electrochemotherapy of Spinal Metastases Using Transpedicular Approach-A Numerical Feasibility Study. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2019; 17:1533034618770253. [PMID: 29759043 PMCID: PMC5956634 DOI: 10.1177/1533034618770253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Vertebral column is the most frequent site for bone metastases. It has been demonstrated in previous studies that bone metastases can be efficiently treated by electrochemotherapy. We developed a novel approach to treat spinal metastases, that is, transpedicular approach that combines electrochemotherapy with already established technologies for insertion of fixation screws in spinal surgery. In the transpedicular approach, needle electrodes are inserted into the vertebral body through pedicles and placed around the tumor. The main goal of our study was to numerically investigate the feasibility of the proposed treatment approach. Three clinical cases were used in this study—1 with a tumor completely contained within the vertebral body and 2 with tumors spread also to the pedicles and spinal canal. Anatomically accurate numerical models were built for all 3 cases, and numerical computations of electric field distribution in tumor and surrounding tissue were performed to determine the treatment outcome. Complete coverage of tumor volume with sufficiently high electric field is a prerequisite for successful electrochemotherapy. Close to 100% tumor coverage was obtained in all 3 cases studied. Two cases exhibited tumor coverage of >99%, while the coverage in the third case was 98.88%. Tumor tissue that remained untreated was positioned on the margin of the tumor volume. We also evaluated hypothetical damage to spinal cord and nerves. Only 1 case, which featured a tumor grown into the spinal canal, exhibited potential risk of neural damage. Our study shows that the proposed transpedicular approach to treat spinal metastases is feasible and safe if the majority of tumor volume is contained within the vertebral body. In cases where the spinal cord and nerves are contained within the margin of the tumor volume, a successful and safe treatment is still possible, but special attention needs to be given to evaluation of potential neural damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Cindrič
- 1 Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bor Kos
- 1 Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Giuseppe Tedesco
- 2 Department of Oncologic and Degenerative Spine Surgery, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Cadossi
- 2 Department of Oncologic and Degenerative Spine Surgery, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gasbarrini
- 2 Department of Oncologic and Degenerative Spine Surgery, Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- 1 Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Abstract
Exposure of biological cells to high-voltage, short-duration electric pulses causes a transient increase in their plasma membrane permeability, allowing transmembrane transport of otherwise impermeant molecules. In recent years, large steps were made in the understanding of underlying events. Formation of aqueous pores in the lipid bilayer is now a widely recognized mechanism, but evidence is growing that changes to individual membrane lipids and proteins also contribute, substantiating the need for terminological distinction between electroporation and electropermeabilization. We first revisit experimental evidence for electrically induced membrane permeability, its correlation with transmembrane voltage, and continuum models of electropermeabilization that disregard the molecular-level structure and events. We then present insights from molecular-level modeling, particularly atomistic simulations that enhance understanding of pore formation, and evidence of chemical modifications of membrane lipids and functional modulation of membrane proteins affecting membrane permeability. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges to our full understanding of electroporation and electropermeabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadej Kotnik
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; ,
| | - Lea Rems
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 17165 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Mounir Tarek
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LPCT, F-54000 Nancy, France;
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; ,
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Rems L, Viano M, Kasimova MA, Miklavčič D, Tarek M. The contribution of lipid peroxidation to membrane permeability in electropermeabilization: A molecular dynamics study. Bioelectrochemistry 2019; 125:46-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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47
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Vera-Tizatl AL, Vera-Tizatl CE, Vera-Hernández A, Leija-Salas L, Rodríguez S, Miklavčič D, Kos B. Computational Feasibility Analysis of Electrochemotherapy With Novel Needle-Electrode Arrays for the Treatment of Invasive Breast Ductal Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2019; 17:1533033818794939. [PMID: 30157721 PMCID: PMC6116067 DOI: 10.1177/1533033818794939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer represents a rising problem concerning public health worldwide. Current efforts are aimed to the development of new minimally invasive and conservative treatment procedures for this disease. A treatment approach for invasive breast ductal carcinoma could be based on electroporation. Hence, in order to determine the effectiveness of electrochemotherapy in the treatment of this disease, 12 electrode models were investigated on realistic patient-specific computational breast models of 3 patients diagnosed by Digital Breast Tomosynthesis imaging. The electrode models exhibit 4, 5, and 6 needles arranged in 4 geometric configurations (delta, diamond, and star) and 3 different needle spacing resulting in a total of 12 needle-electrode arrays. Electric field distribution in the tumors and a surrounding safety margin of 1 cm around the tumor edge is computed using the finite element method. Efficiency of the electrode arrays was determined hierarchically based on (1) percentage of tumor volume reversibly electroporated, (2) percentage of tumor volume irreversibly electroporated, (3) percentage of treated safety margin volume, (4) minimal invasiveness, that is, minimal number of electrodes used, (5) minimal activated electrode pairs, and (6) minimal electric current. Results show that 3 electrode arrays (4 needle-delta, 5 needle-diamond, and 6 needle-star) with fixed-geometry configuration could be used in the treatment with electrochemotherapy of invasive breast ductal carcinomas ranging from 1 to 5 cm3 along with a surrounding safety margin of 1 cm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Leticia Vera-Tizatl
- 1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia Elizabeth Vera-Tizatl
- 2 Department of Infectomics and Molecular Pathogenesis, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Arturo Vera-Hernández
- 1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lorenzo Leija-Salas
- 1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Damijan Miklavčič
- 4 Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bor Kos
- 4 Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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48
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Pintar M, Langus J, Edhemović I, Brecelj E, Kranjc M, Sersa G, Šuštar T, Rodič T, Miklavčič D, Kotnik T, Kos B. Time-Dependent Finite Element Analysis of In Vivo Electrochemotherapy Treatment. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2018; 17:1533033818790510. [PMID: 30089424 PMCID: PMC6083743 DOI: 10.1177/1533033818790510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrochemotherapy and irreversible electroporation are gaining importance in clinical practice for the treatment of solid tumors. For successful treatment, it is extremely important that the coverage and exposure time of the treated tumor to the electric field are within the specified range. In order to ensure successful coverage of the entire target volume with sufficiently strong electric fields, numerical treatment planning has been proposed and its use has also been demonstrated in practice. Most of numerical models in treatment planning are based on charge conservation equation and are not able to provide time course of electric current, electrical conductivity, or electric field distribution changes established in the tissue during pulse delivery. Recently, a model based on inverse analysis of experimental data that delivers time course of tissue electroporation has been introduced. The aim of this study was to apply the previously reported time-dependent numerical model to a complex in vivo example of electroporation with different tissue types and with a long-term follow-up. The model, consisting of a tumor placed in the liver with 2 needle electrodes inserted in the center of the tumor and 4 around the tumor, was validated by comparison of measured and calculated time course of applied electric current. Results of simulations clearly indicated that proposed numerical model can successfully capture transient effects, such as evolution of electric current during each pulse, and effects of pulse frequency due to electroporation effects in the tissue. Additionally, the model can provide evolution of electric field amplitude and electrical conductivity in the tumor with consecutive pulse sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Erik Brecelj
- 2 Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matej Kranjc
- 3 Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Sersa
- 2 Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Tomaž Rodič
- 3 Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- 3 Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tadej Kotnik
- 3 Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Bor Kos
- 3 Laboratory of Biocybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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49
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Campana LG, Edhemovic I, Soden D, Perrone AM, Scarpa M, Campanacci L, Cemazar M, Valpione S, Miklavčič D, Mocellin S, Sieni E, Sersa G. Electrochemotherapy - Emerging applications technical advances, new indications, combined approaches, and multi-institutional collaboration. Eur J Surg Oncol 2018; 45:92-102. [PMID: 30528893 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2018.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of tumors with electrochemotherapy (ECT) has surged over the past decade. Thanks to the transient cell membrane permeabilization induced by the short electric pulses used by ECT, cancer cells are exposed to otherwise poorly permeant chemotherapy agents, with consequent increased cytotoxicity. The codification of the procedure in 2006 led to a broad diffusion of the procedure, mainly in Europe, and since then, the progressive clinical experience, together with the emerging technologies, have extended the range of its application. Herein, we review the key advances in the ECT field since the European Standard Operating Procedures on ECT (ESOPE) 2006 guidelines and discuss the emerging clinical data on the new ECT indications. First, technical developments have improved ECT equipment, with custom electrode probes and dedicated tools supporting individual treatment planning in anatomically challenging tumors. Second, the feasibility and short-term efficacy of ECT has been established in deep-seated tumors, including bone metastases, liver malignancies, and pancreatic and prostate cancers (long-needle variable electrode geometry ECT), and gastrointestinal tumors (endoscopic ECT). Moreover, pioneering studies indicate lung and brain tumors as suitable future targets. A further advance relates to new combination strategies with immunotherapy, gene electro transfer (GET), calcium EP, and radiotherapy. Finally and fourth, cross-institutional collaborative groups have been established to refine procedural guidelines, promote clinical research, and explore new indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca G Campana
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, Italy; Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| | - Ibrahim Edhemovic
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Anna M Perrone
- Oncologic Gynecology Unit, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Scarpa
- Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Campanacci
- 3rd Orthopaedic and Traumatologic Clinic Prevalently Oncologic, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Sara Valpione
- Christie NHS Foundation Trust, CRUK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simone Mocellin
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology (DISCOG), University of Padua, Italy; Surgical Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Sieni
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Italy
| | - Gregor Sersa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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50
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Dermol-Černe J, Vidmar J, Ščančar J, Uršič K, Serša G, Miklavčič D. Connecting the in vitro and in vivo experiments in electrochemotherapy - a feasibility study modeling cisplatin transport in mouse melanoma using the dual-porosity model. J Control Release 2018; 286:33-45. [PMID: 30016733 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In electrochemotherapy two conditions have to be met to be successful - the electric field of sufficient amplitude and sufficient uptake of chemotherapeutics in the tumor. Current treatment plans only take into account critical electric field to achieve cell membrane permeabilization. However, permeabilization alone does not guarantee uptake of chemotherapeutics and consequently successful treatment. We performed a feasibility study to determine whether the transport of cisplatin in vivo could be calculated based on experiments performed in vitro. In vitro, a spectrum of parameters can be explored without ethical issues. Mouse melanoma B16-F1 cell suspension and inoculated B16-F10 tumors were exposed to electric pulses in the presence of chemotherapeutic cisplatin. The uptake of cisplatin was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We modeled the transport of cisplatin with the dual-porosity model, which is based on the diffusion equation, connects pore formation with membrane permeability, and includes transport between several compartments. In our case, there were three compartments - tumor cells, interstitial fraction and peritumoral region. Our hypothesis was that in vitro permeability coefficient could be introduced in vivo, as long as tumor physiology was taken into account. Our hypothesis was confirmed as the connection of in vitro and in vivo experiments was possible by introducing a transformation coefficient which took into account the in vivo characteristics, i.e., smaller available area of the plasma membrane for transport due to cell density, presence of cell-matrix in vivo, and reduced drug mobility. We thus show that it is possible to connect in vitro and in vivo experiments of electrochemotherapy. However, more experimental work is required for model validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janja Dermol-Černe
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janja Vidmar
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Ščančar
- Jozef Stefan Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katja Uršič
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Serša
- Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Department of Experimental Oncology, Zaloška cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Health Sciences, Zdravstvena pot 5, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Damijan Miklavčič
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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