Predicting Nonthermal Electroporation of Intervertebral Disc Tissue

This paper investigates thresholds for nonthermal electroporation of cells within an intervertebral disc (IVD) using an in silico model. Simulations run in Comsol Multiphysics 5.3 indicate that electrical bioeffects can be effectively isolated from electrothermal effects by tuning the parameters of pulsed electric field (PEF) exposure. This work specifically tests the effects of applied voltage, pulse width, number of pulses, and IVD geometry on local electric field strength and temperature within an isotropic, homogeneous IVD. Results predict that for the modeled IVD, electric field strength depends linearly upon applied voltage, and temperature build-up is determined by the voltage as well as overall exposure time. These relationships are consistent with the fundamental Ohm's Law and Joule heating effect. Finally, a positive linear relationship exists between disc height and the applied voltage necessary to achieve a targeted temperature.