Thesis

On the response of biological cells to pulsed electric fields

Creator

Campbell, Ross MacMaster

Rights statement

Strathclyde Thesis Copyright

Awarding institution

University of Strathclyde

Date of award

2006

Thesis identifier

T11521

Qualification Level

Doctoral (Postgraduate)

Qualification Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department, School or Faculty

Abstract

Bioelectrotechnology concepts are introduced. Induced transmembrane potentials in biological cells are considered in the context of pulsed electric fields. Microorganism types are identified and cell properties examined including membrane structure, lipid bilayers and their electrical properties. Previous research on the response of cell membranes is then examined. Models for steady state and fast varying phenomena are reviewed in detail and some new aspects introduced using finite element and finite difference time domain methods. An experimental study of exposure of S. cerevisiae yeast cells to sub microsecond pulsed electric fields (sm- PEF) is reported and the reduction in population of cells exposed to such pulses is measured. The modelling of transmembrane potentials is then extensively developed and comparisons made with recent advances in this area. An extended equivalent circuit model is developed. The reliability of evaluation of voltages across internal membranes is then examined and the results applied to the S. cerevisiae study to determine transmembrane potentials and the energy delivered to membranes. Energy models incorporating dynamic pore formation are then considered and applied to the yeast cell to examine pore nucleation and the effect on possible pre-existing pores. The results are discussed in terms of the measured reduction in S', cerevisiae yeast cells exposed to sm-PEF, possible mechanisms are identified and it is argued that necrosis through membrane rupture was unlikely but that programmed cell death occurred (apoptosis), probably as a result of an electroperturbative effect. Suggestions for further work in this field are described and a draft outline research proposal presented.

Advisor / supervisor

Crichton, Bruce H.
Fouracre, Richard A.

Resource Type

Doctoral thesis

DOI

10.48730/tdhe-r731

EThOS ID

uk.bl.ethos.428883

Embargo Note

This thesis is currently under moratorium due to copyright restrictions. If you are the author of this thesis, please contact the Library to resolve this issue.

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