Synergy Between Electric Pulsing and Shock Waves for Cell Poration

The application of pulsed electric fields and discharges can lead to the generation of shockwaves in aqueous media. The interaction of shockwaves with biological cells and membranes is a relative recent area of research, with applications ranging from water purification and desalination, bacterial decontamination, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Here, the possible role and impact of shockwaves on membrane pore creation is discussed. Model results based on Molecular Dynamic simulations are presented. The results also touch upon synergistic benefits of a scenario that combines the application of shockwave with an electric field.