Exploring Nitration Effects on Electroporation: Enhancing Cold Plasma Biomedicine
Abstract
Electroporation, the transient alteration of cell membrane permeability induced by electric fields, constitutes a fundamental technique in biomedicine, facilitating gene transference, pharmaceutical transport, and oncological therapy. Despite its widespread utility, the impact of nitration, a biochemical alteration entailing the introduction of nitro groups into phospholipids, on electroporation dynamics remains insufficiently investigated. In this study, we employ molecular dynamics simulations to examine the influence of nitration on pore formation during electroporation. Through systematic manipulation of nitration levels and electric field intensities, we explore the nuanced interaction between nitration and electroporation kinetics. Our simulations disclose that augmenting nitration levels markedly expedites pore generation, evidenced by notable reductions in pore formation durations observed at elevated nitration percentages and intensified electric fields. This phenomenon underscores the modulatory function of nitration in reshaping the kinetics of electroporation. Furthermore, considering the relevance to cold plasma applications, we emphasize the potential implications of these findings in the context of cold plasma-mediated cancer therapy and biomedical treatments. Moreover, our investigation elucidates the intricate mechanisms governing this phenomenon, furnishing crucial insights for refining electroporation protocols in gene therapy, drug conveyance, plasma-based cancer therapy, and associated biomedical applications. These findings shed light on the synergistic interplay between nitration, electroporation, and cold plasma, charting a course for future advancements in this pivotal domain of plasma science.