A Physics-based Model of Hydrogen BondDisruption in Cell Membranes Under Electric Fields
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A physics-based model is presented to explore the impact of external electric fields on hydrogen bonding within human cells. Drawing from fundamental dielectric physics and the role of hydrogen bonding in cell membrane integrity, the model demonstrates that minimal to no membrane degradation occurs at electric field strengths of ≤ 200 V/cm. However, it predicts that significant membrane damage begins at field levels as low as 1 kV/cm, with strong and irreversible degradation occurring at 10 kV/cm, and catastrophic membrane failure at 40 kV/cm. The model emphasizes that any degradation of the cell membrane— which normally serves as a hydrophobic barrier—can allow water molecules to penetrate and disrupt critically important hydrogen bonds, accelerating cellular failure. These findings are important not only for establishing safe exposure limits to external electric fields in humans but also for advancing electroporation techniques, where targeted cell membrane disruption is used therapeutically, particularly in cancer treatment.
Author: J. W. McPherson
Language: English
Subfield: Biophysics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4410260792