Edward Jacobs
BME PhD Proposal Presentation
Date: 2025-03-04
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: UAW 2100
Passcode: Yd2Y6M5e
Committee Members:
Rafael Davalos, PhD; Jefferey Markowitz, PhD; Mark Prausnitz, PhD; Aniruddh Sarkar, PhD; Irving Coy Allen, PhD;
Title: Advancing Pulse Field Ablation: tissue-level electroporation dynamics and AI-driven personalization of oncologic and cardiac electroporation
Abstract:
Focal ablation techniques are integral in the surgical intervention of diseased tissue, where it is necessary to minimize damage to the surrounding parenchyma and critical structures. Irreversible electroporation (IRE) utilizes high-amplitude, low-energy pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to nonthermally ablate soft tissue. PEFs induce cell death through permeabilization of the cellular membrane, leading to loss of homeostasis. The unique nonthermal nature of IRE allows for selective cell death while minimally affecting surrounding proteinaceous structures, permitting treatment near sensitive anatomy where thermal ablation or surgical resection is contraindicated. Despite promising outcomes, challenges such as optimizing PEF delivery and addressing variations in tissue response require further investigation. We hypothesize that through the integration of advanced modeling of electroporation-dependent tissue properties for patient-specific treatment prediction and monitoring, IRE can achieve enhanced precision, safety, and therapeutic efficacy in oncologic and cardiac treatments. Here, we utilized in vitro tissue-mimicking hydrogels, ex vivo tissue, and in vivo small and large animal models to evaluate the biophysical mechanisms of PEFs, focusing on the interplay between electroporation and dynamic tissue conductivity changes. The research improves the precision and effectiveness of IRE using burst-dependent conductivity models and determining electroporation saturation during treatment. Following, we evaluated how treatment parameters affect tissue-level electroporation effects. To support in-situ applications, machine learning models were developed to rapidly characterize tissue-specific responses needed for patient treatment planning and monitoring. Further innovations address spatiotemporal temperature monitoring during IRE using multi-electrode configurations, ensuring safe treatment delivery. The proposed research also contributes to tissue engineering by developing nanofiber-based platforms to quantify anisotropic effects, enhance cell viability, optimize gene therapy delivery post-electroporation, and model basement membrane anatomy. The results highlight the versatility and effectiveness of electroporation, demonstrating significant clinical advantages over traditional thermal ablation techniques. By integrating computational tools, experimental models, and interdisciplinary approaches, this work establishes a robust foundation for patient-specific application of IRE.