Objective:The extracellular matrix consists of critical components that affect fibroblast polarization and migration. The existence of both intrinsic and extrinsic electrical signals that play essential roles in the development, physiology, regeneration, and pathology of cells was discovered over a century ago. In this study, we study how the Bioelectric Field Enhancement (BEFE) device and its generated electromagnetic field (EMF) by continuous direct current (DC) significantly affect the membrane potential and cell migration of fibroblasts in vitro. Approach: This is an experimental analysis of membrane potential and cell migration of murine fibroblasts when grown in treated media that has been reconstituted with an aqueous solution that has been exposed to an EMF, which is generated by this device versus fibroblasts grown in identically prepared control media that has not been exposed to the EMF. Results: The growth of fibroblasts in the treated media shows a strong percent change in polarization of the plasma membrane and significant increase in cell migration compared to control groups. Innovation: These experiments show the potential for an adjunct wound care therapy using a continuous DC EMF application through a medium of water. Conclusion: Growth media that was reconstituted with an aqueous solution that had been exposed to this DC derived EMF shows significant changes in cell polarity and cell migration of fibroblasts in vitro. The BEFE device has shown enhanced chronic wound healing in anecdotal reports from patients globally for decades when used as a footbath/bath and could lead to a novel EMF application in wound healing.Keywords: bioelectrodynamics, membrane potential, cell migration, chronic wounds INTRODUCTIONElectromagnetic fields (EMFs) activate multiple signaling pathways that are instrumental in cell polarization, migration, and wound healing. [1][2][3][4] EMFs work in conjunction with and also override other signaling cues of cell migration such as: chemoattractant gradients, injury stimulation, contact inhibition, wound void, mechanical forces, and population pressure. 1,[5][6][7] Injured and inflamed cells are contained in a wound, and transmembrane potential differences have been found to exist in both injured and proliferating cells. 8 differentiation, and these magnetic fields also affect the changing gradients of Vmem that are produced and sensed by both excitable and nonexcitable cells in living organisms. 6,8,10,11 Inadequate and unorganized cell migration is characteristic of chronic wounds and to heal, cells must migrate directionally and in an organized way for granulation tissues to begin to develop. 2 EMF therapies in both in vitro and in vivo wound care research have been explored for decades and are currently being conducted with vibrating probe techniques that apply a flow of positive charge directed toward the wound using direct current (DC) or monophasic/biphasic pulsed electrical currents. 5,12 Low frequency alternating current (AC) has not been used with much success sin...
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.