The effect of frequency in the electrical stimulation of chondrocytes

Abstract

Electrical stimulation is a non-invasive therapy used to stimulate chondrocyte dynamics: proliferation, migration, morphology and molecular synthesis. Some studies have evidenced the role of frequency in the generation of electric fields; however, the electrical stimulation sensed by chondrocytes when the frequency varies is not well-documented. Accordingly, a computational model was implemented to assess the frequency dependence of electric fields that stimulate chondrocytes. Cells were modelled in three different scenarios: monolayer cultures, cartilage explants and scaffolds. Chondrocytes were stimulated with 100 Vp-p at frequencies of 0.001, 1, 10, 50, 100 and 1000 kHz. Results showed that frequency is a relevant factor when considering the stimulation of biological samples, since electric fields increased as frequencies were higher. Moreover, chondrocytes experienced different electric fields in both cytoplasm and extracellular environment. This model provides relevant information about the electrical parameters to stimulate cells; in fact, it could enhance experimental procedures, predicting the stimulation that improves chondrocyte dynamics. Electric fields are a promising tool to maintain either well-structured chondrocytes or biomimetic materials used in regenerative therapies such as autologous implantation to treat hyaline cartilage injuries.

Keywords

• cartilage explants
• chondrocytes
• computational model
• electric fields
• frequency dependence
• scaffolds