Impulse Electrical Technologies: Nanosecond Pulsed Bioelectrics and Plasma Medicine for Biological and Medical Applications

The field of electromedicine is witnessing significant advances with the advent of impulse electrical technologies, including nanosecond pulsed bioelectrics (nsPEFs) and plasma medicine. These approaches represent a new frontier characterized by high-precision and typically nonthermal interventions, achieved through the application of ultrashort, high–electric-field pulses or the generation of atmospheric pressure plasmas. Recent studies highlight how such impulses can induce rapid electrical stresses and initiate a cascade of biochemical reactions that influence membrane permeabilization, molecular transport, and cell signaling pathways. However, the intricate coupling of electric fields with biological systems, especially across varying spatial and temporal scales, presents ongoing challenges. Complicating factors include the dispersive dielectric properties of tissues, dynamic charging of cell membranes, and nuanced electrode–tissue or plasma–tissue interactions, as well as the delivery and synergistic effects of reactive species produced by plasma devices. Despite progress in physical modeling and device engineering, there remain unanswered questions regarding the translation of fundamental electrodynamics into predictable therapeutic benefits.This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between fundamental physical mechanisms and clinically relevant applications in impulse-based electrical medicine. Specifically, it seeks to clarify how waveform characteristics, plasma-chemical interactions, and spatial–temporal energy distributions translate into measurable biological responses. The objective is to foster rigorous, physics-first approaches to both direct electrical treatments and indirect plasma interventions, with a view toward optimizing therapeutic outcomes across medical, biotechnological, and translational arenas.To gather further insights in this emerging area of impulse electrical medicine, we seek studies that connect physical principles with biological and therapeutic endpoints. Submissions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:-Fundamental biophysical mechanisms of ultrashort pulsed electric fields and plasma on cells and tissues-Device and waveform innovations for precise electrical or plasma delivery-Electrodynamics of tissue and membrane interactions in the nanosecond regime-Modeling and simulation of impulse electric field and plasma effects in biological environments-Translational research linking impulse electrical technologies to clinical and biotechnological applications-Comparative studies of nanosecond bioelectrics and plasma medicine methodologies Topic editors: Chunqi Jiang, Ravindra Joshi Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79565/impulse-electrical-technologies-nanosecond-pulsed-bioelectrics-and-plasma-medicine-for-biological-and-medical-applications