A boundary element method of bidomain modeling for predicting cellular responses to electromagnetic fields

Abstract

Overview

This study introduces a novel bidomain integral equation for analyzing how electromagnetic fields interact with neuronal cells. This method offers a more comprehensive alternative to traditional cable equation approaches by considering full electromagnetic coupling between devices and various neuronal regions.

Methods

• Application of a boundary element formulation for integral equations.
• Use of first-order nodal elements and a Crank-Nicholson time-stepping scheme.
• Validation through simulations of Hodgkin-Huxley axons and spherical cells in various brain stimulation setups.

Main Findings

This approach provides accurate modeling for both electric and magnetic field stimulations and simplifies modeling complexity compared to conventional bidomain finite element methods. It facilitates variations in device-cell configurations without remeshing, eschewing traditional volume meshes.

Significance

The enhanced bidomain solver supports realistic cell geometries and device-field interactions, improving multi-cell studies of neural mechanisms. This development promises improvements in scalability and executable neuronal network modeling.

Conclusion

We demonstrated an effective bidomain modeling strategy for the electric response of neurons to external fields. Our results endorse the continued advancement of bidomain and hybrid cable-bidomain solvers for accurately simulating neuronal behaviors and interactions under electromagnetic influences.