  Escherichia coli bacterium is a rod-shaped organism composed of a complex
double membrane structure. Knowledge of electric field driven ion transport
through both membranes and the evolution of their induced permeabilization has
important applications in biomedical engineering, delivery of genes and
antibacterial agents. However, few studies have been conducted on Gram-negative
bacteria in this regard considering the contribution of all ion types. To
address this gap in knowledge, we have developed a deterministic and stochastic
Brownian dynamics model to simulate in 3D space the motion of ions through
pores formed in the plasma membranes of E. coli cells during electroporation.
The diffusion coefficient, mobility, and translation time of Ca$^{2+}$,
Mg$^{2+}$, Na$^+$, K$^+$, and Cl$^-$ ions within the pore region are estimated
from the numerical model. Calculations of pore's conductance have been
validated with experiments conducted at Gustave Roussy. From the simulations,
it was found that the main driving force of ionic uptake during the pulse is
the one due to the externally applied electric field. The results from this
work provide a better understanding of ion transport during electroporation,
aiding in the design of electrical pulses for maximizing ion throughput,
primarily for application in cancer treatment.
