Mike Sano

Also known as: Mike Sano

Biophysics, Cancer Therapy, Early Cancer Detection, Electroporation, Dielectrophoresis, Microfluidics

Works (55)

Updated: February 19th, 2026 21:08

2025 journal article

Dose is a Critical Factor Affecting Treatment Volumes for Integrated Nanosecond Pulse Irreversible Electroporation (INSPIRE)

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 1–11.

By: M. Sano n, J. Fong*, R. Williamson n, J. Darrow n, L. Reeg n, K. Mathews n, C. Fogle n, N. Nelson n, A. Iuga*, D. Gerber*

MeSH headings : Animals; Swine; Electroporation / methods; Electroporation / instrumentation; Liver / surgery; Liver / diagnostic imaging; Troponin / blood
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods
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3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, NC State University Libraries, ORCID
Added: January 20, 2026

2025 journal article

High-Throughput Capable Three-Dimensional Tissue Model for Quantification of Electroporation Thresholds

Journal of Visualized Experiments, 8(222).

By: R. Williamson*, A. Cash n, A. Riordan n & M. Sano n

MeSH headings : Humans; Electroporation / methods; HEK293 Cells; Transfection / methods; High-Throughput Screening Assays / methods; Plasmids / administration & dosage; Plasmids / genetics; Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional / methods
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Plant tissue culture and regeneration; Plant Genetic and Mutation Studies
Sources: Web Of Science, NC State University Libraries, Crossref
Added: September 29, 2025

2025 article

Impact of Voltage on the Production on Spherical Ablations for Integrated Time Nanosecond Pulse Irreversible Electroporation

Williamson, R. H., Fong, J. A., Darrow, J., Reeg, L., Nelson, N., Iuga, A., … Sano, M. B. (2025, September 22). Bioelectricity, Vol. 9.

By: R. Williamson n, J. Fong, J. Darrow n, L. Reeg n, N. Nelson n, A. Iuga*, D. Gerber*, M. Sano n

author keywords: INSPIRE; pulsed field ablation; nonthermal irreversible electroporation; temperature feedback; cancer therapy
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Plasma Applications and Diagnostics; Pulsed Power Technology Applications
Sources: Web Of Science, NC State University Libraries
Added: September 29, 2025

2025 journal article

Integrated Nanosecond Pulse Irreversible Electroporation (INSPIRE): Impact of Exposed Electrode Length on Ablation Geometry in an In Vivo Liver Model

Cancers, 17(17), 2891.

By: J. Fong*, L. Reeg n, J. Darrow n, R. Williamson n, A. Riordan n, A. Cash n, M. Beecroft n, C. Fogle n ...

topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods
Sources: Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: January 20, 2026

2025 journal article

Optimization of Bipolar Microsecond Electric Pulses for DNA Vaccine Delivery

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 1–12.

By: R. Williamson*, M. DeWitt, D. Elhanafi*, D. Zaharoff* & M. Sano*

author keywords: DNA; Electroporation; Vaccines; Protocols; Electric fields; Transfection; Three-dimensional displays; Solid modeling; Electrodes; Muscles; BJ fibroblast; DNA delivery; electroporation; HEK293; pulsed electric field; transfection
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Bacteriophages and microbial interactions; Toxin Mechanisms and Immunotoxins
Sources: ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries, Web Of Science
Added: June 13, 2025

2024 journal article

A novel in vitro model of clinical cryoablation to investigate the transition zone for focal tumor ablation

Cryobiology, 114, 104844.

author keywords: Cryoablation; Focal ablation; Prostate cancer; Clinical ablation; Immunogenic cell death; Transition zone; Cryosurgery
MeSH headings : Male; Animals; Mice; Cryosurgery / methods; Cryopreservation / methods; Freezing; Liver; Cell Death
topics (OpenAlex): Heat shock proteins research; Cancer Cells and Metastasis; Cellular Mechanics and Interactions
TL;DR: A longer freezing duration, higher freezing intensity, and more freeze thaw cycles led to higher levels of cancer cell death and smaller transition zones, which have the potential to inform future preclinical research and to improve therapeutic combinations with CA. (via Semantic Scholar)
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3. Good Health and Well-being (Web of Science; OpenAlex)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: March 4, 2024

2024 journal article

Investigation of integrated time nanosecond pulse irreversible electroporation against spontaneous equine melanoma

Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11.

By: C. Fesmire n, B. Peal n, J. Ruff n, E. Moyer n, T. McParland n, K. Derks n, E. O’Neil*, C. Emke n ...

author keywords: focal ablation; pulsed field ablation; INSPIRE; skin cancer; clinical trial
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research; Pulsed Power Technology Applications
TL;DR: This novel therapeutic approach has the potential to expand the role of pulsed electric fields in veterinary patients, especially when general anesthesia is contraindicated, and warrants future studies to demonstrate the efficacy of INSPIRE as a solid tumor treatment. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 19, 2024

2024 journal article

Treatment of Spontaneous Tumors With Algorithmically Controlled Electroporation

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 71(10), 2814–2822.

By: C. Fesmire n, R. Petrella n, R. Williamson n, K. Derks n, J. Ruff n, T. McParland n, E. O'Neil n, C. Fogle n, T. Prange n, M. Sano n

author keywords: Electrodes; Temperature sensors; Tumors; Needles; Melanoma; Electroporation; Finite element analysis; Pulsed field ablation; melanoma treatment; non-thermal irreversible electroporation; temperature feedback; cancer therapy
MeSH headings : Animals; Horses; Algorithms; Melanoma; Electrochemotherapy / methods; Electroporation / methods; Horse Diseases / therapy
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Toxin Mechanisms and Immunotoxins; Transgenic Plants and Applications
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Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: September 22, 2024

2023 journal article

Integrated Time Nanosecond Pulse Irreversible Electroporation (INSPIRE): Assessment of Dose, Temperature, and Voltage on Experimental and Clinical Treatment Outcomes

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 71(5), 1511–1520.

By: C. Fesmire n, R. Williamson n, R. Petrella n, J. Kaufman n, N. Topasna n & M. Sano n

author keywords: Temperature measurement; Tumors; Electroporation; Electric fields; Delays; Temperature sensors; Three-dimensional displays; Electro-thermal therapy; non-thermal high frequency irreversible electroporation; pulsed field ablation
MeSH headings : Humans; Electroporation / methods; Temperature; Computer Simulation; Models, Biological; Cell Line, Tumor; Neoplasms / therapy; Animals; Electrochemotherapy / methods; Treatment Outcome
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Toxin Mechanisms and Immunotoxins; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies
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Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: July 17, 2024

2022 journal article

Polymer Nanoparticles Enhance Irreversible Electroporation In Vitro

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 69(7), 2353–2362.

By: R. Petrella n, S. Levit*, C. Fesmire n, C. Tang* & M. Sano n

author keywords: Nanoparticles; Electric fields; Electroporation; Media; Polymers; Electrodes; Tumors; Irreversible electroporation; pulsed electric fields; tumor ablation; oncology; nanoparticle; nanobiotechnology; flash nanoprecipitation; polyelectrolyte
MeSH headings : Ablation Techniques; Electric Conductivity; Electroporation / methods; Nanoparticles; Polymers
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Plasma Applications and Diagnostics; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies
TL;DR: Results demonstrate the synergy of a combined cationic polymer nanoparticle and pulsed electric field treatment for the ablation of cancer cells, and set the foundation for polymer nanoparticles engineered specifically for irreversible electroporation. (via Semantic Scholar)
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Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: July 11, 2022

2020 journal article

Algorithmically Controlled Electroporation: A Technique for Closed Loop Temperature Regulated Pulsed Electric Field Cancer Ablation

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 67(8), 2176–2186.

By: R. Petrella n, C. Fesmire n, J. Kaufman n, N. Topasna n & M. Sano n

author keywords: Temperature control; Temperature measurement; Temperature sensors; Electric fields; Protocols; Temperature dependence; In vitro; Non-thermal high frequency irreversible electroporation; electro-thermal therapy; pulsed electric field; bioelectric; electroporation
MeSH headings : Electricity; Electroporation; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Neoplasms; Temperature
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Pulsed Power Technology Applications
TL;DR: The results of this study indicate ablative outcomes due to exposure to pulses on the order of one microsecond may be thermally mediated and dependent on local tissue temperatures. (via Semantic Scholar)
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Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: August 10, 2020

2020 journal article

Electro-Thermal Therapy Algorithms and Active Internal Electrode Cooling Reduce Thermal Injury in High Frequency Pulsed Electric Field Cancer Therapies

Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 49(1), 191–202.

By: M. Sano n, C. Fesmire n & R. Petrella n

author keywords: Electro-thermal therapy; Focal ablation; Non-thermal irreversible electroporation; H-FIRE; Liver cancer
MeSH headings : Ablation Techniques / adverse effects; Algorithms; Electrodes; Electroporation; Liver / surgery; Neoplasms / therapy; Temperature
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Pulsed Power Technology Applications; Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
TL;DR: It was demonstrated that the addition of internal electrode cooling and active temperature control algorithms reduced ETT treatment times by 84% (from 343 to 54 s) vs. non-cooled temperature control strategies with equivalent thermal injury volumes. (via Semantic Scholar)
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Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: June 15, 2020

2020 journal article

Electro-thermal therapy: Microsecond duration pulsed electric field tissue ablation with dynamic temperature control algorithms

Computers in Biology and Medicine, 121, 103807.

author keywords: Cancer therapy; Irreversible electroporation; Thermal ablation; H-FIRE; NK-IRE
MeSH headings : Algorithms; Electrodes; Electroporation; Liver / surgery; Temperature
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Pulsed Power Technology Applications
TL;DR: The results establish ETT as a viable method for hepatic tumor treatment with ablation profiles equivalent to other energy based techniques and the single applicator and multi-applicator approaches demonstrated may enable the treatment of complex tumor geometries. (via Semantic Scholar)
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7. Affordable and Clean Energy (OpenAlex)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: July 13, 2020

2020 journal article

Irreversible electroporation is a thermally mediated ablation modality for pulses on the order of one microsecond

Bioelectrochemistry, 135, 107544.

By: C. Fesmire n, R. Petrella n, J. Kaufman n, N. Topasna n & M. Sano n

MeSH headings : Cell Line, Tumor; Electroporation / methods; Humans; Temperature
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Pulsed Power Technology Applications
Sources: ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: June 13, 2025

2020 journal article

Temperature Dependence of High Frequency Irreversible Electroporation Evaluated in a 3D Tumor Model

Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 48(8), 2233–2246.

author keywords: Nano-knife irreversible electroporation (NK-IRE); Electro thermal therapy; Tissue ablation; Cancer therapy; Integrated energized time (IET); Pulsed electric fields
MeSH headings : Cell Death; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Electroporation; Glioblastoma / metabolism; Glioblastoma / pathology; Humans; Models, Biological; Temperature
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects
TL;DR: Results were found for pancreatic cancer cells which indicate that tissue temperature may be a significant factor affecting H-FIRE ablation size and treatment planning in vivo while lower temperatures may be useful in maintaining cell viability for transfection applications. (via Semantic Scholar)
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Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: June 1, 2020

2020 journal article

Thermochromic Tissue Phantoms for Evaluating Temperature Distribution in Simulated Clinical Applications of Pulsed Electric Field Therapies

Bioelectricity, 2(4), 362–371.

By: M. Sano n & M. DeWitt*

topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Ultrasound and Cavitation Phenomena; Ultrasound and Hyperthermia Applications
Sources: ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: June 13, 2025

2019 journal article

High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation Using 5,000-V Waveforms to Create Reproducible 2- and 4-cm Ablation Zones—A Laboratory Investigation Using Mechanically Perfused Liver

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 31(1), 162–168.e7.

By: J. Kaufman n, C. Fesmire n, R. Petrella n, C. Fogle n, L. Xing*, D. Gerber*, M. Sano n

MeSH headings : Ablation Techniques / adverse effects; Animals; Electroporation; Liver / injuries; Liver / pathology; Liver / surgery; Perfusion; Sus scrofa; Time Factors
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies
TL;DR: Investigating if high-frequency irreversible electroporation treatments can be delivered at higher voltages and with greater energy delivery rates than currently implemented in clinical irreversible Electroporation protocols found that H-FIRE treatments can rapidly and reproducibly create 2-cm ablations using an A+GP configuration. (via Semantic Scholar)
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7. Affordable and Clean Energy (OpenAlex)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 3, 2020

2019 journal article

Simplified Non-Thermal Tissue Ablation With A Single Insertion Device Enabled By Bipolar High-Frequency Pulses

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 1–1.

By: M. DeWitt*, E. Lattouche*, J. Kaufman n, C. Fesmire n, J. Swet*, R. Kirks*, E. Baker*, D. Vrochides* ...

MeSH headings : Animals; Bipolar Disorder; Cell Death; Electrodes; Electroporation; Liver / surgery; Swine
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
Sources: ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: June 13, 2025

2018 journal article

Burst and continuous high frequency irreversible electroporation protocols evaluated in a 3D tumor model

Physics in Medicine & Biology, 63(13), 135022.

By: M. Sano n, C. Fesmire n, M. DeWitt* & L. Xing*

MeSH headings : Cell Survival; Electrodes; Electroporation / instrumentation; Electroporation / methods; Glioblastoma / therapy; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Tumor Cells, Cultured
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
UN Sustainable Development Goals Color Wheel
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
7. Affordable and Clean Energy (OpenAlex)
Sources: ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: June 13, 2025

2018 journal article

Optimization of a single insertion electrode array for the creation of clinically relevant ablations using high-frequency irreversible electroporation

Computers in Biology and Medicine, 95, 107–117.

By: M. Sano n, M. DeWitt*, S. Teeter n & L. Xing*

author keywords: Focal ablation; HFIRE; Cancer therapy; Non-thermal; Device modeling; Finite element model
MeSH headings : Animals; Cattle; Electrodes; Electroporation / methods; Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology; Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism; Models, Theoretical
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Electrostatic Discharge in Electronics
TL;DR: Numerical simulations develop numerical simulations that demonstrate the potential for clinically relevant ablations with H-FIRE delivered via a single insertion technique comprised of an expandable array and a distally placed grounding pad and indicate that in vivo investigation of asingle insertion array and grounding pad are warranted. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020

2018 journal article

Reduction of Muscle Contractions during Irreversible Electroporation Therapy Using High-Frequency Bursts of Alternating Polarity Pulses: A Laboratory Investigation in an Ex Vivo Swine Model

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 29(6), 893–898.e4.

By: M. Sano n, R. Fan*, K. Cheng*, Y. Saenz*, G. Sonn*, G. Hwang*, L. Xing*

MeSH headings : Animals; Electroporation / methods; Female; In Vitro Techniques; Liver / pathology; Models, Animal; Muscle Contraction / physiology; Swine
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Electrostatic Discharge in Electronics; Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
TL;DR: H-FIRE appears to be an effective technique to mitigate the muscle contractions associated with traditional IRE pulses, which may enable the use of voltages greater than 3,000 V necessary for the creation of large ablations in vivo. (via Semantic Scholar)
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UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
7. Affordable and Clean Energy (OpenAlex)
Sources: Web Of Science, ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: August 6, 2018

2018 journal article

Synergistically Enhancing the Therapeutic Effect of Radiation Therapy with Radiation Activatable and Reactive Oxygen Species-Releasing Nanostructures

ACS Nano, 12(5), 4946–4958.

author keywords: radiation/chemotherapy; radio sensitizer; reactive oxygen species; gold-titanium oxide nanoparticles; heterogeneous interface; triple-negative breast cancers
MeSH headings : Animals; Apoptosis; Biocompatible Materials / chemistry; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Survival; Female; Gold / chemistry; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry; Mice, Nude; Neoplasm Transplantation; Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / chemistry; Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / therapeutic use; Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism; Tissue Distribution; Titanium / chemistry; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / metabolism; Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms / radiotherapy
topics (OpenAlex): Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics; Radiation Therapy and Dosimetry; Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery
TL;DR: Significant tumor growth suppression and overall improvement in survival rate in a TNBC tumor model have been successfully demonstrated under DAT uptake for a radio-sensitized radiation therapy. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020

2017 journal article

A Comprehensive Characterization of Parameters Affecting High-Frequency Irreversible Electroporation Lesions

Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 45(11), 2524–2534.

By: T. Miklovic*, E. Latouche*, M. DeWitt*, R. Davalos* & M. Sano*

author keywords: Focal ablation; Non-thermal therapy; H-FIRE; Tissue phantom
MeSH headings : Cell Death; Electroporation / methods; Finite Element Analysis; Phantoms, Imaging; Solanum tuberosum
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects
TL;DR: H-FIRE treatment protocols can be optimized to produce clinically relevant lesions while maintaining the benefits of a non-thermal ablation technique, as shown in a potato tissue phantom model. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020

2017 journal article

Asymmetric Waveforms Decrease Lethal Thresholds in High Frequency Irreversible Electroporation Therapies

Scientific Reports, 7(1).

By: M. Sano*, R. Fan* & L. Xing*

MeSH headings : Cell Line, Tumor; Electroporation / methods; Humans; Radio Waves; Spheroids, Cellular; Tumor Cells, Cultured
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Pulsed Power Technology Applications
TL;DR: This study shows that asymmetric H-FIRE waveforms can be used to create ablation volumes equivalent to standard IRE treatments, and predicts that in vivo investigation of asymmetric waveforms is warranted. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020

2017 journal article

Irreversible electroporation for the ablation of pancreatic malignancies: A patient‐specific methodology

Journal of Surgical Oncology, 115(6), 711–717.

By: E. Latouche*, M. Sano n, M. Lorenzo*, R. Davalos* & R. Martin*

author keywords: finite element analysis; impedance; IRE; pancreatic adenocarcinoma; real-time feedback; treatment planning
MeSH headings : Ablation Techniques / methods; Aged; Electroporation / methods; Finite Element Analysis; Humans; Male; Models, Anatomic; Pancreatic Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging; Pancreatic Neoplasms / surgery; Precision Medicine / methods
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Plasma Applications and Diagnostics
TL;DR: This group sought to address the challenge of predicting the ablation volume with IRE for pancreatic procedures with a novel, scalable, and scalable approach that addresses the need for real-time information about the volume of ablation activity during surgery. (via Semantic Scholar)
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Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: August 28, 2020

2017 journal article

Treatment of Cancer In Vitro Using Radiation and High-Frequency Bursts of Submicrosecond Electrical Pulses

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 65(4), 928–935.

By: M. Sano*, O. Volotskova* & L. Xing*

MeSH headings : Cell Death / radiation effects; Cell Line, Tumor; Electricity; Electronics, Medical / methods; Humans; Lethal Dose 50; Neoplasms / therapy
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects
UN Sustainable Development Goals Color Wheel
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Sources: ORCID, Crossref, NC State University Libraries
Added: June 13, 2025

2016 journal article

Production of Spherical Ablations Using Nonthermal Irreversible Electroporation: A Laboratory Investigation Using a Single Electrode and Grounding Pad

Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, 27(9), 1432–1440.e3.

MeSH headings : Ablation Techniques / instrumentation; Animals; Computer Simulation; Electrodes; Electroporation / instrumentation; Equipment Design; Finite Element Analysis; In Vitro Techniques; Liver / pathology; Liver / surgery; Materials Testing; Numerical Analysis, Computer-Assisted; Swine
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects; Electrohydrodynamics and Fluid Dynamics
TL;DR: Computer modeling showed that the P+GP configuration for IRE procedures yields ablations that are larger than the 2EP configuration, creating substantial ablation zones with a single electrode placement. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020

2015 journal article

Bursts of Bipolar Microsecond Pulses Inhibit Tumor Growth

Scientific Reports, 5(1), 14999.

By: M. Sano*, C. Arena*, K. Bittleman*, M. DeWitt*, H. Cho*, C. Szot*, D. Saur*, J. Cissell* ...

MeSH headings : Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Disease Models, Animal; Electroporation / methods; Male; Mice; Neoplasms / pathology; Neoplasms / therapy; Tumor Burden; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects
TL;DR: This work explored the pulse-duration space between 250 ns and 100 μs and determined the lethal electric field intensity for specific H-FIRE protocols using a 3D tumor mimic, showing the potential for H- FIRE to be used as a focal therapy and merits its investigation in larger pre-clinical models. (via Semantic Scholar)
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3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020

2015 journal article

Targeted cellular ablation based on the morphology of malignant cells

Scientific Reports, 5(1), 17157.

By: J. Ivey*, E. Latouche*, M. Sano*, J. Rossmeisl*, R. Davalos* & S. Verbridge*

MeSH headings : Animals; Brain Neoplasms / pathology; Brain Neoplasms / therapy; Brain Neoplasms / veterinary; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Nucleus Size; Cell Shape; Cell Survival; Coculture Techniques; Dog Diseases / pathology; Dog Diseases / therapy; Dogs; Electroporation; Finite Element Analysis; Glioblastoma / pathology; Glioblastoma / therapy; Glioblastoma / veterinary; Humans; Hydrogels / chemistry; Single-Cell Analysis
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
TL;DR: A physical treatment method based on electrical disruption of cells, whose action depends strongly on cellular morphology, that may be useful in safely targeting the therapy-resistant cell niches that cause recurrence of GBM tumors is reported. (via Semantic Scholar)
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3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: February 24, 2020

2014 journal article

Focal blood-brain-barrier disruption with high-frequency pulsed electric fields

TECHNOLOGY, 02(03), 206–213.

By: C. Arena n, P. Garcia*, M. Sano*, J. Olson*, T. Rogers-Cotrone*, J. Rossmeisl*, R. Davalos*

topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Neuroscience and Neural Engineering; Ultrasound and Hyperthermia Applications
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Added: June 13, 2025

2014 journal article

Focal blood-brain-barrier disruption with high-frequency pulsed electric fields

TECHNOLOGY, 2(03), 206–213.

Mike Sano

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2014 journal article

In-vitro bipolar nano- and microsecond electro-pulse bursts for irreversible electroporation therapies

Bioelectrochemistry, 100, 69–79.

By: M. Sano*, C. Arena*, M. DeWitt*, D. Saur* & R. Davalos*

author keywords: High frequency; Cancer; Non-thermal; Ablation
MeSH headings : Animals; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Membrane; Cell Membrane Permeability; Electric Stimulation Therapy / adverse effects; Electric Stimulation Therapy / methods; Electroporation / methods; Mice; Models, Biological; Nuclear Envelope; Time Factors
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Toxin Mechanisms and Immunotoxins; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies
TL;DR: It is shown that these bursts result in instantaneous and delayed cell death mechanisms and that there exists an inverse relationship between pulse-width and toxicity despite the delivery of equal quantities of energy. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID, NC State University Libraries
Added: August 28, 2020

2014 journal article

Joule heating effects on particle immobilization in insulator-based dielectrophoretic devices

Electrophoresis, 35(2-3), 352–361.

By: R. Gallo-Villanueva, M. Sano, B. Lapizco-Encinas & R. Davalos

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2013 journal article

Investigating dielectric properties of different stages of syngeneic murine ovarian cancer cells

Biomicrofluidics, 7(1), 011809.

By: A. Salmanzadeh*, M. Sano*, R. Gallo-Villanueva*, P. Roberts*, E. Schmelz* & R. Davalos*

author keywords: bioelectric phenomena; biomedical measurement; biomembranes; bioMEMS; cancer; capacitance; cellular biophysics; electrophoresis; microfluidics
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Microbial Inactivation Methods; 3D Printing in Biomedical Research
TL;DR: Studying the electrical properties of MOSE cells provides important information as a first step to develop cancer-treatment techniques which could partially reverse the cytoskeleton disorganization of malignant cells to a morphology more similar to that of benign cells. (via Semantic Scholar)
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UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2013 journal article

Joule heating effects on particle immobilization in insulator-based dielectrophoretic devices

ELECTROPHORESIS, 35(2-3), 352–361.

author keywords: Dielectrophoresis; Electrokinetic; Joule heating; Microchannel
MeSH headings : Electric Conductivity; Electrophoresis / instrumentation; Finite Element Analysis; Hot Temperature; Kinetics; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation; Microspheres
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Electrostatics and Colloid Interactions; Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies
TL;DR: It was observed that a temperature gradient is formed along the microchannel, which redistributes the conductivity of the suspending medium leading to an increase of the dielectrophoretic force toward the inlet of the channel while decreasing toward the outlet. (via Semantic Scholar)
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Added: August 28, 2020

2013 journal article

Simultaneous electrokinetic flow and dielectrophoretic trapping using perpendicular static and dynamic electric fields

Microfluidics and Nanofluidics, 15(5), 599–609.

author keywords: Microfluidics; Numerical model; Electrokinetic micropump; Electro-osmosis; Contactless dielectrophoresis
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications; Electrostatics and Colloid Interactions
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2012 journal article

Dielectrophoretic differentiation of mouse ovarian surface epithelial cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts using contactless dielectrophoresis

Biomicrofluidics, 6(2), 024104.

By: A. Salmanzadeh*, H. Kittur*, M. Sano*, P. C. Roberts*, E. Schmelz* & R. Davalos*

topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; 3D Printing in Biomedical Research; Microbial Inactivation Methods
TL;DR: It is predicted that cDEP can be utilized for isolation of ovarian cancer cells from peritoneal fluid as an early cancer detection tool. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goals Color Wheel
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2012 conference paper

Investigating Dielectrophoretic Signature of Mouse Ovarian Surface Epithelial Cells, Macrophages and Fibroblasts

ASME 2012 Summer Bioengineering Conference, 35–36.

By: A. Salmanzadeh, H. Kittur, M. Sano, M. Stremler, P. Roberts, E. Schmelz, R. Davalos

Event: American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2012 conference paper

Irreversible Electroporation Using the Vasculature of an Organ as Fluid Electrodes

ASME 2012 Summer Bioengineering Conference, 475–476.

By: M. Sano, C. Arena, P. Garcia & R. Davalos

Event: American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2012 conference paper

Isolation of rare cancer cells from blood cells using dielectrophoresis

Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC), 2012 Annual International Conference of the IEEE, 590–593.

By: A. Salmanzadeh, M. Sano, H. Shafiee, M. Stremler & R. Davalos

Event: IEEE

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2012 chapter

Microfluidic techniques for the detection, manipulation and isolation of rare cells

In Mems for Biomedical Applications (p. 337). Elsevier.

By: M. Sano, R. Davalos & W. Forest

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2012 journal article

Multilayer contactless dielectrophoresis: Theoretical considerations

ELECTROPHORESIS, 33(13), 1938–1946.

By: M. Sano*, A. Salmanzadeh* & R. Davalos*

author keywords: Cancer detection; High throughput; Microfluidics; Numerical model; Rare cell isolation
MeSH headings : Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Separation / instrumentation; Cell Separation / methods; Computer Simulation; Electric Conductivity; Electrophoresis / instrumentation; Electrophoresis / methods; Humans; Models, Theoretical; Reproducibility of Results
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications; Electrical and Bioimpedance Tomography
TL;DR: This work investigates, for the first time, the properties of multilayer devices in which the sample and electrode channels occupy distinct layers, and concludes that the ultimate limiting factors in device performance resides in breakdown voltage of the barrier material and the ability to generate high‐voltage, high‐frequency signals. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2011 conference paper

An experimental investigation of temperature changes during electroporation

General Assembly and Scientific Symposium, 2011 XXXth URSI, 1–4.

By: P. Garcia, R. Neal, M. Sano, J. Robertson & R. Davalos

Event: IEEE

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2011 journal article

Contactless dielectrophoretic spectroscopy: Examination of the dielectric properties of cells found in blood

ELECTROPHORESIS, 32(22), 3164–3171.

author keywords: Cancer detection; Clausius-Mossotti factor; Dielectrophoresis; Microfluidics; Sample isolation
MeSH headings : Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Separation / instrumentation; Cell Separation / methods; Computer Simulation; Electrophoresis / instrumentation; Humans; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating / chemistry; Spectrum Analysis / instrumentation
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Electrical and Bioimpedance Tomography; Microwave and Dielectric Measurement Techniques
TL;DR: By first establishing the dielectrophoretic responses of cancerous cells within this cDEP device, conditions to detect and enrich tumor cells from mixtures with non‐transformed cells can be determined providing further information to develop methods to isolate these rare cells. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goals Color Wheel
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2011 conference paper

High Frequency Electroporation for Cancer Therapy

ASME 2011 Summer Bioengineering Conference, 481–482.

By: C. Arena, M. Sano, M. Rylander & R. Davalos

Event: American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2011 journal article

High-frequency irreversible electroporation (H-FIRE) for non-thermal ablation without muscle contraction

BioMedical Engineering OnLine, 10(1), 102.

By: C. Arena*, M. Sano*, J. Rossmeisl*, J. Caldwell*, P. Garcia*, M. Rylander*, R. Davalos*

MeSH headings : Ablation Techniques / adverse effects; Animals; Brain / physiology; Electroporation / methods; Finite Element Analysis; Male; Membrane Potentials; Muscle Contraction; Rats; Temperature
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Toxin Mechanisms and Immunotoxins
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2011 journal article

Modeling and development of a low frequency contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP) platform to sort cancer cells from dilute whole blood samples

Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 30(1), 13–20.

By: M. Sano*, J. Caldwell* & R. Davalos*

author keywords: Electrokinetics; Enrichment; Selective isolation; Cancer detection; Lab on a chip
MeSH headings : Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation; Blood Component Removal / instrumentation; Cell Separation / instrumentation; Computer Simulation; Computer-Aided Design; Conductometry / instrumentation; Electrophoresis / instrumentation; Equipment Design; Equipment Failure Analysis; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation; Models, Theoretical; Neoplasms / pathology
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications; Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies
TL;DR: This work presents a continuous sorting device which is the first cDEP design capable of exploiting the Clausius-Mossotti factor at frequencies where it is both positive and negative for mammalian cells. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2011 journal article

Selective concentration of human cancer cells using contactless dielectrophoresis

ELECTROPHORESIS, 32(18), 2523–2529.

By: E. Henslee*, M. Sano*, A. Rojas*, E. Schmelz* & R. Davalos*

author keywords: Clausius-Mossotti factor; Dielectrophoresis; Enrichment; Microfluidics; Sample isolation
MeSH headings : Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Separation / instrumentation; Cell Separation / methods; Electrodes; Electrophoresis / instrumentation; Electrophoresis / methods; Humans; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / methods; Neoplasms / chemistry; Neoplasms / pathology
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications
TL;DR: This work is the first to demonstrate the ability of contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP) to isolate target cell species from a heterogeneous sample of live cells and could provide a workbench for clinicians to detect transformed cells at their earliest stage, screen drug therapies prior to patient treatment, increasing the probability of success, and eliminate unsuccessful treatment options. (via Semantic Scholar)
UN Sustainable Development Goals Color Wheel
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being (OpenAlex)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2010 conference paper

Continuous Separation of Particles Using Contactless Dielectrophoresis

ASME 2010 Summer Bioengineering Conference, 611–612.

By: M. Sano & R. Davalos

Event: American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2010 journal article

Electromagnetically Controlled Biological Assembly of Aligned Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibers

Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 38(8), 2475–2484.

By: M. Sano*, A. Rojas*, P. Gatenholm* & R. Davalos*

author keywords: Acetobacter xylinum; Biological assembly; Directed biofabrication; Electrokinetics
MeSH headings : Air; Bacteria; Cellulose / biosynthesis; Cellulose / ultrastructure; Culture Media; Electricity; Gluconacetobacter xylinus / metabolism; Magnetics; Nanofibers; Oxygen / metabolism
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Electrohydrodynamics and Fluid Dynamics; Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects
TL;DR: A new biofabrication process in which the precise control of bacterial motion is used to fabricate customizable networks of cellulose nanofibrils, demonstrating a new concept of bottom up material synthesis by the control of a biological assembly process. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2010 journal article

Selective isolation of live/dead cells using contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP)

Lab on a Chip, 10(4), 438.

By: H. Shafiee*, M. Sano*, E. Henslee*, J. Caldwell* & R. Davalos*

MeSH headings : Animals; Cell Death; Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Separation / instrumentation; Cell Separation / methods; Cell Survival; Electric Conductivity; Electrophoresis; Humans
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Microfluidic and Capillary Electrophoresis Applications; Electrowetting and Microfluidic Technologies
TL;DR: Two microfluidic devices capable of selectively isolating live human leukemia cells from dead cells utilizing their electrical signatures are presented, achieving greater than 95% removal efficiency and 100% selectivity between live and dead cells. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2010 journal article

Theoretical Considerations of Tissue Electroporation With High-Frequency Bipolar Pulses

IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, 58(5), 1474–1482.

By: C. Arena*, M. Sano*, M. Rylander* & R. Davalos*

MeSH headings : Electroporation; Epidermis; Finite Element Analysis; Humans; Membrane Potentials; Models, Biological; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Temperature
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Electromagnetic Fields and Biological Effects
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2010 journal article

Towards the creation of decellularized organ constructs using irreversible electroporation and active mechanical perfusion

BioMedical Engineering OnLine, 9(1), 83.

By: M. Sano*, R. Neal*, P. Garcia*, D. Gerber*, J. Robertson*, R. Davalos*, others

MeSH headings : Animals; Electroporation / methods; Humans; Liver / blood supply; Liver / cytology; Mechanical Phenomena; Perfusion / methods; Swine; Tissue Engineering / methods; Tissue Scaffolds
topics (OpenAlex): Microbial Inactivation Methods; Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine; Electrospun Nanofibers in Biomedical Applications
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

2009 journal article

Contactless dielectrophoresis: a new technique for cell manipulation

Biomedical Microdevices, 11(5), 997–1006.

By: H. Shafiee*, J. Caldwell*, M. Sano* & R. Davalos*

author keywords: BioMEMS; Biochip; Dielectrophoretic; Microfluidics; Sample handling; Electrorotation; Sample preparation
MeSH headings : Cell Line, Tumor; Cell Separation / instrumentation; Dimethylpolysiloxanes / chemistry; Electric Impedance; Electrodes; Electrophoresis / instrumentation; Humans; Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation; Models, Theoretical; Rotation
topics (OpenAlex): Microfluidic and Bio-sensing Technologies; Microbial Inactivation Methods; Magnetic and Electromagnetic Effects
TL;DR: This technique combines the cell manipulation abilities of traditional DEP with the ease of fabrication found in insulator-based technologies and was able to demonstrate cell responses unique to the DEP effect in three separate cell lines. (via Semantic Scholar)
Sources: Crossref, ORCID
Added: August 28, 2020

2009 conference paper

Direct control of biological assembly using electrokinetic forces

AIChE Annual Meeting, Nashville, TN, Nov 8-13, 2009.

By: M. Sano, A. Rojas, P. Gatenholm & R. Davalos

Source: ORCID
Added: June 13, 2025

Employment

Updated: December 29th, 2023 09:33

2023 - present

North Carolina State University Raleigh, US
Associate Professor Molecular Biomedical Sciences

2017 - 2023

UNC/NCSU Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering Raleigh, NC, US
Assistant Professor Biomedical Engineering

2014 - 2017

Stanford University Stanford, California, US
Postdoctoral Fellow School of Medicine

Education

Updated: December 29th, 2023 09:36

2014 - 2017

Stanford University Stanford, California, US
Postdoctoral Fellow School of Medicine

2007 - 2012

Virginia Tech - Wake Forest University Blacksburg, Virginia, US
Ph.D. School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences

2007 - 2010

Virginia Tech Blacksubrg, Virginia, US
M.S, Engineering Mechanics

2002 - 2007

SUNY University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York, US
B.S. Electrical Engineering

2002 - 2007

SUNY University at Buffalo Buffalo, New York, US
B.A. Mathematics

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