Cell investigations simultaneously with exposure to 2.45 GHz microwaves

J Microw Power Electromagn Energy. 2009;43(3):21-5. doi: 10.1080/08327823.2008.11688618.

Abstract

The paper presents two microwave (MW) exposure systems (MWESs) that permit observations and measurements on cell cultures during their exposure to MW of 2.45 GHz: MWES-1 and MWES-2. MWES-1 is designed for the measurement of the cell membrane fluorescence anisotropies (MFA) simultaneously with MW exposure. MWES-2 is designed for the cells culture exploration under an inverted microscope before, during and after MW exposure. MWES-1 consists mainly of a 2.45 GHz microwave generator (MWG-2.45 GHz-SAIREM) of 0-25 W, equipped with forward power and reflected power displaying, and an adjustable coaxial antenna immersed directly into the cuvette with the cells-suspension of a Spex type spectrofluorometer. The MW effect on membrane fluidity of B16F10 malignant melanoma (B16F10-MM) cells in suspension were investigated with MWES-1, by MFA measurements. We observed a MW induced transition temperature (ITT) rising strongly during the MW exposure as compared with ITT obtained by classical heating (CH). The MWES-2 consists of the MWG-2.45 GHz-SAIREM generator and a rectangular waveguide applicator with traveling wave placed between the condenser and the objective of a Zeiss Axiovert 200 microscope, equipped with a fluorescence device and image acquisition. The MW effects on shape and apoptosis of the B16F10-MM cells were investigate with MWES-2. The B16F10-MM cells exhibited visible shape changes during MW exposure up to 37 degrees C. The MW exposure induced cells apoptosis/necrosis in several seconds after that MW are applied, beginning with SAR = 1.5 W/sample, compared to CH controls exposed at the same temperature dynamics.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Shape
  • Equipment Design
  • Fluorescence Polarization / instrumentation
  • Melanoma, Experimental / pathology
  • Melanoma, Experimental / physiopathology
  • Melanoma, Experimental / therapy*
  • Membrane Fluidity
  • Mice
  • Microwaves / therapeutic use*
  • Temperature