A new exposure system for the in vitro detection of GHz field effects on neuronal networks.
The possible effects of high-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on biological systems are a subject of public concern and scientific discussion. It is generally accepted that the absorption of part of the field energy may cause a temperature rise in biological tissue. Nevertheless, our setup aims to detect possible athermal effects on the electric activity of neuronal in vitro networks. Such networks were formed by primary neurons derived from the murine frontal cortex and cultivated on micro-sensor chips. The action potentials of the neurons were detected in real time by an integrated, electrically passive microelectrode array. For EMF exposure, the chips were introduced into a rectangular wave-guide that could be operated in the propagating or standing wave modes. The drive signals were either continuous waves (1.9-2.2 GHz) or a generic mobile phone signal (UMTS-standard) of up to approximately 8 W. An on-chip sensor allowed the temperature progression to be recorded. In addition, ISFETs and Clark-like electrodes were integrated for the on-chip detection of pH and O(2), respectively.
Koester
Philipp
P
University of Rostock, Institute of Biology, Chair of Biophysics, Gertrudenstr. 11A, D-18057 Rostock, Germany.
Sakowski
Jan
J
Baumann
Werner
W
Glock
Hans-Walter
HW
Gimsa
Jan
J
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D051379:Mice; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D013696:Temperature