Abstract

Abstract Summary

Overview

This article introduces an innovative mode-stirred reverberation chamber (RC), conceptualized for the first time as a viable cell culture incubator. This chamber facilitates in vitro exposure of adherent cells within tissue culture plates (TCPs) to electromagnetic waves, specifically addressing the demanding conditions necessary for typical cell incubations.

Design and Experiments

• The chamber is tailored for electromagnetic experiments at a 3.5 GHz frequency, critical for 5G telecommunications.
• Characterization of the RC involved pioneering methods, including S11 parameter measurements from the emitting antenna.
• Capability in the chamber to accommodate up to 10 TCPs under homogeneous exposure conditions was confirmed.

Findings

Measurements have revealed specific absorption rate (SAR) values ranging between 1 and 1.5 W/kg per 1 W incident, demonstrating apparent homogeneity in exposure across the samples. This includes configurations in 6-well or 96-well plates used for biological exposure. Experimental outcomes aligned well with numerical simulations, corroborating the efficacy and reliability of this unique RC.

Conclusion

The design fulfills stringent incubation requisites and efficiently maintains uniform electromagnetic fields, ensuring accurate exposure assessments in bioelectromagnetic studies, which is crucial given the increasing concerns around electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure risks.