A Systematic Method to Explore Radio-Frequency Non-Thermal Effect on the Growth of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Authors: D. Ye, G. Cutter, T. P. Caldwell, S. W. Harcum, P. Wang

Year: March 2022

Category: Biophysics

Journal: IEEE Journal of Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves in Medicine and Biology

Institution: IEEE Journal of Electromagnetics, RF and Microwaves in Medicine and Biology

DOI: 10.1109/JERM.2021.3101408

URL: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=9502940&isnumber=9716150

Abstract

Overview

The study extensively investigates the non-thermal effects of radio frequency (RF) on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, addressing the potential health risks and beneficial applications of RF exposure.

Methodology

  • Utilizes a transverse electromagnetic (TEM) device.
  • Incorporates a dielectric spectroscopy technique for selecting RF frequencies.
  • Employs a vector network analyzer to provide continuous-wave RF power, minimizing heating effects which were deemed negligible.

Findings

The research identified specific RF frequencies that influence yeast growth in contrasting ways:

  • 3.162 MHz: Reduced yeast growth rates by 15.1%.
  • 1.0 MHz: Enhanced cell growth by 13.7%.
  • 10 MHz: Showed an insignificant growth rate increase of 4.3%.
  • 905 MHz: Had no effect on cell growth.

Conclusion

The study underscores the frequency-dependent nature of RF non-thermal effects on S. cerevisiae. Notable differences in permittivity near the cell membrane suggest key roles for non-uniform RF fields and mechanisms such as fluidic diodes in ion channels, impacting nutrient transport. Further investigations are recommended to elucidate these mechanisms.

radio-frequency non-thermal effects Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell growth biophysics
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