A numerical design of versatile microchambers for nsPEFs experiments

The emergence of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) for intracellular electro-manipulation experiments implies the application of extremely short (ns) high intensity (MV/m) electric field pulses. Specific pulse generators and miniaturized applicators are necessary to properly deliver this category of voltage signals to biological loads. In this context, we propose the design of a versatile nsPEFs applicator, developed following the guidelines typical of microwave propagating systems. The designed microchamber is suitable for in vitro exposure to undistorted pulses with duration down to 1-3 ns during single and multi cell experiments. Further features are: high efficiency (above 0.95), high cell viability by the integration of microfluidic components, real time monitoring of the biological sample and of the pulse propagation. These features can be considered as designing rules for new nanosecond and sub-nanosecond applicators, to ensure experimental repeatability and reproducibility when the impact of propagation on pulse signals is no more negligible.