Development of a new in vitro RF exposure device for confocal microscopy imaging during concurrent 900 MHz RF exposure

A radiofrequency (RF) exposure device has been developed to allow accurate quantifiable RF field exposures of biological cells while being imaged by a confocal or general fluorescence microscope. The device consists of a cell medium chamber at the end of a modified coaxial transmission line. It provides a sterile, perfusable, temperature controlled environment for optimal cell maintenance conditions. The device is far more energy efficient than exposure of cell cultures in TEM cells, allowing high SAR doses. Furthermore, the device is small enough to fit on any inverted microscope stage and can be used with standard microscope objectives. The optical imaging quality of cells in the device is not degraded relative to normal coverslip viewing conditions.