Effects Due to Microwaves in an Enzyme-Substrate System

Changes in the potential difference between electrodes in contact with an enzyme-substrate system due to the presence of microwave radiation are reported. They are measured with a Keithley l50B instrument using a point-plane electrode system across a waveguide and the enzyme and substrate absorbed in a membrane separating the electrodes. An HP8690A sweep oscillator and plug-in unit 8695A is used to sweep the frequency range 12.4 GHz to 18 GHz in 100 seconds. The changes in potential are dependent on the frequency, and the power level and are periodic in time at a constant frequency. Experimental conditions affecting the results are discussed.