Compact dualmode microwave electroporation and dielectrometry tool

In this paper, a novel tool is introduced for microwave assisted electroporation at 18 GHz, suitable for the integration in a lab-on-a-chip. In contrast to conventional electroporation, microwave electroporation has the advantage of lower field strengths, and can therefore, provide higher cell viability rates. Moreover, with this applicator it is possible to monitor the membrane poration process in situ optically, and by obtaining broadband dielectric spectroscopy at the same time. The concept of microwave assisted electroporation is proofed with SF9 insect cells. After an exposure of 25 minutes with an input power of 24 dBm at 18 GHz, successful uptake was detected due to microwave membrane poration. Thereby, the heating was kept below 30 °C, which results in a high viability.