Real-Time Microscopic Observation of Biological Interactions with Microwave Fields

Here we describe the design and fabrication of novel coplanar waveguide applicators, which facilitate real-time observation of separated electric and magnetic field effects on biological systems. S
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parameters and temperature changes across these waveguides was characterized, and the feasibility of simultaneous microwave excitation and microscope observation was confirmed by tracking the motility of a protozoan fish parasite, Spironucleus vortens. This paves the way for in-depth studies into the biophysical effects of electromagnetic fields (up to 3GHz) on a range of biological systems. Applications extend from optimization of therapeutic intervention (e.g. thermal ablation and elec-troporation) to understanding putatively hazardous effects from environmental sources of non-ionizing radiation.