Bioelectrics - Using Nanosecond Pulsed Power Technology to Control Biological Cell Functions

Summary form only given. A method called electroporation has been used for decades to introduce drugs or DNA into cells for basic science or for therapeutic purposes. Pulse durations for electroporation range from milliseconds to microseconds. Another domain of pulsed electric field interactions with cell structures and functions opens when the pulse duration is reduced to values below the characteristic charging time of the outer cell membrane. This intracellular access allows the manipulation of cell functions. At increased electric fields, the application of nanosecond pulses induces programmed cell death (apoptosis) in biological cells. Results of this continuing research are leading to the development of wound healing and skin cancer treatments.