The bioeffects of a high frequency electromagnetic field in the microwave range

Biological effects of high frequency (18 GHz) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure have been studied using typical representatives of prokaryotic and eukaryotic taxa, including two Gram-negative bacteria, six Gram-positive bacteria, a eukaryotic unicellular organism and red blood cells. It was determined, for the first time, that regardless of the the differences in cell wall/ membrane structure, exposure to high frequency EMF induced cell permeabilization, as confirmed via the ability of cells to uptake silica nanospheres, and could not be duplicated using conventional heating methods. A new mechanism of cell permeability is postulated. This effect has huge potential in drugs/genes delivery applications.