Design and characterization of a system for exposure of cultured cells to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields over a wide range of field strengths

A system is described that is capable of producing extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields for relatively short-term exposure of cultured mammalian cells. The system utilizes a ferromagnetic core to contain and direct the magnetic field of a 1,000 turn solenoidal coil and can produce a range of flux densities and induced electric fields much higher than those produced by Helmholtz coils. The system can generate magnetic fields from the microtesla (μT) range up to 0.14 T with induced electric field strengths on the order of 1.0 V/m. The induced electric field can be accurately varied by changing the sample chamber configuration without changing the exposure magnetic field. This gives the system the ability to separate the bioeffects of magnetic and induced electric fields. In the frequency range of 4–100 Hz and magnetic flux density range of 0.005–0.14 T, the maximum total harmonic distortion of the induced electric field is typically less than 1.0%. The temperature of the samples is held constant to within 0.4°C by constant perfusion of warmed culture medium through the sample chamber. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.