Evaluation of Cell Membrane Effects After 3D Multicellular Spheroids RF Exposure

Abstract

Herein we present the assessment of RF-induced cell membrane effects assessment in multicellular spheroids, which are three-dimensional tissue models resembling small avascular tumors. The RF exposure was performed in a dedicated RF applicator, which allowed a precise RF metrology as well as calibrated and systematized conditions of application of electromagnetic fields to multiple 3D multicellular spheroids. The used RF micro-device allowed us varying different RF parameters (such as frequency, power, or modulation) in order to evaluate RF-related biological effects on the membranes of cells constituting the multicellular spheroids. The effects of electromagnetic signals were assessed on cancer cells spheroids made with HCT-116 cells. Appraised parameters included the evaluation of cell membrane integrity, and the assessment of spheroids global structure after illumination. After RF exposure at SAR values ranging from 0.4 to 7.5 kW/kg, we did not observe any detrimental effects on the cell membrane level. Moreover, the spheroids exhibited an unmodified architecture.