Nonthermal medical/biological treatments using electromagnetic fields and ionized gases

The application of intense electrical pulses to biological cells causes changes in the permeability of the cell membranes. This effect, electroporation, is the basis of numerous medical, industrial and environmental applications. The development of nanosecond and even subnanosecond high power pulse generators and pulsed microwave sources promises to expand this range of nonthermal electric field-cell interactions from the cellular to the molecular level, with the potential for novel medical treatments. A research field which is mainly established in the FSU countries and in China deals with the biological effects of microwaves and millimeter waves. Extended scientific studies in this field may lead to novel therapeutic, health and safety applications. A second technological area, which has developed rapidly, is the generation of nonthermal, atmospheric pressure plasmas, with application in bacterial and chemical decontamination. In order to provide a forum for exchange of information and ideas the "First International Symposium on Nonthermal Medical/Biological Treatments Using Electromagnetic Fields and Ionized Gases" was held in April of 1999 in Norfolk, VA, USA. The paper provides an overview of the state of these emerging research and technology fields based on the conference presentations, and conclusions and recommendations for research and development, developed in discussion groups at the symposium.