Microwave-Induced Conductance Increases in Lipid Bilayer Membranes Modified with Gramicidin-A

The effects of microwave fields on the conductance of lipid bilayer membranes modified with a population of Gramicidin-A channels have been investigated. An S-band exposure system allowing to radiate the membrane with electromagnetic (EM) fields at different levels has been realized, and the Gramicidin-induced currents have been recorded with and without the application of the EM field. Rapid and reversible increases of membrane´s conductance (about 27 % for a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 11.9 W/Kg) have been observed during microwave exposures. The maximum value of the conductance and of the conductance alteration rate rises by increasing the SAR.