Setup for Simultaneous Microwave Heating and Real-Time Spectrofluorimetric Measurements in Biological Systems

International audienceIn this paper, a delivery system allowing simultaneous microwave heating and real-time spectrofluorometric measurements in biological systems is proposed and characterized. This system is used to investigate the phase behavior of lipid bilayers from about 15 C to 45 C. The delivery system is based on an open transverse electromagnetic (TEM) cell combined with a spectrofluorometer via an optical cable system. A numerical and experimental dosimetry of the delivery system is conducted. The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) efficiency of the system is 26.1 +/- 2.1 W/kg/W. Spectrofluorometric measurements on Laurdan labeled small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) are carried out. Generalized polarization (GP) of the SUV's membrane is obtained from the fluorescence intensities measured at two emission wavelengths