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

In this paper, a delivery system allowing simultaneous microwave heating and real-time spectro∞uorometric 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 spectro∞uorometer via an optical cable system. A numerical and experimental dosimetry of the delivery system is conducted. The Speciflc Absorption Rate (SAR) e-ciency of the system is 26:1§2:1W/kg/W. Spectro∞uorometric measurements on Laurdan labeled small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) are carried out. Generalized polarization (GP) of the SUV's membrane is obtained from the ∞uorescence intensities measured at two emission wavelengths.