Design of a grid-patterned cuvette forin vitrostudies of low-impedance biological samples using nanosecond pulsed...

Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) have emerged as a promising modality for cancer treatment by inducing targeted immune responses. Inin vitrostudies, commercial cuvettes with narrow 1-mm gaps are typically employed to deliver high-intensity electric fields to biological samples. However, the inherently high conductivity of the biological sample results in extremely low impedance-often only a few Ohms. Under kilovolt-level pulses, this low impedance can induce current surges of hundreds of amperes, posing risks to pulse generation equipment. This issue is further amplified in high cell-density environments. To overcome these challenges, a novel cuvette design featuring a pair of grid-patterned electrodes has been developed to enhance load impedance while preserving electric field uniformity. Numerical simulations confirm that the proposed structure improves impedance characteristics without compromising the homogeneity of the electric field. Experimental validation has been conducted using 3D-printed cuvettes based on the current-voltage measurement method, indicating a strong correlation with simulations. This proposed grid-patterned cuvette provides a reliable platform for nsPEF delivery inin vitrobiomedical research.