Marko S. Markov - Böcker

A reflection of the intense study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on living tissues that has taken place during the last decades, Advanced Electroporation Techniques in Biology and Medicine summarizes most recent experimental findings and theories related to permeabilization of biomembranes by pulsed electric fields. Edited by experts and including contributions from pioneers in the field, the book focuses on biophysical mechanisms of electroporation and applications of this phenomenon in biomedical research and medicine. The field of electroporation is now mature enough to move from journal pages to book covers. The book leads readers from the basics and history of electroporation, through mechanisms of membrane permeabilization in lipid bilayers and living cells, to electrically-mediated gene delivery and cancer therapy in animals and humans. This book is an interdisciplinary compilation intended broadly for biomedical and physical scientists, engineers, and clinicians. It can also be used as a textbook for students in advanced courses in biomedical engineering, molecular and cell biology, as well as in biophysics and clinical medicine.

Through a biophysical approach, Electromagnetic Fields in Biology and Medicine provides state-of-the-art knowledge on both the biological and therapeutic effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). The reader is guided through explanations of general problems related to the benefits and hazards of EMFs, step-by-step engineering processes, and basic results obtained from laboratory and clinical trials. Basic biological mechanisms reviewed by several authors lead to an understanding of the effects of EMFs on microcirculation as well as on immune and anti-inflammatory responses. Based upon investigational mechanisms for achieving potential health benefits, various EMF medical applications used around the world are presented. These include the frequent use of EMFs in wound healing and cartilage/bone repair as well as use of EMFs in pain control and inhibition of cancer growth.Final chapters cover the potential of using the novel biophysical methods of electroporation and nanoelectroporation in electrochemotherapy, gene therapy, and nonthermal ablation. Also covered is the treatment of tendon injuries in animals and humans. This book is an invaluable tool for scientists, clinicians, and medical and engineering students.

This volume includes the lectures and selected posters on different aspects of biological effects of EMF, presented at the NATO ADVANCED RESEARCH WORKSHOP “The mechanisms of biological effect Extremely High Power Pulses (EHPP)” (3-5 March 2005) and the UNESCO/WHO/IUPAB Seminar “Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Biological Effects of EMF” (1-2 March 2005) that took place in Yerevan, Armenia. The gracious support of several international organizations made possible to bring together 47 scientists, engineers, physicians and policy makers from 21 countries from Europe, North and South America, Asia. The Capital of Armenia, Yerevan, provided an excellent opportunity for discussions of the experimental data and theoretical models of EMF effect on various levels, starting from cell aqua bathing medium to the whole organism, including the human, applying multidisciplinary approaches. The continuous increase of the number of man made EMF sources leads to dramatic changes in the spectrum of EMF in the biosphere. During the last two decades the public concern about potential hazard of EMF generated by power and distribution lines, as well as mobile communications and base stations have initiated serious public concern and has triggered the attention of the WHO, which reflected in the EMF project of harmonization of standards. At the same time, contemporary medicine largely uses EMF diagnostic methods. The beneficial effects of EMF are complemented with a large scale of EMF therapeutic modalities used in a number of countries, helping millions of people.

This volume includes the lectures and selected posters on different aspects of biological effects of EMF, presented at the NATO ADVANCED RESEARCH WORKSHOP “The mechanisms of biological effect Extremely High Power Pulses (EHPP)” (3-5 March 2005) and the UNESCO/WHO/IUPAB Seminar “Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Biological Effects of EMF” (1-2 March 2005) that took place in Yerevan, Armenia. The gracious support of several international organizations made possible to bring together 47 scientists, engineers, physicians and policy makers from 21 countries from Europe, North and South America, Asia. The Capital of Armenia, Yerevan, provided an excellent opportunity for discussions of the experimental data and theoretical models of EMF effect on various levels, starting from cell aqua bathing medium to the whole organism, including the human, applying multidisciplinary approaches. The continuous increase of the number of man made EMF sources leads to dramatic changes in the spectrum of EMF in the biosphere. During the last two decades the public concern about potential hazard of EMF generated by power and distribution lines, as well as mobile communications and base stations have initiated serious public concern and has triggered the attention of the WHO, which reflected in the EMF project of harmonization of standards. At the same time, contemporary medicine largely uses EMF diagnostic methods. The beneficial effects of EMF are complemented with a large scale of EMF therapeutic modalities used in a number of countries, helping millions of people.

A reflection of the intense study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on living tissues that has taken place during the last decades, Advanced Electroporation Techniques in Biology and Medicine summarizes most recent experimental findings and theories related to permeabilization of biomembranes by pulsed electric fields. Edited by experts and including contributions from pioneers in the field, the book focuses on biophysical mechanisms of electroporation and applications of this phenomenon in biomedical research and medicine. The field of electroporation is now mature enough to move from journal pages to book covers. The book leads readers from the basics and history of electroporation, through mechanisms of membrane permeabilization in lipid bilayers and living cells, to electrically-mediated gene delivery and cancer therapy in animals and humans. This book is an interdisciplinary compilation intended broadly for biomedical and physical scientists, engineers, and clinicians. It can also be used as a textbook for students in advanced courses in biomedical engineering, molecular and cell biology, as well as in biophysics and clinical medicine.