Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field Lab-on-Chip Integrated in Super-Resolution Microscope for Cytoskeleton Imaging

Nanosecond pulsed electric field offers novel opportunities in bionanotechnology and biomedicine enabling ultrafast physical control of membrane, and protein-based processes for the development of novel bionanomaterials and biomedical theranostic methods. However, the mechanisms of nanosecond pulsed electric field action at the nano- and molecular scale are not fully understood due to lack of appropriate research tools. In order to overcome this challenge, a technological platform for the exploration of these mechanisms in live biological samples is provided here. This paper describes step by step the proposed chip platform, including the design, fabrication, installation, and testing of the chip. The developed chip is capable of delivering hundreds of volts of nanosecond electric pulses compared to conventional chips using few volts. Moreover, the chip is fully integrated into a super-resolution microscope. Later on, the chip function is demonstrated by affecting microtubule architecture in living cells. Therefore, the chip-based technological advancement enables the assessment of pulsed electric field effects on bionanostructures and observing their effects in real-time. The results contribute to the chip-based high-frequency bioelectronics technology for modulating the function of biological matter at the nanoscale level.