The use of non-invasive radiofrequency (RF) energy to induce mild thermal and non-thermal effects in cancer tissue is under study as an adjuvant to chemo, radio or immuno therapy. This study examines cell specific sensitivities to RF exposure and the potential of nanoparticles to elevate heating rates or enhance biological effects. Increases in the heating rate of water in an RF field operating at 13.56 MHz (0.004–0.028 °C/s) were positively correlated with concentration of hybrid nanoparticles (1–10 mg/ml) consisting of water soluble malonodiserinolamide [60]fullerene (C60-ser) conjugated to the surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SiO2-C60). The heating rate of highly conductive cell culture media (0.024 °C/s) was similar to that of the highest concentration of nanoparticles in water, with no significant increase due to addition of nanoparticles at relevant doses (<100 μg/ml). With respect to cell viability, anionic (SiO2 and SiO2-C60) or neutral (C60) nanoparticles did not influence RF-induced cell death, however, cationic nanoparticles (4–100 μg/ml) caused dose-dependent increases in RF-induced cell death (24–42% compared to RF only). The effect of cell type, size and immortalization on sensitivity of cells to RF fields was examined in endothelial (HUVEC and HMVEC), fibroblast (primary dermal and L939) and cancer cells (HeLa and 4T1). While the state of cellular immortalization itself did not consistently influence the rate of RF-induced cell death compared to normal cell counter parts, cell size (ranging from 7 to 30 μm) negatively correlated with cell sensitivity to RF (21–97% cell death following 6 min irradiation). In summary, while nanoparticles do not alter the heating rate of biologically-relevant solutions, they can increase RF-induced cell death based on intrinsic cytotoxicity; and cells with smaller radii, and thereby greater surface membrane, are more susceptible to cell damage in an RF field than larger cells.

Background Applied radiofrequency (RF) energy induces hyperthermia in tissues, facilitating vascular perfusion This study explores the impact of RF radiation on the integrity of the luminal endothelium, and then predominately explores the impact of altering the conductivity of biologically-relevant solutions on RF-induced heating rates and cell death. The ability of cells to survive high sucrose (i.e. hyperosmotic conditions) to achieve lower conductivity as a mechanism for directing hyperthermia is evaluated. Methods RF radiation was generated using a capacitively-coupled radiofrequency system operating at 13.56 MHz. Temperatures were recorded using a FLIR SC 6000 infrared camera. Results RF radiation reduced cell-to-cell connections among endothelial cells and altered cell morphology towards a more rounded appearance at temperatures reported to cause in vivo vessel deformation. Isotonic solutions containing high sucrose and low levels of NaCl displayed low conductivity and faster heating rates compared to high salt solutions. Heating rates were positively correlated with cell death. Addition of sucrose to serum similarly reduced conductivity and increased heating rates in a dose-dependent manner. Cellular proliferation was normal for cells grown in media supplemented with 125 mM sucrose for 24 hours or for cells grown in 750 mM sucrose for 10 minutes followed by a 24 h recovery period. Conclusions Sucrose is known to form weak hydrogen bonds in fluids as opposed to ions, freeing water molecules to rotate in an oscillating field of electromagnetic radiation and contributing to heat induction. The ability of cells to survive temporal exposures to hyperosmotic (i.e. elevated sucrose) conditions creates an opportunity to use sucrose or other saccharides to selectively elevate heating in specific tissues upon exposure to a radiofrequency field.