Evaluation of the Potential Biological Effects of the 60-GHz Millimeter Waves Upon Human Cells

Abstract

International audienceWe investigate potential biological effects of low-power millimeter-wave radiation on human cell viability and intracellular protein homeostasis. A specific exposure system allowing to perform far-field exposures with power densities close to those expected from the future wireless communications in the 60-GHz band has been developed and characterized. Specific absorption rate (SAR) values were determined for the biosamples under test using the FDTD method. It was shown that millimeter-wave radiation at 60.42 GHz and with a maximum incident power density of 1 mW/cm2 does not alter cell viability, gene expression, and protein conformation

Effects of 60-GHz millimeter waves on neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells using high-content screening

“…We reported that levels of several stressinducible genes were not significantly enhanced [29,32], suggesting that MMW around 60…”

“…It includes a signal generation subunit and an exposure chamber. The first subunit had already been described in detail [29]. The anechoic exposure chamber is located in a temperaturecontrolled anechoic MEMMERT UNE400 incubator (Memmert GmbH, Schwabach, DE) covered inside by absorbing materials.…”

Whole‐genome expression analysis in primary human keratinocyte cell cultures exposed to 60 GHz radiation

“…However, these results have not been reproduced, and other studies have showed that neither the cell doubling time nor the cell cycle is significantly modified by MMW exposure [Beneduci, 2009;Zhadobov et al, 2009]. At the molecular level, 60 GHz radiation below 1 mW/cm 2 can induce structural modifications in artificial biomembranes [Zhadobov et al, 2006].…”

“…The six-well tissue culture plate (8.5 cm  12.7 cm) containing the cells was placed in the MEMMERT UE400 incubator (Fisher Scientific, Illkirch, France) at 37 8C and irradiated from the bottom by a pyramidal horn antenna. The main units and characteristics of this exposure set-up were previously described in detail [Zhadobov et al, 2009]. Sham exposures were performed under the same experimental conditions but with the generator switched off.…”

“…This ensures a relatively uniform distribution of the PD over cells located in different wells. The incident PD and average specific absorption rate (SAR) within the cell monolayers have been computed numerically using the methodology described by Zhadobov et al [2009]. Our simulation results are shown in Figure 1B.…”