Abstract: A method and device for treating a condition aggravated by the presence of amyloid fibrils is disclosed. The method includes applying a plurality of ultra-short pulses to target tissue comprising amyloid fibrils. The plurality of ultra-short pulses produce an electric field in the target tissue sufficient to change a molecular structure of the amyloid fibrils without causing the death, destruction, or serious injury of healthy cells surrounding the target tissue. For example, the plurality of ultra-short pulses can be sufficient to change the molecular structure of amyloid fibrils without causing apoptosis or necrosis of surrounding cells. The ultra-short pulses can be applied using an electrode device or a wideband antenna. The ultra-short pulses can have a duration ranging from 1 ps to 10 ns, an amplitude ranging from 100 V to 1 MV, and can apply an electrical field to the target tissue ranging from 1 kV/cm to 1 MV/cm.

Abstract: Methods and devices designed to eliminate and/or ablate cancer or other abnormal growths of cells or tissues or eliminate and/or ablate cells or tissue with abnormal functions. In particular, using sub-microsecond electric pulses to treat cancer cells by, inter alia, inducing programmed cell death or other type of cell death. These methods and devices are expected to greatly improve the prevention, treatment and management of cancer by increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatments and development of resistance to new cancer growth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for delivering an agent into a cell through the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields (“nsPEF's”). The method includes circuitry for delivery of an agent into a cell via known methods followed by the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell in order to facilitate entry of the agent into the nucleus of the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method of enhancing gene expression in a cell comprising the application of nanosecond pulse electric fields to said cell. An apparatus for generating long and short pulses according to the present invention is also provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator capable of producing a first pulse having a long duration and low voltage amplitude and a second pulse having a short duration and high voltage amplitude.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cellular and intracellular manipulation of cell functions with ultrashort electrical pulses and for targeted delivery of the electrical pulses into cell cultures, patients, and tissues.

Abstract: Methods for a new, drug-free therapy for treating solid skin tumors through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are melanoma cells, and the applied nsPEFs penetrate into the interior of tumor cells and cause tumor cell nuclei to rapidly shrink and tumor blood flow to stop. This new technique provides a highly localized targeting of tumor cells with only minor effects on overlying skin.

Abstract: A method and device for aggregating algae in an aqueous solution is disclosed. The method can include providing an algae feed comprising a liquid and algae dispersed therein. The algae feed can be aggregated by applying a nanosecond pulsed electric field to the algae feed. The nanosecond pulsed electric field can include a plurality of electric pulses having a pulse duration ranging from 1 to 1,000 nanoseconds. The method can also include separating an aggregated algae stream from the algae feed and feeding the aggregated algae stream to a lipid extraction operation.

Abstract: A plasma reactor is provided, which includes a discharge chamber with dimensional characteristics and configuration of dielectric and electrodes so as to enhance efficiency based on the characteristics of the corona discharge streamers generated. Upon application of a pulsed high voltage potential, the discharge chamber enables formation of plasma where surface streamers play a greater role in the overall energy density of the discharge chamber than gas streamers. The formation of gas streamers is constrained. Because surface streamers have a higher energy density, the present invention is able to achieve improved energy efficiency while preserving effectiveness for gas treatment.

Abstract: A microhollow cathode discharge assembly capable of generating a low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma micro jet is disclosed. The microhollow assembly has two electrodes: an anode and a cathode separated by a dielectric. A microhollow gas passage is disposed through the three layers. In some embodiments, the passage is tapered such that the area at the first electrode is larger than the area at the second electrode. When a potential is placed across the electrodes and a gas is directed through the gas passage, then a low temperature micro plasma jet can be created at atmospheric pressure or above.

Abstract: A method of inducing local hyperthermia in patient tissue is provided. The method includes generating ultra-wide-band radiation, conveying the ultra-wideband radiation to a focusing element, and focusing the ultra-wideband radiation on a target with the focusing element. A system for inducing local hyperthermia in patient tissue is also provided. The system includes a power source for generating ultra-wideband radiation, and a focusing element for focusing the ultra-wideband radiation on a target.

Abstract: An imaging and recordation system is provided. The system includes a high-power, focusing antenna for illuminating biological tissue. The system further includes a power source for powering the antenna. The system further includes a data acquisition module, for recording the dielectric properties of tissues illuminated by the high-power, focusing antenna. The system illuminates the tissues using ultrashort electrical pulses.

Abstract: A medical instrument for delivering electrotherapy to tissue that includes an outer support member having a ground plate at a distal end of the outer support member, and a protrusive element having a tip that extends beyond the ground plate. A portion of the protrusive element proximate the ground plate can act as an electrical insulator and a portion of the protrusive element proximate the distal end of the protrusive element can include a first electrode. The protrusive element can be designed to penetrate into tissue below a tissue surface while a tissue contacting surface of the ground plate rests against the tissue surface. Also disclosed are systems incorporating the medical instrument and methods of electrotherapy to subsurface tissue using the medical instrument.

Abstract: A microhollow cathode discharge assembly capable of generating a low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma micro jet is disclosed. The microhollow assembly has at two electrodes: an anode and a cathode separated by a dielectric. A microhollow gas passage is disposed through the three layers, preferably in a taper such that the area at the anode is larger than the area at the cathode. When a potential is placed across the electrodes and a gas is directed through the gas passage into the anode and out the cathode, along the tapered direction, then a low temperature micro plasma jet can be created at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Methods for inducing calcium mobilization in cells through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. The invention also provides a method of increasing intracellular calcium in cells through the application of nsPEFs. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are human platelets, whereby activation and aggregation of the platelets is induced. Methods for treating an injury, trauma, or loss of blood in a subject, through the application of nsPEFs are also provided.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cellular and intracellular manipulation of cell functions with ultrashort electrical pulses and for targeted delivery of the electrical pulses into cell cultures, patients, and tissues.

Abstract: A high pressure gas discharge device and methods of using the device as a UV gas discharge light source are disclosed. The device has a cathode covered partially with a dielectric layer which separates the cathode from an anode. A discharge device utilizes one or more microhollows in the uncovered part of the cathode. Methods of utilizing the discharge devise as a gas discharge light source for producing ultrapure water.

Abstract: A high pressure gas discharge device and methods of using the device as a UV gas discharge light source are disclosed. The device has a cathode covered partially with a dielectric layer which separates the cathode from an anode. A discharge device utilizes one or more microhollows in the uncovered part of the cathode. Methods of utilizing the discharge devise as a gas discharge light source for producing ultapure water.

Abstract: An intracellular electro-manipulation apparatus for delivery an electric field pulse to a target of one or more biological cells is provided. The apparatus includes a pulse generator that generates an ultrashort electric field pulse, and a pulse delivery system that directs the ultrashort electric field pulse to the target. The apparatus can include a reflected-signal impeder connected between the pulse generator and the pulse delivery system to impede reflection of a signal to the pulse generator when impedance mismatching between the pulse delivery system and pulse generator occurs. Alternatively, or additionally, the apparatus can include a current limiter connected between the pulse generator and the pulse delivery system to limit current between the pulse generator and the pulse delivery system when a high-conductivity condition occurs in the target.

Abstract: A high pressure gas discharge device and methods of using the device as a UV gas discharge light source are disclosed. The device has a cathode covered partially with a dielectric layer which separates the cathode from an anode. A discharge device utilizes one or more microhollows in the uncovered part of the cathode. Methods of utilizing the discharge devise as a gas discharge light source for producing ultapure water.

Abstract: A light source with a sealed, light-transmissive tube filled with high pressure gases or high pressure gas mixtures and a microhollow cathode (MHC) discharge capable of excimer production are provided.

Abstract: A light source with a sealed, light-transmissive tube filled with high pressure gases or high pressure gas mixtures and a microhollow cathode (MHC) discharge capable of excimer production are provided.