Development of a platform for measurement of biological response of weak low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF)

PhD study program: Measurement Technology
Akademic year: 2018-2019
Advisor: Prof. Ing. RNDr. Ivan Bajla, CSc. (umerbajl@savba.sk)
External educational institution: Institute of Measurement Science SAS
Accepting university: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Institute of Electrical Engineering
Max. number of students: 1
Study language: Slovak/English

Annotation:
The aim of the dissertation is to broaden knowledge about the impact of weak external low-frequency EMF on functioning of selected biological objects that could be the basis for novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for treatment of civilization diseases. The primary aim of this work is to develop a new experimental platform and procedures enabling efficient scanning of the EMF parameters which lead to specific biological response. The experimental platform will consist of three main parts: – basic, monitoring (optical microscopy, impedance spectroscopy, turbidimetry) and EMF exposure. The scientific problems within the dissertation will be concentrated on the development of methods based on impedance spectroscopy with the goal to determine the rate of growth of cell cultures in the aquatic environment. Further research will be focused on the analysis and design of novel algorithms describing morphology and kinetics of cells by the means of computer processing of microscopic images of exposed cell cultures. The work will include the design and implementation of hardware and software interconnection making a quantitative characterization of the biological response of cells possible. Requirements on an applicant: basic knowledge of theory of EMF and the ability of Matlab programming. Knowledge of professional English and conventional methods of digital image analysis are required. A friendly attitude to experimental work and experiences with the design and implementation of interfaces of electronic devices are welcome.

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