Increased lethality of cells in suspension under simultaneous effects of pulse electrical and shock-wave acoustic fields

We present the results of comparative experimental studies of the damaging effect of intense-electrical field with a microsecond duration range, shock acoustic wave, and their combination on the ovary carcinoma cells. We foun d that upon a combined effect of pulse electrical and acoustic shock-wave f ields of-a moderate amplitude, practically all cells died. A qualitative ph ysical model is proposed, which accounts for enhanced damage upon combined effect, on the one hand, by a decreased threshold of electric intensity of the cytoplasmic membrane breakdown at a temporal phase of pressure compress ion of the shock-wave pulse and, on the other hand, by a growth of cavitati onal embryos at a temporal phase of the action of stretching tensions of th e shock-wave pulse, whose role is played by hydrophobic type pores appeared as a result of the membrane electrical break down. Possibilities of practi cal application of the proposed combined effect are discussed: in oncology for suppression of tumor growth and in biotechnology for cell disintegratio n and ecologically pure sterilization of liquid media.