Multifrequency method for dielectric monitoring of cold-preserved organs

To answer a growing need for non-invasive monitoring of biological organs, we have developed an automated system capable of repeated dielectric measur ements over the frequency range 10 kHz-100 MHz. Further, we propose a novel method of data analysis that may convert the acquired, individual dispersi on curves into a diagram of the time course of specific phenomenological pa rameters, such as the characteristic frequency. By using this new procedure , unattended, long-term monitoring of temporal changes in the dielectric be haviour of excised liver lobes stored at 4 degrees C was successfully reali zed. The 'multifrequency' method presented here was definitely superior to the conventional 'fixed-frequency' method in providing reliable results.