The Advancement and Utilization of Marx Electric Field Generator for Protein Extraction and Inducing Structural Alterations

Abstract

This study introduces an innovative two-range, 12-stage Marx pulse generator employing thyristor switches designed specifically for the electroporation of biological cells. The generator consists of two module capacitors of different capacitances (1 μF and 0.25 μF), which enable the generation of electrical pulses with different durations and amplitudes of up to 25 kV. Safety aspects, including overcurrent and overvoltage protection mechanisms, are implemented in both the software and the hardware. In the experimental section, the tests of the Marx generator with resistive load are described in detail, and the results for the voltage fluctuations, pulse duration, and output characteristics of the generator are presented. The advantages of the design, including the high output voltage, the wide range of repetition rates, and the flexibility of the pulse parameters, are emphasized. Additionally, the research showcases the utilization of the devised generator for industrial purposes. Hence, an investigation into the efficiency of protein extraction from microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) and the impacts of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) on the structural characteristics of casein micelles (CSMs) was chosen as an illustrative example. The obtained results provide valuable insights into the application of PEF in food processing and biotechnology and underline the potential of the developed generator for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.