Effects of electromagnetic field emitted by a 90 kHz WPT system on the cognitive functions and neuronal excitation of mice

Abstract

The advantages of Magnetic Coupling Resonant Wireless Power Transfer (MCR-WPT) technology include long transmission distance, high efficiency, and high power. Therefore, it shows great potential in the field of smart home. This study aims to explore the specific impacts on the cognitive functions and neuronal excitation of mice exposed to the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by the MCR-WPT platform, thereby providing biological solid experimental evidence for developing Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technology. The research employed a frequency of 90 kHz, which is suitable for wireless charging of household appliances. Mice were exposed to EMF emitted by the WPT biosafety experimental platform for various durations. And they were divided into four groups (control group, 2-week exposure group, 4-week exposure group, and 8-week exposure group). Upon completion of the exposure period, the study employed the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) test to evaluate the learning and memory capabilities of the animals. Following this, whole-cell patch-clamp experiments were conducted to record the action potentials (AP) and potassium currents. It was revealed by our observations that, in comparison to mice without electromagnetic exposure, long-term exposure to WPT-emitted EMF resulted in accelerated release of action potentials, inhibited the activation of Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels (VGKCs) current, accelerated the deactivation of K⁺ channel current, and thus significantly improved the excitability of neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus of mice, but did not significantly affect cognitive function.

Keywords: Electromagnetic field emitted by the WPT platform; K+ channel; action potential; cognitive function; radio energy transmission.