PuProPhy - Pulse-Propelled Physiology

The Mitoplicator is a high-tech platform that delivers ultra-short, high-intensity nanosecond-pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) inductively through a loop antenna surrounding a standard culture vessel. By enabling non-invasive energy transfer, it allows microorganisms to be treated directly in their native medium, under industrially relevant conditions. This project employs the Mitoplicator to investigate whether nsPEFs can stimulate the growth and metabolic activity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) in liquid culture, without electrode contact or chemical modification of the medium. Preliminary studies in mammalian cells and early yeast models suggest that nsPEFs may accelerate proliferation by modulating subcellular calcium dynamic. Building on these insights, the project aims to validate and characterize this effect in yeast and to assess the biotechnological potential of nsPEF stimulation in small-scale fermentation systems. S. cerevisiae is one of the most widely used microorganisms in biotechnology, employed across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and synthetic biology sectors. Enhancing proliferation and metabolic activity through purely physical (non-genetic) means could lower costs, increase yield, and reduce process times across diverse applications. The project is a collaboration between TU Eindhoven (developer of the Mitoplicator), Wetsus, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Carinthian University of Applied Sciences (CUAS), BioTrack and Brightspark BV as industrial end user. The consortium integrates expertise in pulsed power physics, microbiology, industrial biotechnology, and device engineering. Outcomes will directly inform applied education and industrial R&D, while laying the groundwork for further mechanistic studies and future scale-up.