Comparative assessment of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and pulsed radio frequency energy (PRFE) on an in vitro wound healing model

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and pulsed radio frequency energy (PRFE) have been shown to accelerate wound healing process due to its ability to stimulate cellular proliferation. However, comparative efficacy of PEMF and PRFE on an in vitro wound healing study has yet to be studied. The present study examined the effect of PEMF and PRFE on an in vitro wound healing model developed by using 3T3 mouse fibroblasts. Cells were exposed to PEMF (75 Hz frequency, square waveform, and 1-mT magnetic field) and PRFE (27.12 MHz, Phase-shift keying (PSK), and 13-dBm amplitude signal) for 5 hours. The migration rates of 3T3 fibroblasts were determined by capturing images at time points of 0, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cell proliferation was also quantified. The results of the migration and proliferation assays showed that PEMF and PRFE applied groups had significantly greater cell proliferation and migration compared to control group. In addition, PRFE application showed significantly faster wound area closure compared to PEMF application.