Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for the local application of a low frequency magnetic field to cells, and to a method of applying the low frequency magnetic field to the cells. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus and a corresponding method for the local application of an extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) to organic cells.

Background

[0002] Studies performed at research centers such as MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and the Albert Einstein Medicine College have shown that the application of electromagnetic fields in the form of very low frequency pulses, similar to cerebral waves, leads to an increase of the electric potential at the cell membrane level. This result has beneficial effects, such as impeding the penetration of microbes and viruses within cells and their rate of development within the body, and improving blood circulation which, in turn, improves oxygenation of the cells. Another beneficial effect that has been noted is an improvement in the exchange of calcium ions (Ca ⁺² ) resulting from an extracellular influx at the cell level, and an increased body resistance to apoptotic factors. [0003] A summary of such studies in this field has been authored by

Richard A. Luben et al in "Effects of electromagnetic stimuli on bone and bone cells in vitro: Inhibition of responses to parathyroid hormone by low-eneregy low- frequency fields", published in Proc.NatL. Acad. Sci.USA, vol.79, pages 4180- 4184, July 1982: Medical Sciences. In this reference, a significant improvement in the healing of compound fractures is described as the result of subjecting same to a pulsating ELF field with a frequency ranging from 10 to 90 Hz. [0004] The use of low frequency is known in the field of stomatology, for increasing the blood circulation inside the gums, for example as disclosed in international patent application WO2006001644. The device described therein consists of a low frequency generator which is connected to the support of a silicone electrode via a cable. The silicone electrode is applied to the gum in the required region for enhancing blood circulation and assist in suppressing pain.

[0005] The main disadvantage of this technique is that, contrary to the desirable effects of the apparatus and method of the present invention, pursuant to which the applied magnetic field should remain undisturbed by applying a constant current without variation, the low frequency in WO2006001644 cannot be applied over extended periods of time. [0006] Another, comparable ELF magnetic or electromagnetic field example is disclosed in Canadian patent application CA1202804, which describes the use of ELF for correcting positional anomalies of the teeth. The effect provided by this technique assists the repair of the lower and upper jaw soft tissues, by applying some permanent magnets, electromagnets or electromagnetic induction coils subjected to a very low frequency field to a relevant buccal region. The ELF range is produced by the mandible movement interacting with some adjacent electrolytes for outputting a regenerating current.

[0007] The main disadvantage of this technique is that the value of the ELF current obtained cannot be constant, nor can it be adjusted as a function of cell treatment requirements, since it depends upon momentary human action.

[0008] Japanese patent application JP2001026529 discloses an apparatus with magnets successively supplied with both a low frequency generator and a high frequency generator for cleaning the tophus or the gum, in order to stimulate the lymphatic functions of the gums and to prevent and treat periodontal diseases.

[0009] The main disadvantage of this technique is that, again contrary to the desirable effects of the apparatus and method of the present invention, the low and high frequencies in JP2001026529 cannot be applied over extended periods of time, and the apparatus only cleans the teeth and cannot be used for purposes of gum therapy. [0010] Thus, known apparatuses in the field generate electromagnetic pulses of very low frequency, with intensities and amplitudes at times significantly less than those attributable to terrestrial magnetism. However, such electromagnetic fields all include a current component and exhibit harmonics by reason of same, whereby the effects of such apparatuses at the cellular level remain sub-optimal.

[0011] Earlier research on gum cell cultures by the applicant, the results of which were briefly in WO2012/093277, has shown that generating an extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field and subjecting organic cells to same provides a significant regenerating effect to the cells. The gum cell cultures were introduced into Petri containers and were subjected to an electromagnetic field of different pulsation and intensities, over different time periods, then the Petri containers were placed inside a Helmholtz-type assembly. [0012] The apparatus used for generating the electromagnetic field in this research has two channels for generating electromagnetic impulses, each consisting of two oscillators with blocking, each of them generating an ELF frequency and operating alternatively, so that only one oscillator in a channel operates at a time according to a periodicity. The apparatus further includes a final circuit and an induction coil, which generate electromagnetic fields having the frequency of the oscillator of the selected channel, mixed with the frequency of a pilot oscillator and a selection circuit controlled by the pilot oscillator, which alternates the operation of the blocking oscillators, achieving the automatic change of the selectable frequency emitted by each channel by means of two control signals. In the above the above technique, disadvantageously the current does not remain constant and thus exhibits variations or harmonics within a same applied frequency, whereby the applied magnetic field is disturbed during its application to cellular tissue.

[0013] The technical problem to be solved thus consists in providing an apparatus capable of generating a constant value, non-deformed ELF magnetic field and subjecting organic cells to same.

Summary of the Invention

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is therefore provided a method of subjecting organic cells in a region of a subject to an extremely low frequence magnetic field, comprising the steps of operably connecting a resonance medium to a generator; generating a constant sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal, having a predetermined frequency of substantially between 7.5Hz and 7.9Hz and a electromagnetic radiation of substantially between 0.7mT and 3mT with the generator; and locating the resonance medium adjacent organic cellular tissue in the region for a predetermined period, whereby organic cells in the region are subjected to a constant magnetic field of less than 1 mT and having a frequency of substantially between 7.5Hz and 7.9Hz for the predetermined period.

[0015] The method of the invention, entirely non-invasive, advantageously provides an extremely low frequency magnetic field, characterized by harmonics inferior to 0.2% as non-deformed and with constant yet adjustable properties, so as to vary its applicability. The magnetic field so provided facilitates the preventive treatment of cellular problems typically associated with maturing bodies and/or cosmetic requirements, such as hair loss, wrinkles, increasing skin inelasticity and the like. The magnetic field so provided may also find uses in patient recovery situations, for instance assist in post-operative tissue healing and overcoming paradontosis. Importantly, maintaining a constant magnetic field increases the number of regenerative cells which counteract the cellular attrition caused by apoptotic factors.

[0016] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, wherein the generator comprises a Direct Digital Synthesizer, the signal generating step further comprises generating the sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal with the Direct Digital Synthesizer.

[0017] In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, the signal generating step further comprises generating a rectangular signal, outputting a frequency of 3 to 30 Hz from the rectangular signal, converting the rectangular signal into a sinusoidal signal and attenuating the signal in the range from 0.25mT- 3mT.

[0018] For example, the rectangular signal may be generated with a quartz oscillator, the frequency of 3 to 30 Hz may be output with a first integrated circuit, the rectangular signal may be converted into a sinusoidal signal by a 8 Butterworth filter-type integrated circuit , and the signal may be attenuated with a multi-stage signal attenuator. In a variant of this embodiment, the first integrated circuit may comprise a synchronous counter, an asynchronous counter, a plurality of resistors and a plurality of switches, wherein the method comprises the further steps of switching one or more resistors of the plurality thereof by one or more switches of the plurality thereof, and divide the frequency by N=1 to 256 with the synchronous counter and by 2 ⁸ with the asynchronous counter as a function of the switched resistors. In a variant of this later embodiment, the multistage signal attenuator may comprise 8 stages, wherein the method comprises the further step of increasing the induction of the magnetic field obtained between polar parts of the resonance medium by 0.25mT with each stage. [0019] In an embodiment of the method according to the invention, the method may comprise the further step of adjusting the constant electromagnetic signal according to a predetermined depth, being the depth of the organic cells within the region relative to the surface of region. This embodiment is considered particularly useful for reaching cells that are located deep relative to the epidermis, still without any need of an invasive procedure. In a variant of this embodiment, the depth is preferably in the range 1 millimeter to 100 millimeters such that the organic cells at the predetermined depth are subjected to the constant magnetic field.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a system for subjecting organic cells in a region of a subject to an extremely low frequency magnetic field, comprising a generator adapted to generate an adjustable sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal, having a predetermined frequency of substantially between 7.5Hz and 7.9Hz and a electromagnetic radiation of substantially between 0.7mT and 3mT; and at least one resonance medium operably connected to the generator and subjected to the adjustable constant current signal, for locating adjacent organic cellular tissue in the region for a predetermined period.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the generator comprises a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) for generating the sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal. Such a configuration allows for a particularly simple construction of reduced weight and dimensions, whereby the generator may be embodied as a portable, battery - powered device.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment of the system according to the invention, the generator may instead comprise a quartz oscillator for generating a rectangular signal, a first integrated circuit for outputting a frequency of 3 to 30 Hz from the rectangular signal, a second order 8 Butterworth filter-type integrated circuit for filtering means for converting the rectangular signal into a sinusoidal signal, and a multi-stage signal attenuator for attenuating the sinusoidal signal in the range 0.25mT- 2mT. This embodiment may be considered for applications wherein an increased accuracy of the adjustability of the signal is desired.

[0023] In a variant of this embodiment, the first integrated circuit may comprise a synchronous counter, an asynchronous counter, a plurality of resistors and a plurality of switches, the first integrated circuit being configured to switch one or more resistors of the plurality thereof by one or more switches of the plurality thereof; and divide the frequency by N=1 to 256 with the synchronous counter and divide the frequency by 2 ⁸ with the asynchronous counter as a function of the switched resistors. In a variant of this later embodiment, the multi-stage signal attenuator may comprise 8 stages, wherein each stage is adapted to increase the induction of the magnetic field obtained between some polar parts of the resonance medium by 0.25mT.

[0024] Generally, each of the generator apparatus and the resonance medium is of a relatively simple construction, with overall dimensions much reduced relative to the prior art of record, thus providing both high portability and ease of use in addition to the advantages described with reference to the above method.

[0025] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the generating apparatus may be further configured to adjust the constant electromagnetic signal according to a predetermined depth, being the depth of the organic cells within the region relative to the surface of region. In a variant of this embodiment, the depth is preferably in the range 1 millimeter to 100 millimeters such that the organic cells at the predetermined depth are subjected to the constant magnetic field. [0026] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the constant electromagnetic current signal may be adjusted to, substantially, between 7.65Hz and 7.75Hz and substantially between 0.7 and 0.75 mT. In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the constant electromagnetic current signal is adjusted to 7.692 Hz and 0.75 mT. The method of the invention may include, correspondingly, a further adjusting step.

[0027] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least one resonance medium comprises at least one coil member. In a variant of this embodiment, the at least one coil member may be operably wound about a support member, or emitter, made of a paramagnetic material.

[0028] In a first variant of this further embodiment, the resonance medium may comprise a support member with a substantially circular surface for locating adjacent the region of organic cells. This embodiment is considered particularly useful for general use with any organic cellular tissue having an external surface, typically the skin.

[0029] In a second variant of this further embodiment, the resonance medium may be substantially U-shaped, defined by two tine portions projecting from a base portion and made of permalloy, with the coil member wound about the base portion and operably connected to the generator. This embodiment is considered particularly useful for intra-oral use, due to the material properties inherent to the permalloy material. In a preferred embodiment of this resonance medium, the constant magnetic field substantially of substantially between 0.7 and 0.8 mT and having a radiation frequency between 7.5Hz and 7.9Hz is located substantially between and along the two tine portions.

[0030] The at least one resonance medium may be mounted on a support medium selected from the group comprising a belt-like member, a mask-like member, a dressing, a mattress, a pillow, a helmet. This embodiment is considered particularly useful for maintaining the ELF field in situ over extended periods of time.

[0031] In a variant of this later embodiment, a plurality of resonance media may be mounted on the support medium, each operably connected to a respective generator. This embodiment is considered particularly useful for reaching cells of several, distinctive regions at once. In a further variant, a same generator may be further adapted to output a same adjustable sinusoidal non- harmonic current signal to each of the plurality of resonance media mounted on the support medium.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of selecting the properties of an extremely low frequence magnetic field for application to organic cells in a region of a subject, comprising the steps of subjecting organic cells sampled from the region to a first constant sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal output by the embodiment of the above system incorporating a quartz oscillator, having a first frequency of substantially between 7.5Hz and 7.9Hz and an electromagnetic radiation of substantially 0.75 mT; subjecting organic cells sampled from the region to at least a second constant sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal output by that system, having a second frequency of substantially between 7.5Hz and 7.9Hz and an electromagnetic radiation of substantially 0.75 mT, wherein the first and at least second frequencies are different; determining a rate of cellular growth according to each of the first and at least second frequencies; selecting the first or at least second frequency providing the highest rate of cellular growth; and adapting the embodiment of the system incorporating a DDS to emit a constant magnetic field with a current signal having the selected frequency.

[0033] The method and system of the invention may be used for a variety of cosmetic treatments, such as regenerating capillary cells and epidermis cells. The method and system of the invention may also be used in respect of vegetal cells, and thereby promote vegetal cellular growth. For any such use, the predetermined period should be at least two hours, repeated on at least five occasions within an interval of at least 5 days. Brief Description of the Figures

[0034] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a block diagram of a generator apparatus and resonance medium for the local application of an extremely low frequency ELF magnetic field according to the invention ; Figure 2A is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a circuit of the apparatus of Figure 1 for producing the ELF magnetic field according to the invention;

Figure 2B is a circuit diagram of the embodiment of Figure 2A for producing the ELF magnetic field according to the invention;

Figure 2C is a block diagram of a further embodiment of a circuit of the apparatus of Figure 1 for producing the ELF magnetic field according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a lateral view of a first embodiment of a resonance medium for the local application of an extremely low frequency ELF magnetic field, in the form of a coil member mounted to a support;

Figure 4 is a top view of the coil member of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows the resonance medium of Figures 3 and 4 operably connected with the generator apparatus of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 6 shows measurements of the electromagnetic field emitted by the coil member of Figure 5 by an adjacent probe interfaced with a teslameter and a voltmeter;

Figure 7 is a top view of a second embodiment of a resonance medium for the local application of the ELF magnetic field, in the form of a coil member wound about a fork - like member and particularly adapted for use in the buccal cavity;

Figure 8 is a top view of a third embodiment of a resonance medium for the local application of the ELF magnetic field, based on the second embodiment of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a lateral view of the third embodiment of Figure 8;

Figure 10 shows a fourth embodiment of a resonance medium for the local application of the ELF magnetic field, again based on the second embodiment of Figure 7;

Figure 1 1 shows the resonance medium of Figure 7 operably connected with the generator apparatus of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 12 shows measurements of the electromagnetic field emitted by the fork - like member of Figure 1 1 by an adjacent probe interfaced with a teslameter and a voltmeter; Figure 13 shows the resonance medium of Figures 3 to 6 mounted to a first support medium in the form of a dressing; Figure 14 shows the resonance medium of Figures 3 to 6 mounted to a second support medium in the form of support of an adjustable belt; Figure 15 shows a plurality of resonance media of Figures 3 to 6 connected to respective generator apparatuses mounted to the second support medium of Figure 14;

Figure 16 shows a plurality of resonance media of Figures 3 to 6 connected to respective generator apparatuses mounted to a third support medium in the form of a mask;

Figure 17 shows the resonance medium of Figures 7 to 12 in use within a buccal cavity; and

Figure 18 shows a plurality of resonance media of Figures 3 to 6 connected to respective generator apparatuses in use with vegetal cellular tissue.

Specific Description

[0035] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0036] The invention relates to an apparatus for the local application of an extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field to a localized region of organic cellular tissue, whether human, animal or vegetal, for promoting cellular regeneration in that region. With reference to Figure 1 , at its simplest the apparatus comprises a generator 10 including circuitry for producing a constant and sinusoidal extremely low frequency current signal, and a resonating medium 20 operably connected to the generator for the localized application of a correspondingly constant extremely low frequency electromagnetic field produced from the generator signal. A defining characteristic of the apparatus is that the constant extremely low frequency electromagnetic field produced by the resonating medium 20 from the constant and sinusoidal extremely low frequency current signal supplied by the generator 10 has no voltage and, as such, is considered to be a magnetic field in the region of cellular tissue subjected to it. With the apparatus, the frequency of the ELF field is fixed, and its intensity at the level of the target region is substantially 0.75mT, thus its intensity may be somewhat higher at the level of the emitter, potentially up to 3mT when the region is intra-corporal. [0037] With reference to Figure 2A, in order to obtain a constant sinusoidal extremely low frequency current signal, a first embodiment of the circuitry of the generator 10 contains a Direct Digital Synthesizer 101 adapted to directly generate the sinusoidal signal, with harmonics substantially inferior to 0,2% and which does not require any processing of the signal with the components described with reference to Figure 2C hereafter.The DDS 101 generates a precise sinusoidal signal within a range of 2 to 50 Hz which, in the example, is fixed to 7.692Hz. The signal generated by the DDS has a high precision and stability managed by a processor 102. The sinusoidal signal generated by the DDS is input to an amplification unit 103 of constant current adjustable within a range of 1 to 200mA which, in the example, is fixed to 195 mA. Both the frequency and the current are continously controlled by the processor 102. The output from the amplification unit 103 is applied to relevant terminals of the generator 10 which are operably connected (104) with a coil member 30 of the resonating medium 20. A circuit diagram corresponding to an embodiment of the circuitry of the generator 10 shown in Figure 2A is shown by way of non-limitative example in Figure 2B. [0038] With reference to Figure 2C, a further embodiment of the circuitry of the generator 10 contains a quartz oscillator 1 1 which generates a rectangular signal, initially of a high precision frequency known to be 3.6864 MHz, which is successively divided through an integrated circuit 12 at the output of which a desired frequency between 3 and 30 Hz is obtained. The circuitry further includes an order 8 Butterworth filter-type integrated circuit 13 by means of which the rectangular signal, consisting of an infinite series of rectangular signals, is converted into a sinusoidal signal, i.e. a sinusoid of a predetermined certain frequency is selected; an eight-stage signal attenuator 14 for supplying a current in the range from 0.25mT-2mT, each stage of the attenuator 14 leading to an increase by 0.25mT of the induction of the magnetic field obtained between some polar parts 15 of the resonating medium 20; and a constant current source 16 for maintaining the current constant.

[0039] The integrated circuit 12, at the output of which the desired frequency ranging from 3 to 30 Hz is obtained, consists of an asynchronous counter 121 at which the frequency is divided by 2 ⁴ ; a synchronous counter 122 at which the frequency will be divided by N=1 to 256, as a function of the switching of one or more of a plurality of resistors 1 23i - 1 23 ₈ introduced into the circuit by a plurality of electronic switches 1 24i - 124 ₀ ; and another asynchronous counter 125 at which the frequency will be divided by 2 ⁸ . Thus the asynchronous counter 121 , the synchronous counter 122, the asynchronous counter 125, the resistors 123i - 1 23 ₈ and the electronic switches124 - 124 ₀ constitute the integrated dividing circuit 12.

[0040] The signal output by the quartz oscillator 1 1 is applied to the input of the asynchronous counter 121 at which the frequency is divided by 2 ⁴ , then to the input of the synchronous counter 122 at which the frequency is divided by N=1 to 256, depending on the value of the switched resistors 1 23i - 1 23 ₈ . The signal is then applied to the input of the further asynchronous counter 125 at which the frequency is divided by 2 . At the end of the dividing stage, consisting of the two asynchronous counters 1 21 , 125 and the synchronous counter 122, the desired frequency ranging from 3 to 30 Hz is obtained. [0041] The sinusoidal signal is then applied to the eight-stage signal attenuator 14, in order to supply a current signal in the range of 0.25mT-2mT. Each stage of this attenuator 14 leads to an increase by 0.25mT of the induction of the magnetic field generated by the resonating medium 20. [0042] The eight-stage signal attenuator 14 consists of at least first and second integrated circuits 141 and 142, a plurality of resistors 143i - 143 ₈ and a plurality of electronic switches 143i - 143 ₈ , configured so that when the switch 143 ₈ is closed, the signal at the output of the first integrated circuit 141 is applied to the input of the second integrated circuit 142 directly, the maximum value of the voltage and the current corresponding to the maximum value of 2mT of the magnetic induction, and if the switch 143i is closed, the signal at the output of the first integrated circuit 141 is applied to the input of the second integrated circuit 142 via the resistors 143i - 143 ₈ , the minimum value of the voltage and current corresponding to the minimum value of 0.25mT of the magnetic induction.

[0043] The source of constant current 16 makes available voltage levels necessary for the operation of the first and second integrated circuits 141 , 142 and at least first and second bipolar transistors 17, 18 providing corresponding voltage signals and, in order to maintain the current constant throughout the apparatus of the invention, thus in the circuit consisting of the components 1 1 , 12, 13, and 14 comprised in the generator 10, the resonating medium 20 and any polar parts 15 thereof and the connection between the generator and the resonating medium, the constant current source 16 is configured to adequately vary the voltage at terminals, so that the current in the load circuit remains constant. [0044] The constant current source 16 makes available the voltage levels required for the operation of the integrated circuits 141 and 142 of the bipolar transistors 17, 18. By offering corresponding voltage signals, the constant current source stabilizes the current through the load, thereby avoiding any variation of the signal in the resonating medium 20 and, by transition, maintains the magnetic field emitted by the resonating medium and any polar parts 15 thereof constant, according to the following function:

B = f(H) or U = f(l) linear. [0045] In the above, B represents the induction, H represents the shape of the current signal at the output, the function translating the fact that the current shape at the output H observes the shape of the applied voltage, namely of the induction B. This is advantageous because it allows a non-deformed magnetic field to be obtained between any polar parts 15 of the resonating medium 20.

[0046] It is notoriously difficult to directly calculate the field of a circular coil outside its axis, and even the H intensity within the axis is hard to define, as the magnetic potential φ _m should first be determined then, from its derivative, the distance from the coil would be obtained as:

[0047] The Biot-Savart law provides an appropriate means to calculate an electromagnetic field value at a point M on the solenoid axis, when a distance d

»rsuch as:

[0048] However, the result of this approach is not very accurate since, in the context of the present disclosure, the distance d is not higher than r. Accordingly, the result of this approach has been selected as a starting point, to be further corrected with effective field measurements. [0049] The calculation starts from an initial hypothesis, that the resonating medium 20 has a circular surface of 10 | 1 1 cm ² and the low frequency sinusoid field induction has a value B _RM s of 0,750mT at a distance of 3 mm from the solenoid surface of the resonating medium 20. In this situation, the physical dimensions of the resonating medium 20 are:

R ₁₌ 2 cm R ₂ =1,4 cm and the average radius of the resonating medium 20 is

[0050] Applying Biot-Savart provides the following dependency relation:

Hx = f (N, I) and respectively Bx = f ( , N, I) wherein H can be expressed and wherein Bx, which shall be the imposed measurement BR S =0,750mT. can be expressed at point M along the axis as:

Bx = ^ . 2\3/2

4π 2( _r ² + d ² )

[0051 ] The above remains valid in the case of an alternative sinusoidal current, for instance with a frequency f=7,692 Hz in the present example. Hx and Bx decrease rapidly when x is increasing. By introducing the sinusoidal measurement, expressed as:

/ = / max sin cot S can now be expressed as:

Bx = 0.21— Ν · ί = 0.21— NlV2 sin(48.3t)

4π 4π

[0052] Thus, the following dependency relation is obtained for this embodiment:

Bx = f ( //. . I )

wherein: μ = magnetic permeability of the core

N = number of loops

/ = current within the coil

[0053] In use, any of the embodiments of Figures 2A to 2C may be used singularly to apply the ELF field onto a region of cellular tissue of a subject, substantially as described herein. For best results, however, the embodiment of Figure 2C may first be used in laboratory conditions to determine the most appropriate frequency for the subject, thus the most appropriate frequency at which to emit the ELF field, then the embodiment of Figure 2A or 2B may be adjusted to emit at the determined frequency. Accordingly, in this embodiment organic cells sampled from the region are subjected to a first constant sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal output by the embodiment of Figure 2C, having a first frequency of substantially between 7.5Hz and 7.9Hz, for instance 7.682Hz, and an electromagnetic radiation of substantially 0.75 mT. Further organic cells sampled from the region are then subjected to one or more further constant sinusoidal non-harmonic current signals, each with a different frequency within the above interval, for instance a second signal with a frequency of 7.692Hz. A rate of cellular growth is determined for each such signal, and the frequency providing the highest rate of cellular growth, for instance the second frequency of 7.692Hz, is selected as the most appropriate frequency. The embodiment of Figure 2A or 2B is then adjusted to emit at that selected frequency only. [0054] With reference to Figures 3 to 6, a first embodiment of the resonating medium 20 comprises a coil member 30 having 251 loops, the current value I RMS IS 0, 195A. Physical dimensions of the coils may vary depending on the application. The coil member 30 is made of CuEm 0.31 and each extremity 31 thereof is terminated with a respective connector 32, for operable and releasable attachment to relevant terminals 1 9 of the eight-stage signal attenuator 14 of the generator 10.

[0055] The resonating medium 20 further comprises a circular modular support medium 40 having a substantially H-shaped section, which consists of a central cylindrical section 41 delimited by shouldering sections 42 at each extremity, and a though-aperture 43 co-axial with the central cylindrical section 41 . The coil member 30 is wound about the external surface of the central cylindrical section 41 between the shouldering sections 42. The modular support member 40 houses a support member or emitter 44 with a first surface 45 facing the cellular tissue onto which the ELF magnetic field is emitted. The emitter may be made of any paramagnetic material, such as medical grade steel or, in a preferred embodiment, permalloy. [0056] The emitter 44 has a substantially cylindrical shape with an external diameter dimensioned to achieve a sliding fit into the though-aperture 43, and a threaded aperture co-axial with the though-aperture 43 and extending from a second surface parallel to and opposed to the first surface 45, substantially at the figurative rear of the circular modular support medium 40. The support member 44 is secured in place with a fastener 46 engaging both its threaded aperture and a spacer member 47 abutting the shouldering section 42 opposed to the first surface 45 and having a larger diameter than the though-aperture 43 of the circular modular support medium 40. [0057] With reference to Figure 5, in use, the coil member 30 is supplied with the constant and undisturbed ELF electromagnetic signal by the generator 10 of Figures 2A, 2B or 2C, which causes the emitter 44 to emit a correspondingly constant and undisturbed ELF electromagnetic field. With reference to Figure 6 in particular, which shows measurements of the electromagnetic field emitted by the coil member 30 coupled with the emitter 44 by an adjacent probe 601 interfaced with a teslameter 602 and a voltmeter 603, an important characteristic of the electromagnetic field emitted is that it does not contain any current component 604, and is therefore considered to be a purely magnetic field at the level of the cellular region to which it is applied. [0058] With reference now to Figures 7 and 17 herein, a further embodiment of the resonating medium 20 again comprises a coil member 30 having 251 loops, the current value l _RM s is 0,1 9A. Physical dimensions of the coils may vary depending on the application. The coil member 30 is again made of CuEm 0.31 and each extremity 31 thereof is terminated with a respective connector 32, for operable and releasable attachment to relevant terminals (not shown) of the eight-stage signal attenuator 14 of the generator 10.

[0059] In this embodiment, the resonating medium 20 further comprises a substantially U-shaped support member or emitter 70 defined by two tine portions 71 , 72 projecting from a base portion 73 and made integrally from a bar of permalloy, which is a nickel-iron alloy with a very high magnetic permeability at high values of the induction and, consequently, a very low hysteresis, so that the saturation risk of the material is as low as possible and the non-deformed character of the sinusoidal magnetic field is maintained. This embodiment is deemed particularly useful for buccal application of the ELF field, typically to a region 1201 of the jaw, of the gum 1202 or of a tooth 1203, with the tines 71 , 72 disposed either side of the said region 1201 and the ELF field emitted therebetween. [0060] Each of the tine portions 71 , 72 and the base portion 73 is substantially rectilinear with a cylindrical cross-section. The two tine portions 71 , 72 have substantially the same dimensions and extend substantially parallel to one another from the base portion 73, with which they respectively form a right angle. The free extremities 71 1 , 721 of the tine portions 71 , 72 constitute polar parts 15, between which the region of cellular tissue to be subjected to the ELF is located in use. An alternative embodiment considers a threaded aperture implemented transversally and co-axially within each tine portion 71 , 72 and extending from the free, at least partially beveled extremity 71 1 , 721 thereof, and the adjunction of a cylindrical screw engaged in each such aperture, each screw acting as one said polar par 15 for the application of the magnetic field onto the desired jaw portion, gum or tooth. In this embodiment, the coil member 30 is wound about the external surface of the base portion 73, substantially between its extremities from which the tine portions 71 , 72 respectively project.

[0061] The configuration of the resonating medium 20 in the embodiment of Figures 7 to 12 requires reconsideration of the above function, as follows and based on an example electromagnetic field of, substantially, B _R s =0,750mT at a frequency of 7.692 Hz. In this example, the law of circuit magnetism is applied such that:

Wherein: N = number of loops

I = current within the coil

[0062] The length of iron circuit l _f is given by:

b - a

I f = ( ^■ + a )2,τ - !(> ^' = 18cm

2

15 = 2 cm

[0063] With replacement in the above, the following is obtained:

lBH _f + 2H _S = Nl (2) [0064] The magnetic flux is known to be constant along the flux tube, such that:

B _f ^■ A = Bg ^■ A$ and Β _δ =μ ₀ .¾ (3)

[0065] The problem is solved by a method of successive approximation method: in order to calculate the current in the coil, for which a certain induction should be achieved in permalloy, the solution is direct. B _f and Β _δ obtained at (3) are plotted relative to μ, whereby the respective intensities of the field H _f and Η _δ are obtained:

[0066] The current in the coil is then obtained from (2). In the example, the following results were obtained:

i = i ₀ sin ωΐ -Jo Sin (48.3t)

N = 381 sp; CuEM 0.2

[0067] It will be readily understood by the skilled person that many variations may be readily devised to improve the ergonomic properties of the resonating medium 20, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. With reference to the embodiment of Figure 7 for instance, an alternative embodiment considers a mechanism to articulate at least one tine portion 71 , 72 relative to the base portion 73, thus located substantially at the junction therebetween, in order to vary the distance between the tine portions 71 , 72 and the polar parts 15 constituted by their respective extremities 71 1 , 721 . If desired, at least part of the base portion 73 of the resonating medium may be housed in a plastic material in the shape of a handle, as shown in Figure 8 and 9, for facilitating its handling. [0068] A constant sinusoidal electric current of extremely low frequency is thus obtained from the generator 10 of Figures 1 and 2, and is applied to the coil member 20 to obtain an extremely low frequency magnetic field that is applied to a localized region of cellular tissue. [0069] Figures 8, 9 and 10 present further alternative embodiments of the substantially U-shaped member 70 of the resonating medium 20. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, the base portion 73 and two tine portions 71 , 72 may retain the configuration substantially as previously described with reference to Figure 7, however in this embodiment each of the two tine portions 71 , 72 comprises a dog leg defined by a short section 801 of the tine portion 71 , 72 forming a right angle between a first part 802 of the tine 71 , 72 nearest the base portion 73 and a second part 803 of the tine 71 , 72 furthest the base portion 73, whereby the dog leg is located substantially intermediate the base portion 73 and the polar extremity 15. This embodiment is particularly useful for oral application over prolonged periods of time, as the dog leg allows the parallel tine portions 71 , 72 to abut a resting surface outside the buccal cavity, for instance the lip of a person.

[0070] With reference to Figure 10, the rectilinear base portion 73 may still form a right angle relative to the respective sections 1001 of the two tine portions 71 , 72 most adjacent the base portion 73, however in this embodiment each tine portion 71 , 72 comprises a curvilinear section 1002 extending from its section 1001 most adjacent the base portion 73. In this embodiment, both tine portions 71 , 72 maintain parallelism along their length until their respective polar extremities 15, thus define a curve relative to and extending away from the base portion 73. This embodiment is particularly useful for oral application over prolonged periods of time, as the curve allows the base portion to abut upon a resting surface outside the buccal cavity, for instance the cheek of a person. The respective embodiments of Figures 8 to 10 may be used iteratively or, with reference to the example embodiments described hereafter which use several resonating media 20 at the same time, in conjunction with one another, depending on the region and the number thereof to be treated in a buccal cavity.

[0071] With reference to Figure 1 1 , in use, the coil member 30 is again supplied with the constant and undisturbed ELF electromagnetic signal by the eight-stage signal attenuator 14 of the generator 10 which causes the U-shaped, or fork-shaped, support member 70 to emit a correspondingly constant and undisturbed ELF electromagnetic field. With reference to Figure 12 in particular, an important characteristic of the electromagnetic field emitted is that, again, it does not contain any current component, and is therefore considered to be a purely magnetic field at the level of the region to which it is applied.

[0072] In tests of the apparatus according to the invention, optimum results were obtained when said cell cultures were subjected to an electromagnetic field having an intensity of 0.75mT to 0.8mT maximum, and a constant frequency fixed at 7,692 Hz. The optimum duration of exposure was determined as 2 hours per day over a minimum of 5 exposures. The tests showed that, with such parameters, a proliferation by 25 to 27% of the number of cells was obtained in all cultures. [0073] Use of the apparatus according to the invention as shown in Figure

1 1 has been tested under express confidentiality, in respect of cellular tissue in the buccal cavity, and details and results of the tests are described hereafter. All subjects experiencing gum issues were characterized by a cellular deficit in the gum region causing the issue, and all subjects treated with the apparatus of the invention have shown a regenerative effect of the gum issue over a shorter period of time than expected. The fork embodiment of the resonating medium 20 was used since a Helmholtz coil assembly cannot be introduced into a subject's buccal cavity.

[0074] For purposes of isolating and cultivating primary keratinocytes, oral mucosa was obtained from patients undergoing tooth extraction. Tissues were rinsed and cut into smaller pieces and subjected to enzymatic dissociation in Dispase II and Collagenase for 24 hours at 4°C. After treatment, the epidermal sheet was removed from the connective tissue. To obtain viable single keratinocyte cells, the epithelial sheets were treated with trypsin for 30 min at 37°C. The cells were re-suspended in EpiLife® medium supplemented with calcium, growth supplements and antibiotics. The cells were plated in 35 mm diameter dishes pre-coated with human collagen type IV.

[0075] For purposes of separating oral keratinocyte stem cells, the cells will be incubated with mouse monoclonal integrin α6β4. After removing excess antibodies, the cells were further reacted with goat anti-mouse IgG MicroBeads (Miltenyi Biotec Inc.) then the cell suspension was loaded into a column placed in the magnetic field of a MACS® Separator (Miltenyi Biotec Inc.). The unlabeled cells were processed through the column and represented the α6β4 negative (α6β4 neg) fraction, whereas magnetically-labeled cells, representing the α6β4 positive (α6β4 pos) cell fraction, were retained in the column. After 2 to 3 days from the first separation, the α6β4 pos cell fraction was magnetically labeled with CD71 MicroBeads and subjected to the same procedure of magnetic cell sorting. The magnetically labeled CD71 positive (CD71 pos) cells were retained in the column, whereas the unlabeled CD71 negative (CD71 neg) cells were processed through the column. After the two magnetic separations, the α6β4 pos CD71 neg fraction represented the oral keratinocyte stem cells fraction.

[0076] The oral keratinocyte stem cells were then stimulated with the apparatus of the invention for 7 days, i.e. subjected to a constant non-deformed ELF magnetic field of 7.692Hz and 0.75mT, and cellular development was assessed at 3 and 7 days. Results of the stimulation are presented in the graph below.

Oral keratiocyte stem cells

Growth Rate

80

m ⁷⁰

1 60

¾ 50

40

1 •control 30

5 20 •stimulated 10

0

day 1 day 3 day 7

Time

[0077] The composition of the cells of gum tissue includes keratin, which proteic substance is found in the composition of many types of cells. Accordingly, skilled readers will readily appreciate that the apparatus can also be employed for treating cellular tissues which include keratin in their composition, such as hair and skin, with a view to increasing the number of regenerative cells and eliminating wrinkles or for other affections of the skin; and for improving the integration of implants, whether dental or otherwise, by improving the receiving bed before the implanting and hastening the regeneration after the implanting.

[0078] The apparatus of the invention accordingly lends itself to a very wide variety of cosmetic and therapeutic uses and alternative embodiments consider varying the depth of the region subjected to the optimum electromagnetic field relative to an external surface, such as the skin or jaw bone of a person by way of example. At its simplest, the depth of optimum emission may be varied by adding or subtracting loops from the coil 30.

[0079] Thus, a first example of use of the apparatus according to the invention shown in Figure 5 is shown in Figure 13, which illustrates a resonating medium 20 embodied as a coil 30 wound about a support member 40 interfaced with a generator 10, sewn or otherwise secured in place on a flexible dressing or band 1301 located about the abdomen of a subject 1302 over a localized region 1303 to be treated. This embodiment may be used to subject an internal organ, for instance the liver or a kidney, to the ELF EM field of the invention. In this example, the liver regeneration will occur as a result of progenitor cells which exist in the liver, proliferating under the action of the ELF EM field.

[0080] A second example of use of the apparatus according to the invention shown in Figure 5 is shown in Figure 14, which again illustrates a resonating medium 20 embodied as a coil 30 wound about a support member 44 on a support medium 40 interfaced with a generator 10, in this embodiment sewn or otherwise secured in place on an adjustable belt 1401 located about the head of a subject 1302 over a localized region 1303 to be treated. This embodiment may be used to subject the epidermis of the subject 1302 to the ELF EM field of the invention, in order to improve its elasticity and reduce wrinkles, creases and the like. Alternatively, the same embodiment may be used to remedy localized hair loss. [0081] An alternative of this embodiment is shown in Figure 15, which considers the simultaneous use of a plurality of resonating media 20 embodiment sewn or otherwise secured in place on an adjustable belt 1501 , each interfaced with a respective generator 10 to ensure uniformity of the signal at each resonating medium 20 and to avoid any interference or disturbance of the respective ELF EM fields within their respective regions 1303. This embodiment may be used for treating skin wrinkles, skin creases such as stretch marks, cellulitis and the like, or to remedy hair loss, over a wider area of a subject.

[0082] It will be readily understood by the skilled person that very many alternative embodiments are possible based on the above-described principles, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In particular, with reference to the principle of simultaneous use of several resonating media 20 as described above and shown in Figure 15, an alternative of this embodiment is shown in Figure 16, which again considers the simultaneous use of a plurality of resonating media 20 embodiment sewn or otherwise secured in place on a face mask 1601 , each again interfaced with a respective generator 10, wherein this embodiment may again be used for treating wrinkles, creases and the like. As an alternative, a helmet may be used for application about the head other than to the face. Alternative embodiments consider the use of a plurality of resonating media 20 fixedly sewn or otherwise secured to a support medium which is typically used for extended periods of time, in particular a mattress or a pillow. Such embodiments are considered particularly advantageous for preventing decubitus ulcers that are known to occur when a subject rests for prolonged periods of time after a procedure

[0083] Further, use of the apparatus according to the invention is not limited to human or animal cells, but has been shown to provide a beneficial effect upon vegetal cells. Accordingly, a further example of use of the apparatus according to the invention is shown in Figure 18, which illustrates a pair of resonating media 20 each embodied as a coil 30 wound about a support member 44 on a support medium 40 interfaced with a generator 10, in this embodiment sewn or otherwise secured in place on an adjustable belt 1802 located about the trunk of a plant 1801 . [0084] Further beneficial effects arising from the application of an extremely low frequency magnetic field may be expected in the following cases: chronic and acute rheumatism, migraines, joint pains, arthritis, osteoporosis, deficient blood circulation, sexual dysfunctions, insomnia, neurosis, concentration incapacity, meteorological discomfort, breathing problems, metabolism disorders etc. It can be said that the application of an extremely low frequency ELF magnetic field onto a cellular tissue causes the following main effects: antiinflammatory effect; neo-antigenic effect, by increasing the proliferation of endothelial cells and their tubulization and the increased production of fibroblasts; re-epithelization effect by stimulating the formation of collagen; improved fertility by increasing the proliferation of spermatogenic cells.

[0085] Accordingly, the system of the invention may be used for proliferating cellular tissues grown in vitro, such as epidermis, cornea, liver endothelium, ligaments and membranes, besides others. In particular, as has been suggested by the experiment described above, repositories of harvested cells may use the method and system of the invention for economically proliferating stem cells and progenitor cells.

[0086] In the specification the terms "comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising" or any variation thereof and the terms include, includes, included and including" or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation and reciprocally.

[0087] The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail.