Hardware development has been a core activity of the Laboratory of Biocybernetics (LBK) for decades, supporting both fundamental research and real-world applications. Our work covers the entire development cycle, from conceptual design and prototyping to validation and deployment of advanced electronic systems. In addition to research-oriented development, LBK collaborates with companies, providing tailored hardware solutions for industrial, medical, and research applications.

A key area of expertise at LBK is the development of electroporation devices. We have extensive experience in designing advanced electroporators for laboratory, preclinical, and clinical use, including high-frequency bipolar electroporators, which enable therapeutic electric field delivery and simultaneously reduce unwanted side effects. All hardware devices are developed to meet demanding performance, safety, and reliability requirements and support cutting-edge research as well as clinical translation.

Notably, LBK played a crucial role in the development of the first clinically approved electroporator, the Cliniporator, marking a major milestone in the introduction of electroporation-based therapies into clinical practice. This achievement highlights LBK's ability to integrate biomedical knowledge, electronic design, and clinical requirements into a robust medical device.

In parallel, LBK develops a wide range of biomedical measuring systems, including systems for bioimpedance measurements, electrical signal acquisition, and monitoring biological responses to electric fields. These systems are characterized by high measurement accuracy, reliability, and compliance with relevant standards, making them suitable for both research and applied environments.

Through close collaboration with clinical and industrial partners, LBK translates scientific innovation into reliable, application-oriented hardware solutions, supporting companies in the development of novel biomedical and electronic devices.

Electroporation device design and development

Design and development of electroporation devices is a central activity of the hardware team in the Laboratory of Biocybernetics (LBK) 9. The mission of this team is supporting both fundamental research and the translation of electroporation-based technologies into practical applications. LBK develops advanced high-voltage pulse generators capable of delivering precisely controlled electric pulses with amplitudes of several kilovolts, currents up to hundreds of amperes, and pulse durations ranging from nanoseconds to milliseconds, enabling a wide range of biomedical and biotechnological applications.

A particular focus is placed on the development of high-frequency bipolar electroporators, which allow improved control of electric pulse timing and reduction of undesired electrochemical effects. To achieve high efficiency, fast switching, and compact system design, LBK incorporates state-of-the-art power electronics, including SiC MOSFET-based switching solutions, and advanced circuit topologies such as modular architectures and Marx generators 3. These systems are complemented by FPGA- and microcontroller-based control units, ensuring precise timing, flexibility, and reliable operation.

The development process spans the complete system architecture, including pulse generation, power supply design, control electronics, and user interface, as well as electrodes and applicators for targeted energy delivery. This integrated approach enables optimization of electroporation protocols and supports both experimental and clinical applications.

Through continuous innovation and close collaboration with clinical and industrial partners, LBK contributes to the advancement of safe, efficient, and application-oriented electroporation technologies.

Biomedical measurement systems

Design and development of biomedical measurement systems are an essential part of the research and development activities at the Laboratory of Biocybernetics (LBK). We are developing advanced measurement solutions that support experimental studies, device validation, and clinical applications, particularly in the field of electroporation.

The laboratory designs and implements systems for bioimpedance measurement, electrical signal acquisition, and real-time monitoring of biological responses to electric fields. These systems are closely integrated with electroporation devices, allowing synchronized control and measurement of pulse delivery and tissue response. This integration is critical for accurate characterization of electroporation effects and optimization of treatment protocols.

LBK's work includes the development of custom electronic circuits, embedded systems, and data acquisition platforms tailored to demanding biomedical environments. Emphasis is placed on high measurement accuracy, temporal resolution, and reliability, ensuring suitability for both laboratory and clinical use. As part of its instrumentation expertise, LBK has developed a real-time R-wave detection system for ECG signals, designed for robust and reliable detection of true R-waves, enabling precise synchronization of medical procedures with cardiac activity 10.

Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration with clinical and industrial partners, LBK develops robust and application-oriented biomedical measurement systems that contribute to the advancement of electroporation-based technologies and therapies.

Collaboration with clinical and industrial partners

The Laboratory of Biocybernetics (LBK) has a strong tradition of collaboration with clinical institutions and industry, enabling the successful translation of electroporation technologies into practical and clinical applications. A landmark achievement was the collaboration with IGEA S.p.A., which led to the development of the first clinically approved electroporator, the Cliniporator 9. This device has become a widely used system for electrochemotherapy, enabling effective treatment of tumors through controlled delivery of electric pulses 14.

In close cooperation with the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, LBK contributed to the development of advanced electroporation-based therapies within the SmartGene project, supporting preclinical studies of gene electrotransfer and demonstrating safety and feasibility 2.

More recently, LBK collaborates with mPOR d.o.o. in the development of next-generation high-frequency electroporators, focusing on improved pulse delivery, efficiency, and reduced side effects 15.

These collaborations highlight LBK's ability to bridge fundamental research, engineering, and clinical practice, contributing to the advancement of innovative biomedical technologies and their successful implementation in real-world applications.

Biomedical applicators and energy delivery systems

The Laboratory of Biocybernetics (LBK) develops a broad range of biomedical applicators and energy delivery systems, extending beyond electroporation technologies. In addition to electroporators, LBK has been actively involved in the development of systems based on radiofrequency, ultrasound, and magnetic field-based approaches. These technologies enable controlled energy delivery for diverse biomedical applications, including tissue heating using radiofrequency energy, mechanical stimulation using ultrasound, and pulsed electromagnetic field treatment for enhancing molecular transport across cell membranes.

GUI and FPGA-based real-time control of electroporation pulses

The development of advanced control systems is a key component of electroporator design at the Laboratory of Biocybernetics (LBK) 12. We are focusing on FPGA-based real-time control, which enables precise generation and synchronization of electroporation pulses with high temporal resolution, repeatability, and reliability. FPGA platforms allow deterministic control of pulse parameters such as amplitude, duration, frequency, and waveform shape, which is essential for reproducible and safe operation in both research and clinical environments.

In parallel, LBK develops intuitive graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that provide flexible system configuration, real-time monitoring, and data visualization. These interfaces enable users to define complex pulse protocols, adjust parameters, and ensure traceability of experimental or clinical procedures.

The tight integration of FPGA control systems with user-friendly GUIs allows seamless interaction between hardware and users, improving usability while maintaining precise control over electroporation processes. Such solutions support advanced applications, including high-frequency and bipolar pulse delivery, and contribute to the optimization and standardization of electroporation-based treatments.