Application of dielectric spectroscopy in the dynamically changing biological system – case of Neocaridina davidi shrimp starvation

Abstract In this work, dielectric studies on Neocaridina davidi shrimps have been presented. The effect of starvation on dielectric properties such as conductivity or permittivity have been shown. It was found that the onset frequency of electrode polarization depends on starvation period, which is probably related to the cytoplasm viscosity. In the dielectric spectra of shrimps two relaxation processes have been identified i.e. α and β process. The α process is probably related to the counter ion polarization while β process to the mobility of macromolecules present in the body of a shrimp, mainly to the amount of lipids. It was also found that there is a difference in dielectric response between control group and the group regenerated after 14 day starvation period. Basing on dielectric response, one can conclude that the viscosity of cytoplasm of regenerated shrimps is higher and the cells are rich in the lipid droplets when compared to control group.