A method, device and system employs particles, such as nanoparticles, and an electric or electro-magnetic field, to cause cell death in target cells by non-thermal means. The method of causing targeted cell death comprises the steps of: introducing a particle to the interior of a target cell and exposing the target cell to a transient electromagnetic field for a sufficient time interval in order to cause cell death. The invention overcomes problems associated with similar methods as a result of the fact that a smaller electric field is applied because the particle enhances the effect of the electric field in its immediate vicinity, so reducing the field strength needed to achieve cell lysis and thereby reducing the risk of damage to healthy cells that may be in its vicinity. Apparatus for performing the method as well as techniques of delivering particles and for producing particles are also described.
