The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for affecting cells using low voltage high electric fields (LVHEF). In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for reduction of microbial contamination using low voltage high electric fields. The devices of the disclosure are generally capable of affecting cells in a portion of a volume of matter of interest using one or more arrangements of electrodes configured to generate high electric fields powered by low voltages (LVHEF). In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides for exposure of cells to a low voltage high electric field such that at least a portion of the cells in a portion of the volume of interest are killed. While only a portion of the matter is treated at a single time, the treatments are repeated. Over time, the portion of matter in the treated volume is mixed with untreated matter and re-treated with LVHEF until the entire volume of matter of interest is treated to the desired level. The voltage required to treat the volume of matter of interest with LVHEF is substantially lower than the voltage required for treating the volume of matter of interest through a single application of the high electric fields without mixing. In one aspect, electrodes are arranged in a co-planar configuration. The disclosure provides for a variety of applications and products, including consumer goods and pharmaceuticals.
