Fuente: WIPO "tomato" The present disclosure relates to methods, devices and systems for exposing microorganisms or compositions comprising functional proteins to an oscillating electric field substantially free of a magnetic component in order to improve stress responses, survival and metabolite or protein production. In embodiments, a controller drives one or more insulated emitters with a true AC signal or pulsed DC signal, in stepped, swept or shuffled patterns of an electric field oscillating at one or more frequencies in the range 210 Hz to 99 kHz. Exposure to the field provides surmounting energy that enhances protein breathing, catalysis, and fundamental functions of multiprotein complexes including transcription factors and ribosomes, thereby improving stress resistance of microorganisms, their viability during fermentation, drying, storage, transport, and/or increasing production of functional or therapeutic proteins, metabolites or microbial lysates. The technology is applicable to manufacture of probiotics, therapeutics, metabolites, food, alcohol, feed and bioenergy, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and biopharmaceuticals..