Abstract

Cellular effects of microwave radiations on Escherichia coli

Author(s): Harmeet Kaur Uppal, Soma Chakki, Monika, Sujoy Dey

This study was conducted in an attempt to characterize some of the effects of sublethalmicrowave radiation on cells of Escherichia coliO157:H7. Cultures were exposed to microwave radiation generated by microwave oven for 40, 80 and 120 seconds under controlled temperature conditions. The culture was then tested for cell viability, dormancy and cell wall leakage. Maximumdestruction of E.coli cellswas obtained at 120 sec. Experimental data shows that microwaves produced lethal effects on the examined bacteria in a manner that could not be explained solely by the thermal effects.