Patterns of bacterial destruction in solutions by microwave irradiation

摘要

The patterns of destruction of several kinds of bacterial cells suspended in solutions by microwave irradiation were studied. The survival curves ofEscherichia coliand Staphylococcus aureus were similar and approximated a set of three linear phases. The curves ofPseudomonas fluorescensandBacillus cereusspores shifted to the shorter and longer irradiation periods, respectively. The rate constant and initial time of destruction for each linear phase of the survival curve were compared among these organisms. When irradiatedE. colicells were incubated in an agar with a high salt level, fewer cells were recovered. The curve ofE. colicells in the logarithmic phase of growth shifted to shorter exposure periods. There were no significant differences in the survival curves ofE. colicells grown at temperatures of 22–36°C, whereas the curve of cells grown at 44°C shifted to longer peri