Athermal effects of continuous microwave irradiation on growth and antibiotic sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1

Abstract

Overview

This study explores the impact of continuous exposure to microwave irradiation on Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, especially focusing on its growth patterns and response to antibiotics under non-thermal conditions.

Findings

• Continuous microwave exposure (2.45GHz) at a controlled temperature (37±0.5°C) impacts the organism's growth after 12 hours, deviating from a typical growth curve seen without microwave treatment.
• Initially, microwave treatment does not suppress growth within the first 6 hours. However, beyond 12 hours, significant changes in growth and morphology were noted, characterized by secondary growth phases indicative of persister cells formation.
• Interestingly, Microwave Induced Persisters displayed increased sensitivity to tobramycin, differing notably from antibiotic-induced persisters that typically show increased resistance.

Conclusion

This research provides critical insight into the non-thermal effects of microwaves on microbial persistence and antibiotic sensitivity, potentially influencing future therapeutic approaches and antimicrobial research.