Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Growth of Escherichia Coli

Abstract

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on growth of Escherichia coli, which were transferred from nutrient broth medium to lactose-defined medium, were determined. The pulsed magnetic fields reduced the lag time to adapt to lactose, depending on magnetic flux density and frequency, the optimum frequency being 45 Hz. The efficiency varied slightly among waveforms. Adaptation to galactose was scarcely stimulated and to glucose not at all. A small increase in the growth rate was always observed. The effects were suggested to be primarily on the adaptation to lactose.