The Effects of Rotating Magnetic Field on Growth Rate, Cell Metabolic Activity and Biofilm Formation by Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli

Abstract

This work presents results of the study which concerns the influence of the rotating magnetic field (RMF) on the growth rate, cell metabolic activity and ability to form biofilms by E. coli and S. aureus. Liquid cultures of the bacteria were exposed to the RMF (RMF frequency f = 1-50 Hz, RMF magnetic induction B = 22-34 mT, time of exposure t = 60 min, temperature of incubation <TEX>$37^{\circ}C$</TEX>). The present study indicate the exposition to the RMF, as compared to the unexposed controls causing an increase in the growth dynamics, cell metabolic activities and percentage of biofilm-forming bacteria, in both S. aureus and E. coli cultures. It was also found that the stimulating effects of the RMF exposition enhanced with its increasing frequencies and magnetic inductions.