Relationship between Escherichia coli Sterilization in Ice and Electric Field Application

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between sterilization of Escherichia coli in ice and electric field application. The experimental sample was a 0.01 [mol/L] NaCl solution containing E. coli. This sample was frozen at -20[°C], following which the sample was subjected to a DC electric field of 1– 150[V/mm] at -20[°C]. Consequently, the survival ratio of E. coli after only freezing and application of electric field was lower than that of no-treatment. Notably, E. coli cells were damaged by freezing and electric field application. Electrophoresis indicated that more nucleic acids were detected after DC electric field application and after only freezing.