The effect of alternating magnetic field on biofilm formation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast

Abstract

The study used Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain. The yeasts were streaked reductionally onto solid YPD medium on Petri dishes and cultured in an incubator at temperature of 28°C over 48 hours. Fluid culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain was conducted in flasks on a shaker at temperature of 28°C, with 180 (rpm). On fluid YNB medium supplemented with 2% glucose, in all experiments a suspension was used with optical density of 1 according to McFarland scale. Optical density was measured using a densitometer. The experiments used a solenoid emitting alternating electromagnetic field, the effect of which was studied with regard to Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain. The experiments were conducted with 5 repeatings each. The specimens were subjected to alternating electromagnetic field over time of 0 – 360 minutes, using different field intensities (20, 40, 70, 90 (mT)), with 50 (Hz) frequency. Each time, after 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5 and 6 hours elapsed, 5 specimens each were taken out of the electromagnetic field-emitting device. Additionally, control groups were prepared which were not subjected to the effect of electromagnetic field. Study results demonstrated that electromagnetic field inhibits biofilm formation, with intensity of 20, 40 (mT) and 70 (mT). On the other hand, biofilm formation was observed at intensity of 90 (mT).