Mechanism of microwave sterilization in the dry state
With an automated computerized temperature control and a specialized temperature measurement system, dry spores of Bacillus subtilis subsp. niger were treated with heat simultaneously in a convection dry-heat oven and a microwave oven. The temperature of the microwave oven was monitored such that the temperature profiles of the spore samples in both heat sources were nearly identical. Under these experimental conditions, they unequivocally demonstrated that the mechanism of sporicidal action of the microwaves was caused solely by thermal effects. Nonthermal effects were not significant in a dry microwave sterilization process. Both heating systems showed that a dwelling time of more than 45 min was required to sterilize 10/sup 5/ inoculated spores in dry glass vials at 137/sup 0/C. The D values of both heating systems were 88, 14, and 7 min at 117, 130, and 137/sup 0/C, respectively. The Z value was estimated to be 18/sup 0/C.
- Research Organization:
- Baxter Travenol Labs., Inc., Round Lake, IL
- OSTI ID:
- 5926300
- Journal Information:
- Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Environ. Microbiol.; (United States) Vol. 53:9; ISSN AEMID
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BACILLUS
BACILLUS SUBTILIS
BACTERIA
BACTERIAL SPORES
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
MICROORGANISMS
MICROWAVE RADIATION
RADIATIONS
SENSITIVITY
SPORES
STERILIZATION