Growth of Escherichia coli under extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields

The influence of extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields on Escherichia coli cultures in submerse fermentation was studied. The fermentation processes were carried out recycling the culture medium externally through a stainless steel tube inserted in a magnetic field generator (solenoid). The exposure time and electromagnetic induction were varied in a range of I to 12 h and 0.010 to 0.10 T, respectively, according to a Box-Wilson Central Composite Designs of face centered with five central points. Growth of E. coli could be altered (stimulated or inhibited) under magnetic field-induced effects. E. coli cultures exposed at 0.1 T during 6.5 h exhibited changes in its viability compared to unexposed cells, which was 100 times higher than the control. The magnetic field generator associated with the cellular suspension recycle is a new way of magnetic treatment in fermentation processes and could be appropriate to industrial scale up.