MODULATION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS BIOFILM BY ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION

Abstract

Mobile communication systems are undoubtedly an environmental source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). Although the direct health effect of a cell phone to human is still elusive, the effect to unicellular organisms is rather apparent. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of EMR on development of bacterial biofilm. Microtitration plates with four strains of Staphylococcus aureus were exposed to electromagnetic field of frequencies 1-5 GHz, which are used in mobile phones. The results showed mostly the inhibition of the development biofilm activity at frequencies 1, 2 and 3 GHz, however the significant stimulation of biofilm development occurred at frequencies 4 and 5 GHz. Our observations demonstrate that EMR exposure produced modulation effects on bacterial biofilms, which are very important in commensal and pathogen bacteria.