SOUND STIMULATION CAN INFLUENCE MICROBIAL GROWTH AND PRODUCTION OF CERTAIN KEY METABOLITES

Abstract

Effect of two different audible sound (music) patterns on six different microorganisms was investigated. Both the sound patterns namely Ahir Bhairav (172-581 Hz) and Piloo (86-839 Hz) were able to significantly affect microbial growth and production of certain key metabolites by the test microbes. Faster uptake of glucose from the growth medium by Brevibacillus parabrevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was observed under the influence of sound. Production of quorum sensing-regulated pigments, prodigiosin and violacein, respectively by Serratia marcescens and Chromobacterium violaceum was also notably affected by sound treatment. Further investigation to decipher molecular basis of microbial response to sound is warranted to understand the mechanism how audible sound interacts with microbial cells, and how the microbial population(s) modulate their behavior in response to sound stimulation.