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Synergism between electricity and ionizing radiation.

M A Capella1, M E Fonseca, S Menezes

  • 1Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology
|March 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Weak electric currents enhance the lethal effects of ionizing radiation on Escherichia coli bacteria. This combination therapy may damage bacterial DNA, offering potential new strategies for bacterial control.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biophysics
  • Radiation Biology

Background:

  • Direct electric currents (DECs) have limited lethal effects on bacteria.
  • Ionizing radiation (IR) is used for sterilization but can be enhanced.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the synergistic effects of weak direct electric currents and ionizing radiation on bacterial lethality.
  • To explore the underlying mechanisms of this observed synergism.

Main Methods:

  • Escherichia coli were exposed to weak direct electric currents (e.g., 1.0 mA, 3.0 V for 30 min) combined with ionizing radiation (X-ray, beta radiation).
  • DNA integrity was assessed using the alkaline sucrose gradient method and by measuring radioactivity release from labeled DNA.
  • Cell membrane integrity was examined via electron microscopy.

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Main Results:

  • A significant synergistic enhancement of bacterial lethality was observed when DECs were combined with ionizing radiation.
  • DNA damage, indicated by increased single-strand breaks and extensive DNA degradation, was strongly correlated with the combined treatment.
  • No synergism was found between electricity and UV radiation or sequential X-ray treatments.
  • Electricity alone caused lesions in bacterial cell membranes.

Conclusions:

  • Weak direct electric currents synergistically enhance the lethal effects of ionizing radiation on Escherichia coli.
  • The enhanced lethality is likely due to increased DNA damage, specifically single-strand breaks.
  • This combination therapy shows potential for enhanced bacterial inactivation strategies.