Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 10, 2026

Surface Potential Measurement of Bacteria Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy
10:49

Surface Potential Measurement of Bacteria Using Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

Published on: November 28, 2014

22.5K

18 GHz electromagnetic field induces permeability of Gram-positive cocci

The Hong Phong Nguyen1, Yury Shamis1, Rodney J Croft2

  • 1School of Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.

Scientific Reports
|June 17, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) temporarily increases bacterial membrane permeability, allowing nanosphere uptake. This novel cell permeability technique shows potential for drug delivery and gene therapy applications.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Biophysics
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Bacterial membrane permeability is crucial for cellular functions and drug delivery.
  • Existing methods for altering membrane permeability can be invasive or toxic.
  • Novel, non-invasive techniques for controlling membrane permeability are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of 18 GHz microwave electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on bacterial membrane permeability.
  • To assess the potential of EMF-induced permeabilization for nanosphere internalization.
  • To evaluate the viability and morphological changes of bacteria post-EMF exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of four cocci strains (Planococcus maritimus, Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis) to 18 GHz EMF.
  • Direct observation of membrane permeability using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
  • Indirect assessment via propidium iodide assay and silica nanosphere uptake (23.5 nm and 46.3 nm).
  • Cell viability assays and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis.

Main Results:

  • EMF exposure induced temporary membrane permeability in all bacterial strains studied.
  • Bacteria internalized 23.5 nm nanospheres, with varying uptake of 46.3 nm nanospheres among strains.
  • Up to 84% of EMF-exposed cells remained viable, with no significant morphological alterations observed.
  • Membrane permeability persisted for at least nine minutes post-EMF exposure.

Conclusions:

  • 18 GHz EMF exposure is an effective method for inducing temporary bacterial membrane permeabilization.
  • EMF-induced permeabilization facilitates nanosphere internalization, with size-dependent efficiency.
  • This technique offers a promising, non-invasive approach for applications in drug delivery and gene therapy.

More Related Videos

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry08:51

Atomic Force Microscopy Combined with Infrared Spectroscopy as a Tool to Probe Single Bacterium Chemistry

Published on: September 15, 2020

4.8K
Monitoring Changes in Membrane Polarity, Membrane Integrity, and Intracellular Ion Concentrations in Streptococcus pneumoniae Using Fluorescent Dyes11:17

Monitoring Changes in Membrane Polarity, Membrane Integrity, and Intracellular Ion Concentrations in Streptococcus pneumoniae Using Fluorescent Dyes

Published on: February 17, 2014

14.4K

Related Concept Videos

Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis01:23

Inhibitors of Gram-positive Cell Wall Synthesis

Bacterial cell walls are typically rigid structures composed mainly of peptidoglycan, a mesh-like polymer that provides mechanical strength and maintains cell shape. The synthesis of peptidoglycan is a crucial process in bacterial growth and serves as a primary target for many antibiotics.Mechanism of Action of Beta-Lactam AntibioticsBeta-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillin, inhibit peptidoglycan synthesis in actively growing cells. These antibiotics share a characteristic four-membered...
100
Other Unique Bacteria01:18

Other Unique Bacteria

Magnetic bacteria exhibit a directed movement called magnetotaxis, driven by structures called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes consist of chains of magnetic particles made of either magnetite (Fe₃O₄) or greigite (Fe₃S₄) and are organized in a linear conformation by a protein scaffold within invaginations of the cell membrane. The bacteria align along the north–south magnetic field lines, much like a compass needle. They are typically microaerophilic or anaerobic...
541
Electromagnetic Waves in Matter01:30

Electromagnetic Waves in Matter

Electromagnetic waves can travel in the vacuum as well as in matter. For example light, which is an electromagnetic wave, can travel through air, water, or glass.
Consider the electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric medium. In such a case, Maxwell's equations get modified. In Ampere's law, ε0 , the dielectric permittivity of free space is replaced with ε, the permittivity of dielectric. Also, the vacuum permeability μ0 is replaced by the permeability of the medium, μ.
Furthermore,...
4.3K
Propagation Speed of Electromagnetic Waves01:30

Propagation Speed of Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves are consistent with Ampere's law. Assuming there is no conduction current Ampere's law is given as:
5.0K
Bacterial Cell Wall01:22

Bacterial Cell Wall

The bacterial cell wall is an essential structural component that encases the plasma membrane, preserving cellular integrity, determining shape, and protecting against osmotic stress. This rigid yet flexible structure primarily comprises peptidoglycan, a polymer that forms a mesh-like matrix conferring mechanical strength and flexibility.Peptidoglycan Composition and StructurePeptidoglycan, the core of the bacterial cell wall, comprises alternating units of N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and...
5.4K