Hyperthermia induced polyphosphate changes in Propionibacterium acnes as studied by 31P NMR

The polyphosphate component in 31P NMR spectra of the Gram-positive Propionibacterium acnes increased after hyperthermia treatment. The cells were exposed to temperatures in the interval from 15 degrees C to 45 degrees C. The amount of polyphosphate increased with increasing temperature. There were no temperature induced changes in the other phosphorous components seen in the spectra with exception of a decrease in ATP for higher temperatures. The increase in polyphosphates was less than that obtained from cells irradiated by near ultra-violet light.