The Physiological Bases for Microbial Barotolerance.
Abstract
Investigations during the past year of the effects of high-pressure narcotic gases have confirmed previous reports of inhibition of microbial growth and differentiation. Spore germination was found to be somewhat more sensitive than was growth, and for example, germination of Bacillus cereus spores could be completely suppressed by only 10 atmospheres of nitrous oxide, compared with some 25 atmospheres required for 50% ingibition of growth of Streptococcus faecalis. High-pressure helium at 24 to 41 atmospheres was found to act oppositely in that it stimulated streptococcal growth and replication. Helium did act to enhance the narcotic potential of nitrous oxide and to increase oxygen toxicity. The oxygen pressure required for 50% growth inhibition was about 25 atmospheres, approximately the pressure of nitrous oxide required for the same effect. However, long-term exposure to oxygen resulted in cell death, while similar exposure to nitrous oxide resulted in no killing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA037840
Entities
People
- Robert E. Marquis
Organizations
- University of Rochester