Effect of Infrared Laser Radiation on Biological Systems.
Abstract
A low power CO2 laser has been used to kill a spore preparation of Bacillus Subtilis. The CO2 laser has been found to be very effective in deactivating these spores. A 65 watt/sq cm beam reduced the dry live spore population by 3 orders of magnitude in 0.4 seconds as compared to a reduction by one order of magnitude after 60 seconds exposure (150 times as long) to pressurized steam at 130 C. A possible explanation of the high efficiency of laser sterilization may be deactivation by resonant absorption of infrared energy at 10.6 mu. Experiments discussing selected damage in proteins are presented. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- ADA087039
Entities
People
- George W. Pratt Jr
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology