Exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic field affects biofilm formation by cystic fibrosis pathogens

Giovanni Di Bonaventura, Arianna Pompilio, Valentina Crocetta, Serena De Nicola, Filippo Barbaro, Livio Giuliani, Enrico D'Emilia, Ersilia Fiscarelli, Rosa Grazia Bellomo, Raoul Saggini

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the in vitro effects of extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) on growth and biofilm formation by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strains from cystic fibrosis patients. Materials & methods: The motion of selected ions (Fe, Ca, Cu, Zn, Mg, K, Na) was stimulated by the ion resonance effect, then influence on growth and biofilm formation/viability was assessed by spectrophotometry or viability count. Results: Generally, exposure to ELF-MF significantly increased bacterial growth and affected both biofilm formation and viability, although with differences with regard to ions and species considered. Conclusion: Exposure to ELF-MF represents a possible new approach for treatment of biofilm-associated cystic fibrosis lung infections.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1303-1317
Number of pages15
JournalFuture Microbiology
Volume9
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 2014

Keywords

  • biofilm formation
  • Burkholderia cepacia
  • cystic fibrosis
  • extremely low-frequency magnetic field
  • lung infection
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Medicine(all)

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