Food Science and Technology Department
Date of this Version
9-1979
Abstract
Resistance to desiccation was utilized in the selection of highly radiation-resistant asporogenous bacteria from non-irradiated sources. A bacterial suspension in phosphate buffer was dried in a thin film at 25°C and 33% relative humidity. Storage under these conditions for 15 days or more reduced the number of radiation-sensitive bacteria. Further selection for radiation-resistant bacteria was obtained by irradiation of bacteria on velveteen in the replication process, thereby avoiding the toxic effect of irradiated media. The similarity of radiation resistance and identifying characteristics in irradiated and non-irradiated isolates should allay some concerns that highly radiation-resistant bacteria have been permanently altered by radiation selection.
Comments
Published in APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Sept. 1979, p. 436-439 Vol. 38, No. 3. Copyright 1979. Used by permission.